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The Ghostly Tales of Kona Sheraton: Hauntings on the Big Island on Hawaii

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Thought to be struck by an ancient curse because they didn’t respect the holy locations around the hotel when building, the Kona Sheraton Resort was believed to be haunted from the start. Strange occurrences and unexplained accidents and injuries plagued the Big Island hotel for years. After making amends, can they now invite guest back?

On the coastline of the Big Island in Hawaii, Keauhou Bay sits glittering. It is here we find the Kona Sheraton, a luxurious resort that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a relaxing tropical escape. However, behind its serene facade, the Kona Sheraton hides a darker, more mysterious side. 

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For years, guests and staff alike have shared eerie stories of paranormal encounters, making this hotel one of the most haunted locations on the Big Island. Some even go as far to say that the hotel holds a curse from more ancient times.

Kailua Kona

A Haunted History for the Kona Sheraton

The Kona Sheraton or the Kona Surf hotel, as it was once known as, has undergone multiple transformations and renovations throughout its history. It opened in 1974 and has ever since been deemed haunted.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from haunted hotels

Despite its changing exterior and updated amenities, one thing has remained constant—the ghostly tales that have haunted the hotel for decades. The resort stands on an ancient Hawaiian battleground, a site where many warriors are said to have lost their lives in brutal conflicts and that the very land is cursed because of it. 

The Keawehala Pond

When constructing the hotel, the developers destroyed the Keawehala Pond where people believed two twin sisters with powers lived close to the Mākole‘ā Heiau. This was a women’s heiau named after ali‘i wahine Mākole‘ā at Keauhou.

According to the lore, the twins protected the pond and kept the water clear and fresh. They were also said to be able to change into 30-foot lizards people called mo’o wahine or “beings from deified fetuses”. 

The Mo’o: Mele Murals in Waimea depicting the moʻowahine of Kohākohau stream. //Source

Most of the Mo’o were female and amphibious creatures living in ponds around the Hawaiian islands and were often said to have power of water as well as weather. It was said that when a mo’o died, the body of the lizard, gecko or even human shaped creatures became petrified and one with the landscape.

According to lore, the Mo’o Twins were also said to reside in the nearby Punawai Spring.

The Haunted Remains of the Heiaus

As well as destroying the pond, the nearby heiaus temples were filled with concrete, glass and disturbed by the construction, thought to anger the spirits. For a long time, it looked like a pile of rocks without meaning, but this has luckily changed as there have been restoration done to the holy site in the last decades. 

At the site there is a temple known as luakini, a place for human sacrifices according to the stories. The structure was built of volcanic rocks and stood 7-feet high. The luakini was called Ke’eku Heiau and is thought to date back to the early 1400s after carbon dating it.

Ke’eku Heiau

This was where the Maui chief, Kamalalawalu was sacrificed to the war God Ku around the 16th century after he invaded the place and lost. He was the first-born son of Kiha-a-Pi‘ilani, Kamalalawalu succeeded his father as mo‘i (king) of Maui. Some say that he was impaled on the heiau and eleven days went by before he died, and then taken to a nearby flat rock and butchered. Some say that the body was then towed to sea behind a canoe as shark food. It is said that his spirit as well as many others are still lingering in the place. 

As well as the king himself, it is said that his two big dogs died and were buried under the heiau luakini platform as well, howling and roaming around, searching for the underworld as well as their master. 

This blood-soaked history may explain the strange, supernatural occurrences reported by those who stay and work at the hotel.

Paranormal Activity Rooted in History

Given the hotel’s location on an ancient battleground, it is not surprising that the Kona Sheraton is a hotspot for paranormal activity. The restless spirits of warriors who perished in fierce battles, their souls still wandering in search of peace, are said to roam the grounds. 

The tragic history of the land seems to seep into every corner of the resort, with visitors and staff experiencing unexplained phenomena, from flickering lights to sudden drops in temperature and even a sense of being watched.

Ghostly Children in the Hallways

One of the most common complaints from guests involves the sound of little girls playing noisily in the hallways late at night. Frustrated by the sounds of laughter, giggles, and tiny footsteps echoing through the halls, guests frequently call down to security, demanding that the children be quieted. However, the hotel guards can only offer an apology and an explanation that chills guests to the bone—the children are ghosts.

These spectral children are said to be seen fleetingly, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, their faces partially obscured by the dim lighting of the hallway. They vanish around corners and dissolve into thin air when approached. Despite numerous sightings, their origins remain a mystery, but many believe they could be spirits of children from a bygone era who met a tragic fate on the grounds long before the hotel was built.

The Cliffside Specter

Another ghostly presence frequently spotted at the Kona Sheraton is the apparition of a figure standing at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Staff members report seeing a shadowy silhouette lingering near the edge, as if contemplating the deep blue waters below. The figure disappears the moment one looks away or tries to approach, leaving no trace behind. Some believe this could be the spirit of a warrior or a former guest, eternally bound to the cliffs where they may have met their end.

Lava Rocks in Kailua Kona

The cliffs themselves, with their dramatic drop-offs and sweeping views, hold a deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture. Some speculate that the spirit could be one of the many who lost their lives on these cliffs in ancient times or perhaps a ghost still drawn to the natural beauty and solemnity of the place.

The Accidents at the Kona Sheraton

Throughout its time as a hotel, the spirits are said to have been behind more than one accident. Construction workers experienced strange things and accidents that gave them concussions, fractured bones and hurt them. People started to blame spirits. 

The hotel staff were attacked by trays and dishes shattering towards them by an unseen force and the doors kept slamming behind them, almost like a warning. According to former employees, most of them left because of the hauntings. 

