What are some terrifying children's stories?

One terrifying German children's story is 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin'. It tells of a piper who lures away the children of the town when the adults don't pay him for getting rid of the rats. Another is 'Hansel and Gretel' which has the scary elements of the children being abandoned in the forest and then facing the witch in the gingerbread house. And there's 'Snow - White and Rose - Red' which has some menacing creatures like the bear and the dwarf that can be quite frightening for children.

Well, one reason is that they appeal to the natural sense of curiosity in children. Kids are often intrigued by the unknown and the spooky. Terrifying stories can also be a bonding experience, whether it's a parent reading to a child or kids sharing stories among themselves. Additionally, these stories often have strong moral undertones. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', it warns about being careful what you wish for. The combination of fear, moral lessons, and the sense of mystery makes them popular.

Terrifying German children's stories are important in German culture as they are a part of the oral and literary tradition. They have been passed down through generations. These stories often reflect the fears and concerns of the society at the time they were created. For instance, stories about witches and monsters might have been a way to deal with the unknown and the fear of the dark. They also help in the development of children's imagination and their ability to face and overcome fear in a safe fictional context.

Well, in some of the stories, the sudden appearance of a ghostly figure can be really terrifying. For example, a character might turn around and see a pale, translucent figure just standing there, with eyes that seem to pierce through their soul.

The story of the Donner Party is also extremely terrifying. A group of settlers got stranded in the mountains during winter. Due to lack of food, they resorted to cannibalism to survive. It shows the extreme desperation and horror that humans can face in dire situations.

One terrifying ghost story is 'The Bell Witch'. It's about a malevolent spirit that haunted the Bell family in Tennessee. There were strange noises, objects moving on their own, and the spirit would physically harm the family members. Another is 'The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall'. Supposedly, her ghost has been seen gliding down the stairs in the hall. The apparition is said to be that of Lady Dorothy Walpole, who was locked away in the hall after her affair was discovered.

The story of the Mothman is also terrifying. In Point Pleasant, West Virginia in the 1960s, people reported seeing a large, winged humanoid creature. Strange events followed, including a bridge collapse that killed many. The mystery surrounding the Mothman and its possible connection to the disasters makes it a truly spooky true story.

Well, there's a campfire story about a haunted campsite. People say that if you set up your tent on a certain spot in the woods, at night you'll hear strange noises like growls and whispers. And then there's the story of the ghostly hiker. A hiker disappeared in the mountains long ago, and now if you hike the same trail at night, you might see his apparition. Also, the story of the cursed campsite where a group of people died mysteriously, and now it's said that any who stay there will be haunted by their spirits.

One terrifying monster story is the legend of the Chupacabra. It is said to be a creature that attacks livestock and sucks their blood. It has been reported in various parts of Latin America. Another is the Loch Ness Monster. Tales of this huge, mysterious creature lurking in the Scottish loch have fascinated people for decades. There's also the story of the Wendigo from Native American folklore. It is a malevolent spirit that represents gluttony and is often associated with the cold and desolate wilderness.

One terrifying animal story is about the great white sharks. There are many reports of them attacking surfers or boats. Their large size, powerful jaws, and sudden attacks can be truly terrifying. For example, in some areas where surfing is popular, like parts of Australia, there have been incidents where surfers were bitten by great white sharks without any warning.