One well - known Japanese scary folk story is 'Kuchisake - Onna'. It's about a woman with a slit mouth. Legend has it that she asks people if they think she's pretty. If you answer 'no', she'll kill you. If you answer 'yes', she'll cut your face to look like hers.
The unknown and the supernatural elements are really terrifying. For example, in stories like 'Kuchisake - Onna', the idea that an otherworldly being can suddenly appear and decide your fate based on a simple answer is very scary.
One common theme is the connection between humans and nature. In many stories, animals or natural elements play important roles, like in 'Momotaro' where the animals help the boy. Another theme is the idea of karma or rewards for good deeds. For example, Urashima Taro is rewarded for saving the turtle.
One of the scariest Chinese folk stories is the 'Lady in White'. It's about a female ghost often seen in white robes near rivers or old bridges at night. She is said to be the spirit of a woman who died unjustly, and she lures people, especially men, to their doom.
They reflect Japanese values such as loyalty, as seen in the stories where characters stay true to their friends or family. In 'The Crane Wife', the man's initial kindness towards the crane is an example of the value placed on benevolence. Moreover, the hierarchical structure of society can be seen in some stories. The roles of different characters, whether they are peasants or nobles, are often clearly defined, mirroring the social order in traditional Japanese society. These folk stories are like a window into the soul of Japanese culture.
Japanese ghost stories are scary because they often play on deep - seated cultural fears. For example, the idea of vengeance from the dead is a strong theme. When someone has been wronged in life, like in 'Yotsuya Kaidan', their spirit comes back to right the wrongs, which is a terrifying concept as it shows that death doesn't end a grudge. Also, the settings are often in familiar places like homes or public areas, making it easier for the audience to imagine such things happening to them.
A famous Japanese old folk story is 'Issun - Boshi'. He was a boy who was only one inch tall but had a big heart. He set off on an adventure and with his wits and a magic needle given to him by a goddess, he managed to defeat a demon and win the heart of a princess. These folk stories often carry moral lessons, cultural values, and a sense of wonder that has been passed down through generations in Japan.
Well, the theme of appearance vs. reality is quite common. Take Kitsune for example. They can transform into beautiful women, but beneath that appearance is a malevolent spirit. Also, death and the afterlife play a big role. Spirits of the dead often return in these stories to haunt the living, as in the story of Teke - Teke who died in a tragic accident and now haunts the railway tracks. Additionally, the theme of nature's power is present. Yuki - onna is a manifestation of the power of the snow and cold, and can be very unforgiving to humans who underestimate it.
Scary folk stories are popular because they tap into our primal fears. Fear is a basic human emotion, and these stories allow us to experience it in a safe way. For example, stories about ghosts or monsters make us feel scared, but we know we're not actually in danger.
One example is the story of the Headless Horseman. It's a well - known American folk story where a headless rider on a horse haunts the night, often chasing after people. Another is the La Llorona from Mexican folklore. She is a weeping woman who lost her children and is said to roam near rivers, crying and sometimes luring people to their doom.