The worst thing that happened was when an 8-foot wooden ki’i fell over and killed a 4 year old child in August 1986 according to the ghost tours that had this as one of their stops. 

All of this contributed to the hotel’s reputation and the hotel closed in 1988. But even though the hotel closed down and was abandoned, there were still things happening according to the security staff. 

The Following Haunting

For years it was abandoned and boarded up, the former resort now covered in graffiti. In 2002 when people started to think the only way to deal with it was to demolish it.

Security guards hired to watch the property when the 462-room hotel closed in 1988 were frightened at night, said Joe Castelli, who lives at the neighboring Keauhou Kona Tennis and Racquet Club.

“They told me that they would see lights up there and hear Hawaiians singing and talking,” Castelli said. “…But when they got there, they didn’t find anything. So they said they just didn’t go anymore.”
Source

In addition, the haunting seemed to move as well to the Keauhou Beach Hotel next door. The former hotels are both demolished now, first the Kona Lagoon Hotel in 2004, then the Keauhou Beach Hotel in 2019. But what happened to the haunting then?

Today the area has been reclaimed and the site is now called Kahalu’u Ma Kai. Kahuna priests have blessed the land and the heiaus have been restored and recreated back in 2007. Only teachers and students can see the place today, and if these measures have had any effect is still to be seen.  

A Chilling Invitation

The Kona Sheraton on the Big Island may have offered luxury and relaxation, and perhaps it will do so again. After it reopened as OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, it remains to see if the land is now content after the blessings or if the haunting will continue as a new business takes over the land yet again. 

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References:

The Most Haunted Hotels in Hawaii | Haunted Rooms America

The Cursed Kona Lagoon Hotel 

Kona Lagoon Hotel may be torn down | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii’s Newspaper

Haunted Hawaii-Ghosts, Spirits, Night Marchers and more – 365 Kona 

Moʻo – Wikipedia

Ka Po‘e Mo‘o Akua: Hawaiian Reptilian Water Deities 9780824891091 – DOKUMEN.PUB

Hapaiali’i and Ke’eku Heiau, Big Island

King Kamalalawalu | Lovingthebigisland’s Weblog 

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The Haunted Legends of the Rose City, Petra in Jordan

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Dubbed the rose city because of the red rocks it is carved out of, the mysterious Petra in Jordan has captivated the local Bedouins as well as the tourists across the world for centuries. But what ghosts and ghouls are haunting the place?

Petra, Jordan, is a city steeped in mystery and intrigue. Known as the Rose City, Petra is home to some of the most impressive ancient architecture in the world. But behind the stunning facade lies a dark and haunted history. From tales of curses and lost treasure to unexplained apparitions and eerie sounds, Petra is a place where the paranormal and the historical collide. 

From the ghostly whispers of ancient spirits to the curses of long-dead pharaohs, there’s no shortage of spine-tingling stories to be found in Petra, often called Rose city because of the reddish sandstone cliffs. 

Haunted Ancient City: The stunning Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, carved into the rose-red cliffs of Petra, Jordan. A lot of strange things and legends about the place have made many think that the city is haunted.

The History of Petra

Petra is an ancient city that was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The city was founded in the 6th century BC and was a major trading hub for spices, incense, and other valuable goods. Petra’s location at the intersection of several important trade routes made it a wealthy and powerful city.

The Nabataeans were skilled architects and engineers who carved their homes and temples out of the sandstone cliffs that surround Petra. The most famous of these structures is the Treasury, a magnificent temple that was carved into the rock face and served as the tomb of a Nabataean king.

There are huge Hellenistic structures carved into solid rock that served as a mausoleum for the wealthy dead. 

Petra’s glory days came to an end in the 2nd century AD when the city was conquered by the Roman Empire. There were also earthquakes that changed the trade route that contributed to the decline of Petra. Permanent residency of Petra essentially ended in the 6th century CE, when water access was diminished for the city’s 20,000 inhabitants and regional competitor Palmyra took the reins of the trade between the Persians and the Romans.

Over time, Petra was abandoned and fell into ruin. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Petra was rediscovered by Western explorers in 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt made the locals bring him there, and it became a popular tourist destination. Despite its ancient origins, Petra’s history is not all sunshine and roses. The city has seen its fair share of tragedy and bloodshed over the centuries, which has given rise to some of the most chilling ghost stories in the world.

The Forgotten Treasury Al-Khazneh

One of the most famous legends associated with Petra is that of the lost treasure of the Nabataeans called Al-Khazneh, or the enchanted Treasury. According to this legend from Bedouin folklore, the Nabataeans were incredibly wealthy from spice and silk trade and amassed a vast fortune over the centuries. When the Romans invaded Petra, the Nabataeans were forced to flee, leaving their treasure behind. It is said that the treasure is still hidden somewhere in Petra, waiting to be discovered by a brave and lucky adventurer.

Al-Khazneh: The stunning Treasury of Petra, a testament to Nabataean architecture carved into the rose-red cliffs. It is thought that Al-Khazneh was built as a mausoleum and crypt at the beginning of the 1st century AD during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris.

One legend about the treasury is that to protect the treasure, a pharaoh put a curse on the place. According to the story, an Egyptian pharaoh and some in his army escaped when the Red Sea closed when they hunted Moses. They created the treasury with magic as a safe place before they continued to hunt Moses down. And those willing to break the rules and search for the treasure, will feel the wrath of the curse. 

Some think that the treasury was more a place of worship or a burial chamber, more than a place of hiding away treasures. Many of the sculptures are of various creatures from mythology that were associated with the afterlife. 

Petra is also home to several mysterious and unexplained phenomena. Visitors to the city have reported hearing ghostly whispers and moans coming from the ancient ruins. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions of long-dead Nabataean warriors and priestesses wandering the streets of Petra, still protecting their home.

