The unknown is a very scary element. For example, in stories about the Pontianak, no one really knows where she will appear next. It could be right behind you in the dark jungle. Just the thought of that unpredictability is terrifying.
The use of dark magic in stories like the Toyol is quite frightening. The idea that someone can create a mischievous and potentially dangerous creature through magic is really spooky. And it makes you wonder what other kinds of dark things can be created in the world of these horror stories.
The unexpected appearances are really scary. For instance, in the Pontianak story, she can suddenly show up out of nowhere. You might be walking alone at night, and then suddenly, there she is. The element of surprise is what makes it so terrifying.
The scariest element in stories like the Pontianak is her sudden appearance. She can show up out of nowhere, especially in dark and lonely places like forests or abandoned houses. Her vengeful nature also adds to the scariness as she might target anyone she deems has wronged her.
Ghosts are a common element. For example, the Pontianak as I mentioned before. Another common one is the idea of revenge. In many stories, a wronged spirit comes back to take revenge on those who wronged them in life.
The scariest element could be the sense of the unknown. For example, in many stories, there are strange noises or happenings that the characters can't explain. It's that not - knowing what is causing the fear that really gets to you.
The isolation in many of the stories is really scary. Like when a character is alone in an old, abandoned building, cut off from the outside world, and they start to feel like they're being watched by something malevolent. There's also the fear of the supernatural, such as ghosts or demons that defy the laws of nature. This makes the characters, and the readers, feel powerless against them.
The unpredictability of the alp. Since it's an animal not fully understood in a horror context, not knowing what it will do next can be really scary.
The unexpected deaths are really scary. For example, a Sim might suddenly die from a mysterious illness that has no obvious cause.
The sense of isolation also plays a big part. When soldiers are out in the field, far from civilization, and they experience something terrifying, they feel cut off from any help. There's no one to turn to but their comrades, and if their comrades are also scared, it magnifies the horror. In addition, the history of a place can be a source of horror. If an area has seen a lot of death and destruction in past battles, the idea that the spirits of the dead might still linger can be truly frightening.
The isolation. Barns are often in remote areas, far from help. If something bad happens, you can't easily get away.
The heat in August can be a scary element. It can create a sense of unease and oppressiveness, like in a story where the heat seems to be a living thing, making the characters feel trapped. Also, the long days can mean more time for something terrifying to happen, like a monster that only comes out in broad daylight.