The Origins of Ghosts and famous accounts in Literature
For as long as human beings have been self-aware, it seems they have also been aware of ghosts. The concept of ghosts, and also ghost stories, dates far back into human history and has captivated and mystified the human race for generations.
A rustle in the bushes, the sound of something creaking, and the anxiety entwined in our instinct to survive - makes us see or feel things that may not be there. But also, in addition to this, the human belief that something beyond death could exist.
What is a ghost?
What we understand as a ghost today has its roots in the myths and beliefs of ancient cultures. Ghosts were and sometimes still are believed to be the spirit of a person that exists after the body has died.
It is because of these beliefs that funeral rituals initially took place and were practised as a passage of rights to the next world, a way to say goodbye, and to prevent the spirit from remaining on Earth and ‘haunting’ the living.
Further to this, the existence of ghosts is believed because of the human experience of feeling haunted or being in the presence of a spirit. This can range from hearing, seeing or other unexplainable spooky happenings. For example, an inanimate object that moves freely of its own accord is often cited as…