The Haunted Stories of Petra

Visitors to Petra have reported a wide range of paranormal activities. Some have reported seeing orbs of light floating through the ancient ruins, while others have claimed to have heard disembodied voices and footsteps. Some have even reported feeling a cold breeze or a sudden drop in temperature, even on the hottest days.

The Siq: The narrow sandstone gorge leading into Petra, known as the Siq, offers a glimpse of the stunning red rock formations characteristic of the Rose City. The Siq literally ‘the Shaft’, is the main entrance. Also known as Siqit, it is a dim, narrow gorge (in some points no more than 3 metres (10 ft) wide) and winds its way approximately 1.2 kilometres (3⁄4 mi) and ends at Petra’s most elaborate ruin, Al-Khazneh.

Some say that the ghosts haunting Petra are Nabatean merchants or Roman legionnaires who died in battle. There are also those saying that the place is haunted by a group of school girls. 

In 1963, a sudden flood killed 23 Lebanese schoolgirls. According to some, their spirit is haunting the halls and you can hear their laughter turning into screams after night echoing through the red walls in the mile long gorge or Siq, leading into Petra. 

The Djinn Blocks

When you walk down the Street of Facades you will come across three enormous obelisks called Djinn Blocks. The blocks are probably from the 2nd century B.C and according to bedouin legends, they were the dwellings of the djinns, an Islamic legend about the Djinns, made from smokeless fire. 

Source: Flickr

They appear to visitors as a flash of light or as a blowing whirls of wind. Djinns are said to appear at night and are said to be behind the nightly haunting when they came from the burial chambers and dark corners of Petra.

The Monastery Ad-Deir

Getting to higher ground, you will find the Monastery, or the Ad-Deir. This monumental building was probably carved out from rock in the mid-first century AD. It is perhaps the second most known building in Petra after the Khazneh. 

The Monastery Ad-Deir: a stunning architectural marvel carved into the rock, stands majestically against the backdrop of Petra’s rugged landscape. The building is believed to be haunted by someone guarding this sacred ground.

According to stories, the ghost of a guard is haunting this location. There are also those saying they have seen someone looking like wearing ancient robes like a Nabatean monk, disappearing around behind the walls. 

Like someone is still protecting their sacred ground. 

The Mystery of Petra’s Lost City

Despite its haunted history, Petra remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock to the city from all over the world to explore the ancient ruins and experience the rich history and culture of the Nabataean people.

In fact, the surface of Khazneh has receded by 40 mm in less than ten years from people touching, leaning or rubbing against the walls. 

Perhaps the greatest mystery of Petra is the city itself. Despite years of archaeological research, much of Petra remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The city is home to several hidden tombs and underground tunnels, many of which have yet to be fully explored. Some believe that these tunnels lead to secret chambers where the lost treasure of the Nabataeans is hidden.

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References:

The Backstory Behind Petra, Jordan’s Ancient Ghost City

Echoes in the Rose-Red Stone: Petra’s Haunted History as Jordan’s Desert Mirage | Horror 

Block tombs, Bab as-Siq, Petra. Art Destination Jordan

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The Mythology of Madame Pele Haunting Hawai’i

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Goddess of fire and volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology, the ghost of Madame Pele is said to haunt the islands. As an old woman hitchhiking along the road to a beautiful woman warning about a volcanic eruption, this goddess never left the islands. 

Mai ka Lua a‘u i hele mai nei, mai Kīlauea,
Ke kui ‘ia maila e nā wāhine o ka Lua ē
‘O Puna lehua ‘ula i ka papa
I ‘ula i ka papa ka lehua o Puna

From the crater I’ve come, from Kīlauea,
The women of the caldera have strung leis
The foundation of Puna is crimson, covered in lehua blossoms.
Sacred is the fountain covered with the lehua blossoms of Puna
– Chants for pele are performed at Halemaʻumaʻu, where it is said Pele currently resides.

Can a goddess become a ghost? Can her presence haunt the place she once resided over? Madame Pele is said to be the goddess of volcanoes and fires in Hawaiian religion, but also the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. She is often referred to as Madame Pele or Tūtū Pele to show respect and known as “She who shapes the sacred land.” Even when the old religion was officially abolished in 1819, people still kept believing in her and her ways found ways to stay in the modern world that was changing Hawaiians ancient ways drastically. 

The Kilauea volcano is believed to be inhabited by a family of fire gods, her siblings being connected with other elements, and there are many stories about her, especially about her being passionate, power hungry and jealous with a fiery temper. 

Madame Pele: Painting of Pele by Hawaiian artist & historian Herbert “Herb” Kawainui Kāne

Legend has it that Madame Pele herself journeyed on her canoe from the island of Tahiti to Hawaiʻi. Some say she came from the mystical floating land Kuaihelani or perhaps even a land said to be “close to the clouds.” The chronology of Pele’s journey corresponds with the geological age of the Hawaiian islands.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

When on her journey, it was said she tried to create fires on different islands, but her sister, Nāmaka, was chasing her, wanting to put an end to her. In the end, the two sisters fought each other and Madame Pele was killed. With this happening, her body was destroyed but her spirit lives in Halemaʻumaʻu on Kilauea. They say, “Her body is the lava and steam that comes from the volcano”. 

This is only one of the many stories tying her to the Kilauea volcano, and many other stories tell about her family, her travels and how she is connected to the nature she passed on her journey. But we will here focus about the legends of her haunting the Hawaiian islands that the islanders still takes very seriously

Madame Pele’s Warning about Volcanic Eruptions

The locals also sometimes believe that Madame Pele warns the locals about the oncoming eruptions and appears and manifests either before or during the eruptions from the volcanoes. 

