There is also the theme of the breakdown of society. In some obscure medieval horror stories, a town might be plagued by a series of strange events that cause chaos and make the social order crumble. This could be due to the presence of a powerful evil being. The people in the town start to turn on each other out of fear, and the normal rules and values that hold society together start to disappear. It reflects the medieval fear of the world falling into chaos and the importance of maintaining order.
One such story is 'The Werewolf of Bedburg'. It's about a man named Peter Stubbe who was believed to be a werewolf in the 16th century. He was accused of various heinous crimes like murder and cannibalism. Another is the story of the 'Gilles de Rais', a nobleman who was rumored to have dabbled in dark magic and committed atrocious acts against children in medieval France.
Chivalry is a very common theme. Knights are expected to be brave, honorable, and protect the weak. Another theme is the feudal system, with lords, vassals, and peasants. Love and courtship also play a big role, often in a very formal and chaste way in the medieval context.
One of the best obscure horror novels is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. It's a complex and mind - bending horror story that plays with the format of the book itself. The story within the story, about a house that is larger on the inside than it appears on the outside, is both terrifying and thought - provoking.
Then there's 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks. It's a disturbing and often overlooked horror novel. The story is about a young man with some very strange and violent tendencies, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Well, they often feature medieval settings like castles, monasteries or small villages. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose', the monastery is not just a backdrop but an important part of the mystery.
One characteristic is the focus on chivalry. For example, in 'Le Morte d'Arthur', knights are often portrayed as following a strict code of honor. Another is the use of religious elements. In many medieval novels, there are references to God and the Church as they were very important in that era. Also, the settings are usually castles, kingdoms, and rural areas which were common in medieval times.
One great medival fiction story is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It shows different characters from all walks of life in medieval society on a pilgrimage. Each character tells their own story, which gives a vivid picture of the medieval times. Then there's 'Gawain and the Green Knight', a story full of chivalry, honor, and tests of a knight's courage, which is very typical of medieval fiction.
Some children's stories are obscure because they might have been written a long time ago and not been promoted as much as others. For example, old folk tales from small regions might not have had the global marketing push that more famous stories had.
One example could be 'The Tale of the Lonely Lantern'. It's about a lantern that wanders through an old, forgotten forest at night, meeting strange creatures along the way. Another might be 'The Mystery of the Moonlit Cottage', where a child discovers a cottage that only appears on moonlit nights and the secrets it holds inside.