Another theme is the sense of mystery and the unknown. In 'The Signal - man', the ghost's appearance and the message it seems to convey are shrouded in mystery, leaving the reader as clueless as the signal - man. These stories often play on our fear of the things we can't understand.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often come back to seek revenge for some wrong that was done to them in life. Another theme is the idea of unfinished business. They might have some task or relationship that was left unresolved when they died.
Friendship is also a big theme. There are stories where characters rely on their friends to get through tough situations. For instance, two friends might have to work together to solve a mystery or escape from a dangerous place. And many of the stories also have a theme of self - discovery. Characters learn about their own strengths and weaknesses as they go through various adventures in the stories.
Love is a common theme. Just like in 'The Legend of the White Snake', the love between the snake spirit and the human man is central. Another theme is the conflict between good and evil. In 'Nie Xiaoqian', Nie Xiaoqian represents the good side who wants to break free from the evil control.
In traditional English ghost stories, the theme of the supernatural invading the normal world is quite common. Ghosts break through the boundaries between the living and the dead, disrupting the everyday lives of the living. Another theme is the idea of the haunted place. Old houses, castles, or cemeteries are often the settings, and they carry their own history and secrets. Also, the theme of the thin line between sanity and madness can be seen. When people encounter ghosts, they may question their own sanity, and this adds to the psychological horror of the stories.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often return to seek revenge on those who wronged them in life. For example, in many stories, a murdered person may come back as a ghost to punish the murderer.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts in these stories often come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetimes. For example, if a person was unjustly killed, their spirit might return as a ghost to haunt the killer.
One common theme is revenge. Many ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them when they were alive.
A common theme is the connection between the living and the dead. The stories often show how the actions of the living can affect the spirits of the dead. Another theme is the idea of karma, that bad deeds will be punished, even in the afterlife as shown through the hauntings in the stories.
One common theme is nature. Many of the spirits in these stories are closely related to natural elements like water (as in the case of the Mo'o), volcanoes (Pele). Another theme is respect for ancestors and the old ways. For example, the Night Marchers are a reminder of the ancient Hawaiian warriors, and their presence demands respect.
The theme of mystery is also common. The ghosts in these stories are often described in a way that creates an air of mystery. For example, the Nkauj Ntxhais Ntug's appearance in the forest is sudden and unexpected. People don't really know why she appears to some and not others. This mystery adds to the allure and fear associated with these old Hmong ghost stories.