She can also change form, appearing as a white dog or with the dog accompanying her. She also appears as an old woman with white hair, or as a beautiful young woman. She is said to be wearing a red muumuu, long white dress or even dark and ashy clothing.

Read Also: Ghosts Haunting Hawaii’s Volcano House and the Volcano Goddess

The dog is sometimes a manifestation of her, sometimes her pet, sitting on the slopes of Mauna Loa where no real dog could survive.

Mauna Loa Volcano: lava flow from Mauna Loa during its 1984 eruption.

This is perhaps one of the newer tales about her ghost or spirit lingering in the world, but at least since the 1930s, there have been many tales about how people claim to have encountered her, on the road, before an eruption or close to the volcanoes.

Haunting of Madame Pele

There are many ghost stories where Madame Pele appears or that people think that Tūtū Pele must be behind. 

One urban legend claims that she is walking along the roads close to Kīlauea. If passersby are trying to stop her or talk to her, she is said to vanish, like in the same way the ghosts of the Vanishing Hitchhiker legend does. 

Over a ten year period, one named Katherine Luomala, collected 48 different variations of the legend where Tūtū Pele showed up as the character from the vanishing hitchhiker legend. She sometimes accepts the offers of getting a lift before vanishing, or even just asks for a cigarette before going away. In some stories she gets revenge on those refusing to give her a ride.

Read More: Check out the urban legend of the Vanishing Hitchhiker

If you have seen her, you are obligated to spread the word and warn others about the oncoming eruption she is warning about, or face the consequences when you suffer misfortune in the next eruption. 

According to people living on the Big Island, they have the saying: “Never refuse an old lady – she might be Madame Pele.”

The Ghost of Madame Pele’s Man

The legend of Madame Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanic fire, relates how she fell in love with a man called Lohiʻau, but found that he had died. She found his ghost as a thin presence in a cave, and with great difficulty used her magical powers to restore him to life or her sister Hiʻiaka, goddess of hula, did it. 

He was destroyed again as Tūtū Pele killed Lohiʻau herself in a fit of rage, but his ghost was again found, this time in the form of a bird flitting over the waters, and was once more restored to life.

Pork over Pali Highway

There is also the case of bringing pork over the Pali Highway, which is Route 61 on Oahu. If you do bring the pork though, there are stories about the cars stalling when you drive over it and wont start again before you throw the pork out. 

What is the reasoning for the pork rules on this road? According to some it comes from the feud Madame Pele had with Kamapuaa, the pig-man god. He was her husband but cheated on her. When she discovered it, they divided the island into two territories they would not be allowed to cross.

Read More: The Haunted Nuʻuanu Pali Drive and Highway and Morgan’s Corner 

Another variation of this story is over Saddle Road on the Big Island, where drivers crossing between east and west should not be carrying pork with them. This particular stretch of Saddle Road is also a location where many claim to have seen Madame Pele.

The Painting of Tūtū Pele

About 1929, D. Howard Hitchcock made an oil painting of Madame Pele that his son donated to the park In 1966, where it was displayed in the visitor center from 1966 to 2005. The painting was criticized for portraying the Hawaiian goddess as one with European features.

Madame Pele: The painting many know the Madame Pele by today, painted by D. Howard Hitchcock

In 2003, the Volcano Art Center announced a competition for a “more modern and culturally authentic rendering” of the goddess.” An anonymous judging panel of Native Hawaiian elders selected a painting by Arthur Johnsen of Puna, Hawaii from 140 entries. In Johnsen’s painting, the goddess has distinctly Polynesian features, holding a digging stick (ʻōʻō) in her left hand and the egg that gave birth to her younger sister Hiʻiaka in her right hand. In 2005, the Hitchcock was replaced with Johnsen’s painting.

Madame Pele’s Curse of the National Parks

In addition to people claiming the dog is a warning of death, there is also the story about Madame Pele’s curse in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It is said that if you take a lava rock or even sand away from the Hawaiian islands, something Madame Pele sees as her own children, you will have bad luck until it is returned 

There are plenty of sand and stones that are taken from the land every year, but there is also a thing when people bring it back because they think they are cursed. This is also the case with Cursed Artifacts from the Grand Canyon and Bodie Ghost Town Frozen in Time with strong legends of people thinking they are cursed if they remove something from the place. 

People blame when their pets die, losing their jobs or houses burn down on Madame Pele’s wrath. But what is really behind the curse?

The National Park Service as well as hotels around the islands claim that every year they receive the things taken by post, by tourists seeking Madame Pele’s forgiveness. 

Cursed Lava Rocks: Kilauea Volcano in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Many believe the curse, but there are also many saying that the curse was invented in the mid-20th century by park rangers tired of the tourists taking stuff all the time or perhaps even by the bus drivers, tired about the sandy and dirty buses, as there really is no old tradition for this legend from the Hawaiian folklore. There are at least written records of it since 1946.

In fact, when westerners first arrived they learned from the local Hawaiian that they shouldn’t pick the flowers from the Ohia tree, eating the Ohelo berries or touch the rocks, as it could reflect badly on the Hawaiians and she mostly retaliated in a volcano eruption, not giving people bad luck. 

Madame Pele’s Haunting Today

Even though you don’t believe the curse, believe the law that forbids people from taking Hawaiian nature from the islands.

Unlike many old deities from ancient religions, the belief in Madame Pele and people practicing their faith to her continues even to this day. 

Pele practitioners leave flower leis, food wrapped in “ti” leaves and other offerings on the edge of volcanoes as a sign of respect. Often they leave berries, and sometimes in newer times, gin has started to become a thing to offer. Rangers in the parks seldom interfere with the visits, which often include special hula dances and chanting.

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References:

Pele’s Curse – Wikipedia 

Pele (deity) – Wikipedia

Pele and Lava Rocks | Snopes.com 

Hawaii’s hot rocks blamed by tourists for bad luck / Goddess said to curse those who take a piece of her island

Hawaii’s hot rocks blamed by tourists for bad luck / Goddess said to curse those who take a piece of her island

The Curse of Pele: A Tourist Legend – Multo (Ghost) 

Pele & Hiʻiaka (U.S. National Park Service) 

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Cursed Artifacts from the Grand Canyon

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When people visit the Grand Canyon, many fall for the temptation of taking a memento with them back home. But according to many stories, many people are said to believe some of the tokens from the Canyon are cursed and bad luck follows them who take cursed artifacts from the park. 

In the rugged wilderness of the Grand Canyon, legends and curses are as deeply rooted as the ancient rock formations. In many national parks there are stories about stealing that makes what you steal and yourself cursed.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from the USA

The Grand Canyon is said to receive many misplaced items from the park back through mail from people claiming that the objects and artifacts must be haunted. Many claim to have experienced bad luck after taking the objects and trying to rid themselves of the curse by returning them back. There are many stories from the park, from sacred or cursed artifacts from the Natives, Egyptian treasure hidden in caves and a traditional national park curse of the land, even a simple rock. 

The Grand Canyon: The National park of the Canyon encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rugged landscape, with the Colorado River carving a mile-deep gorge that stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide around 5 or 6 million years ago. The park’s striking geological formations, vibrant hues, and dramatic vistas attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the highs and lows of the Canyon. It is also said to have several haunted places.

The Cursed Navajo Blanket

One of the most haunting tales involves trader Don Maguire, who in 1879, stumbled upon a beautiful but cursed Navajo blanket during his expedition through Arizona by the Colorado River. 

Woman weaving a traditional Navajo rug around 1900.// Source

Maguire met Emma Lee at the ferry, a widow who offered him the blanket in exchange for some of his goods. She warned him of the blanket’s dark past after they had made the deal, explaining how it had brought misfortune and ultimately death to her husband who was executed after the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Undeterred, Maguire accepted the blanket and continued his journey, only to suffer a series of relentless calamities over the next two years. The curses ceased only when he lost the blanket, leading him to finally heed Emma Lee’s warning.

When a writer traced the blanket back to its weaver, he found the Navajo weaver Mariana who fell in love with the same man as her 17 year old daughter. Mariana was said to weave spells into her blankets, spending 3 months on it. But after realizing the man was only stringing them both along, not wanting to marry either, it was said it was cursed. The daughter was said to have died and the man’s horse returned home empty with a bloody saddle and the blanket hanging on a juniper branch, said to curse everyone it ended with. 

How much of the now legend that is true is today uncertain as the story has passed many versions of it. 

Many now claim that the objects stolen from the park are cursed, and it is even said that many treasure hunters have disappeared mysteriously. What is really behind the legend of the cursed Canyon?

The Cursed Artifacts from the Park

Tales of cursed Native American relics are plentiful, especially in the Grand Canyon. Park rangers regularly receive letters from tourists desperate to return artifacts stolen from sacred Burial grounds like pottery or certain stones and from the forbidden zone in the Grand Canyon. 

The letters invariably describe extreme bad luck, plagues, and mysterious illnesses that befell the thieves after taking the artifacts. The park rangers often find the reasoning chillingly consistent: the stolen items bring about a curse that can only be lifted by returning them to their rightful place.

People fearing cursed artifacts after stealing them from National Parks is a well known phenomenon, and in the same thing with people sending back stuff they took from the parks fill up the park rangers mailboxes. Often the rumor of objects being cursed comes from park rangers being fed up with tourists taking things with them, and the rumor is put out to deter the thieves. But could it be something more behind the rumors when talking about the Grand Canyon National Park? 

Where does the Legend about the Cursed Objects come from?

According to an elaborate hoax, there are legends about cursed artifacts from the Egyptians. The legend of an ancient Egyptian civilization in the Grand Canyon emerged in the early 20th century, fueled by an article published in the Arizona Gazette in 1909 when an Egyptomania swept over the western world. The article claimed that an explorer named G.E. Kincaid discovered an extensive network of caves filled with Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, hieroglyphics, and statues, within the forbidden zones in the Grand Canyon. 

This sensational story captivated the public’s imagination, suggesting a mysterious link between ancient Egypt and North America. However, subsequent investigations revealed no evidence to support these claims, and the story was debunked as a hoax. The Smithsonian Institution, which was reportedly involved in the supposed discovery, denied any knowledge of the expedition or the artifacts. Despite its debunking, the legend persists as an intriguing, albeit fictitious, chapter in the folklore of the Grand Canyon.

Many legends about cursed tombs and Egyptian artifacts come from Egypt, and perhaps this has only fueled the legends of the curse in the Grand Canyon as well.

The Cursed Objects of the Canyon

Visitors are thus warned: the Grand Canyon, while breathtakingly beautiful, holds ancient secrets and curses according to more than one legend. The cursed artifacts of the Grand Canyon are more than just historical treasures; they are reminders of a profound respect owed to the land and its original inhabitants. So, if you ever find yourself tempted by the allure of a beautiful relic, remember the story of Don Maguire and the many others who have learned the hard way that some things are best left undisturbed.

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References:

Don Maguire’s Trading Expedition in Northern Arizona, 1879 – Issuu 

Scott Thybony’s Grand Canyon Commentary: Curse Of The Navajo Blanket 

What is the Forbidden Zone in the Grand Canyon? | MaxTour 

Top 10 Unsettling Facts And Horrors Of The Grand Canyon – Listverse 

What are the mysteries of the Grand Canyon? – National Park Express 

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The Ghost of Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville and His Headless Dog: A Christmas Haunting

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A cruel and rebel knight is said to have cursed all of his properties he was robbed off. Now, it is said that the ghost of Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville is appearing on Christmas Eve together with his headless dogs on his former estates.

In the chilly stillness of Christmas Eve 1932, a small group of curious people gathered at a bridge over Pymms Brook in Oak Hill Park in East Barnet in the North London Suburb. Midnight approached, and with it came the echo of “uncanny sounds” that beckoned them southwards. They followed these spectral noises through the cold night until they reached Monks Frith, where they were met with an eerie sight they had long anticipated: the apparition of a headless hound. Moments later, the shimmering figure of a knight clad in silver armor and a flowing red cloak appeared, completing the haunting tableau.

Oak Hill Park: A bridge in the Oak Hill Park in East Barnet.

Oak Hill Park and The Ghost Promenade

The group gathered at Oak Hill Park was not there by mere chance. They had come to witness a haunting that has been whispered about for centuries, a spectral procession that recurs every six years during the Christmas season. The place where he was seen was even called The Ghost Promenade. 

In 1926 there was also a watchman at work in Church Hill Road. According to Mr. Gibson saw the ghost as a skeleton, still wearing a metal breast plate and a black cape. When there was a group trying to stay at the night-watchman’s hut they didn’t see anything, but heard it all. According to them, just past midnight, a rumbling of many hoofs came through and the ground shook. 

It is said that in the early 1930s on a clear summer’s day, there was an ancient oak tree by Church Hill Road that, without any reason, burst into flames. Although it was much speculated about, no one really found the reason behind it and it just turned into the many strange things said to happen in the park. It was also said that it was under this tree, the religious self described prophet Joanna Southcott sat under when she got her visions left in her box. 

The ghostly knight and his headless canine companion are said to roam the southern Hertfordshire and northern Middlesex regions, a chilling reminder of a turbulent past. This spectral knight is none other than Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville.

Church Hill Road: Entrance to the Oak Hill Park from Church Hill Road. This is the place where the cursed knight is said to have made an appearance. // Source: David Howard

The Anarchy and Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville’s Curse

Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville lived through one of England’s most chaotic periods, known as the Anarchy. This civil war, characterized by brutal power struggles between King Stephen and Empress Matilda for the English throne, saw many noblemen shifting allegiances over the two decades it lasted. 

Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville, the Earl of Essex, was a significant figure during this time as the first constable of the Tower of London, with manors in Barnet, South Mimms, and Monken Hadley. He was from an old family with his Grandfather appointed an earl by William the Conqueror. He was known as a cunning man though and his life was marked by betrayal to both sides, rebellion, and excommunication and is said to have been the worst of the cruel and lawless barons during this era.

In 1143, after being arrested and stripped of his lands by King Stephen, Geoffrey launched a rebellion, seizing and fortifying Ramsey Abbey. He retreated as a rebel and bandit in the fen-country east in England. There he used the Isle of Ely and the Ramsey Abbey as his headquarters and the legends around him grew.

His desecration of the abbey led to his excommunication by the Pope, and chronicler Henry of Huntingdon wrote that during Geoffrey’s occupation, “blood exuded from the walls of the church and cloister adjoining, witnessing the divine indignation.”

Geoffrey died in battle in 1144 after being shot by an arrow when he was laying siege to Burwell Castle, still under excommunication, and was denied a Christian burial.  His body was placed in a lead coffin by the Knights Templars; he was finally accepted a burial within the Temple Church in London. Before this though, his body was left in the Old Temple in Holborn for 20 years. Some say that it was hung from a tree in the casket.

The Grave of the Knight: His grave was found in the Templers church in London. After many years, he was finally put to rest and his exile was lifted years after his death.

The Haunting of The Granges

So where were the estates he owned? It is said that it was around ten. One is around East Barnet, where the sighting of him can be seen in Oak Park. On top of Mandeville’s old fortress in East Barnet they built an old house on top of the Grange. When they dug into the foundations, disturbing it, a haunting started. They saw stamping of footsteps and clanking of spurs. 

As with Oak Park, people also claimed to have seen the same sight of a man on horse, dressed for battle.

Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville Haunting Hertfordshire Enfield Chase

Despite Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville’s tumultuous life largely unfolding away from Hertfordshire, his spirit is said to patrol the lands around Enfield Chase, an area that straddles Hertfordshire and Middlesex. These lands were once part of his power base, and his titles included Sheriff of Hertfordshire and was in the family for hundreds of years. 

The exact reason for his spectral presence in these areas is unclear, but it may be linked to a curse he allegedly laid upon the foundation of Walden Abbey and other properties he owned.

He said if you took away his endowments to it they would:  “feel the curse of Almighty God, of St Mary, of blessed James the Apostle and of all the saints in this present life; and that in life to come may he receive everlasting torment with the traitor Judas, unless he repents and makes amends.” 

This curse seemingly came to pass during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, potentially binding Geoffrey’s spirit to these lands in eternal indignation and making him return every 6 years to his former estates.

The Red-Cloaked Knight’s Return

Legend has it that Sir Geoffrey’s ghost, accompanied by his headless dog, appears every six years around Christmas Eve. Where the dog comes from though is uncertain. Witnesses have described the headless hound as a chilling prelude to the knight himself, who follows closely behind in his spectral armor and blood-red cloak, or black. This haunting presence serves as a stark reminder of the violence and curses of the past.

The next anticipated sighting of the Red-Cloaked Knight and his ghostly companion is said to be in 2028. Those who find themselves on the old lands of Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville on Christmas Eve might just encounter the eerie figures that have haunted this area for centuries.

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References:

London Ghosts 

Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st earl of Essex | Norman Conquest, Feudalism & Rebellion | Britannica 

Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville — the Red-Cloaked Knight | Nobility, Hertfordshire Traditions in Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies, Supernatural and unexplained phenomena | Herts Memories

Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex – Wikipedia 

East Barnet ghost stories 

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The Witching Behind the Production of Practical Magic

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The cult classic Practical Magic is a movie about witches, spells and curses. But did you know that a witch actually cursed the film production when they worked on it? And did you know there is going to be a sequel about the family of witches?

The 1998 cult classic Practical Magic is not just a beloved witchy film—it also has an eerily enchanting history behind its production. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, the film tells the story of two witch sisters navigating love, loss, and a family curse. With an all-star cast, including Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, Practical Magic was filmed at the height of late 90s nostalgia for magical and supernatural tales. 

Read Also: Check out all haunted stories from the USA.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film features the characters enjoying “Midnight Margaritas,” a spontaneous, tequila-fueled bonding session. Behind the scenes, the cast really did get tipsy on the cheap tequila Nicole Kidman had brought on set, leading to authentic moments of tipsy joy that made it into the final cut.

Midnight Margaritas: The booze in the Margarita was real tequila. Were the curses in the movie real as well? If we are to believe the stories, the witch consultant really did leave a curse on the whole movie.

In addition to boozy fun, Practical Magic became an unexpected sisterhood for the actresses. Though the film was directed by Griffin Dunne, a man, the female cast formed a powerful, almost mystical bond. As Kidman recalled, they synced their menstrual cycles during a full moon while filming, teasing Dunne that they might soon “turn on him.”

Musically, the film drew on the talents of self-proclaimed witch and Fleetwood Mac legend, Stevie Nicks. Nicks not only contributed her song “If You Ever Did Believe” to the film but also re-recorded her classic “Crystal,” both featuring Sheryl Crow. 

Yet, what many don’t know is that the film’s making was just as otherworldly as its plot.

Was Practical Magic a Haunted Set?

Behind the camera Practical Magic was plagued by darker forces as well as in front of it is we are to believe the rumors. 

Stories about supernatural occurrences circulated during filming from both cast and crew. Cast members reported eerie noises, especially during the climactic coven scene at the film’s end, raising suspicions that the fictional witchcraft may have stirred something real.

Read Also: Check out The Haunting of Fernhills Royal Palace Hotel in India’s Hills where another movie production encountered the supernatural.

As the director said: “It’s something I will talk about now, but at the time I would sort of deny it. I didn’t want the vibe. As the line from the movie that Aidan has [goes], “I didn’t want to give the curse any strength.” Not that I believed in it. But if you believe in it, you’re giving it strength.”

So was the movie set really haunted, or was it simply the witchy vibe of the set something to the atmosphere. The scariest thing by far was when the witch consultant they had hired cursed the entire movie, as well as the director when they didn’t give into her demands. 

The Exorcism Scene: The scene where the witches gathered for a huge spell was thought to bring with it a strange atmosphere people borderline chucked up to a paranormal one.

The Witch Consultant’s Curse

Originally brought on to help ensure the accuracy of the film’s portrayal of magic, things took a sinister turn with the witch consultant they had hired. They had hired the witch through a friend of the director put them in touch with. The friend has never stopped apologizing for the introduction because of how badly it ended, according to the director. 

Read More: Check out all stories concerning Witches

The witch was, according to the director, paid very handsomely by Warner Brothers for her consulting on spells and such. The director thought it would be fun to bring her out to Los Angeles where they were filming a lot of the movie. They wanted to put her in a nice hotel as he wanted her to meet Bullock and Kidman, who were dying to meet her. 

The Owen Sisters: Nichole Kidman and Sandra Bullock played the sisters in the movie. In the plot, the sisters are cursed as well, and any man who loves them or they love will die.

This all greatly backfired though as the witch got offended. She said to the producer in a phone call: “I’m going to put a curse on you. I’m putting a curse on this movie, and I’m putting a curse on Griffin.” 

She wanted three gross points of the profit the movie would make as well as the right to publish a Practical Magic cookbook. She also left an ominous voicemail as well to Griffith: “There is a land of curses!” and started to speak in tongue on a voicemail before threatening to sue Warner Bros as well.

Griffith brought the recording to the legal department and played the curse for them. Only halfway through they stopped the tape and wrote her a check. 

A New Age Exorcism for a New Age Movie

The threat of the curse rattled the crew, especially when tragedy struck: a crew member’s father died suddenly. Though he was elderly and already ill, many on set believed it was the witch’s doing. In response, Griffin Dunne arranged a New Age exorcism to cleanse the set. 

“It was a very simple, New Agey ceremony that was about as silly as the idea that someone would curse you over the phone,” he told Vulture when he talked about the whole ordeal. “It was mostly chants and smoke and shit like that. “I just did it to cover my bases.”

Though he admitted it was “silly,” the ritual provided some comfort, and filming continued without further incident. The incident did however inspire the creator of the movie to write one of Aidens lines: “Curses only have power when you believe them.” 

Critic Reviews and the Supernatural Vibe

Despite the fun behind-the-scenes stories, Practical Magic wasn’t initially well-received. Critics like Roger Ebert and Entertainment Weekly panned the film, calling it “muddled” and “cursed,” as if the alleged witch’s hex truly took hold of the production and made it to as badly as it did on the box office. In fact, it was the last feature film the director did for ages, and he said it certainly didn’t help his career. 

However, over the years, the film gained a cult following, embraced for its charming mix of romance, sisterhood, and spooky magic. Today the movie is considered a classis by many, a thing put on every fall to get you in the spooky October mood. 

As if continuing the magic of the original, in 2024, news broke that both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman would return for a much-anticipated sequel. The announcement reignited fan excitement and speculation that the witchy energy from the first film might soon stir again. But the question is: how would a sequel fare if there truly is something like a curse put on the production?

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References:

Practical Magic (1998) – Trivia – IMDb

Practical Magic – Wikipedia

How ‘Practical Magic’ Pissed Off a Real-Life Witch | Vanity Fair 

Prepare a Midnight Margarita and Enjoy These 25 Secrets About Practical Magic

Cool, Shocking Facts You Never Knew About Practical Magic – Business Insider

Practical Magic Got Cursed by an Actual Witch. Is That Why It Bombed? 

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The Ghost of Comte Arnau on his Fiery Horse

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According to this Barcelonian legend, there is the ghost of Comte Arnau that is cursed to roam the world in his afterlife because of his sins as a cruel ruler and stealing the dead body of a nun that he had seduced. 

Spain, known for its rich folklore and legends, is home to many tales of ghostly apparitions and haunted locations. Among these stories, one of the most enduring and spine-chilling is that of Comte Arnau’s ghost. According to local lore, Comte Arnau was a feudal lord in the 14th century, known for his dark deeds and sinister reputation. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The legend of Comte Arnau has been passed down through generations in Catalan mythology and is the subject of a classic Catalan ballad from the 16th century Cançó del comte l’Arnau. According to the legend, he was a nobleman from Ripolles and only known for his cruelty. 

Those who claimed to have encountered his spectral presence describe a feeling of unease and dread, as if they are being watched by an otherworldly force. But who was Comte Arnau, and what led to his eternal damnation? 

The Remains of the Mataplana Castle

There are different theories about where the story about the Comte Arnau came from and where he resided and was a lord of. One of the theories is from the Mataplana Castle.

Mataplana Castle: The ruins of the castle were Comte Arnau was thought to live. // Source: Enric/wikimedia

Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, this medieval fortress served as the seat of power for the Arnau family according to the legends, as it was for a long time lost. 

They have found remains of a castle built in the 12th century that seems like there really was a real Romanesque castle attached to the legend. Nowadays only the chapel and the remains of the castle can be see by the naked eye but next to it underground there is a whole neighbourhood just waiting for a full excavation.

If there really was a lord like Comte Arnau there though is highly speculative. We know that in the 14th century it became the residence of Count Artau of Pallars. He was for a long time thought to be the mythic character of Count Arnau.  

Castell de Mataplana: There is only a chapel and pieces of the old wall left today. //Source: Àlex/Wikimedia

History of the Virgin Chapel and the Montgrony Sanctuary

In the heart of the Pyrenees, nestled among the rugged mountains, lies the Montgrony Sanctuary. This sacred site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, drawing devout worshippers and curious visitors alike. At the heart of the sanctuary stands the Virgin Chapel, a small stone building that holds a deep spiritual significance.

He was not a reliable lord and he abused his power whenever he could. For example he had promised his workers that they would get a bag of wheat for every step they built up to the Virgin Chapel and the Montgrony Sanctuary. The workers completed the steps, but the count didn’t hold his promise and didn’t pay them. 

The Dark Deeds of Comte Arnau

Comte Arnau was a man of wealth and power, ruling over his lands with an iron fist. But beneath his noble facade lay a twisted and depraved nature, driven by his insatiable desires.He was set up for an arranged marriage with a 15 year old girl he didn’t find attractive. Twice her age, he sought other women.

One of Comte Arnau’s most notorious acts was his seduction of the abbess of the Sant Joan de les Abadesses Monastery. The young abbess, innocent and naive, fell under his spell, unable to resist his advances. Their illicit affair continued in secret, until tragedy struck and she died.

It is said that during a violent storm, Comte Arnau decided to steal the body of the abbess and ride off into the night. As he galloped through the treacherous terrain, his horse lost its footing, sending both rider and corpse hurtling over the edge of a cliff. The fall was fatal, but Comte Arnau’s spirit was not released to the afterlife. Instead, he was condemned to roam the earth as a restless ghost, forever haunted by his dark deeds.

Because of his sins, his soul was damned and he was cursed to ride his horse on stormy nights for all eternity. You can see him followed by a pack of wild dogs, more like hell dogs as they spit fire through their mouths, ears and eyes. 

The Fiery Horse: The count has been known for riding on his fiery horse on stormy nights after he was condemned to wander the earth for all eternity for his crimes.

In the song the count visits his wife and daughters, riding a fiery horse after he is condemned and haunts them. He appears at the foot of a grate where she is embroidering and tries to grab her, in order to burn her and make her follow to hell. It is said that the count visited his wife every night for seven whole years. Seven years that was the time that the mourning lasted.

The Ghosts of the Lord

The story of Comte Arnau’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the consequences that await those who give in to their darkest impulses. His ghostly presence in Barcelona is a constant reminder of the sins he committed and the eternal punishment he now endures.

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References:

https://web.archive.org/web/20090608194722/http://usuarios.lycos.es/allagostera/trobadors/arnau.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20090408133543/http://usuarios.lycos.es/allagostera/trobadors/excava.htm
Comte Arnau – Wikipedia13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

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Haunting Tales of Black Alice and John’s Bridge in Kilkenny

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In 1763, the John’s Bridge in Kilkenny collapsed and killed many people. People started to whisper about it being the curse from Black Alice that started many centuries ago in Ireland’s first recorded witch trial.

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a city steeped in history and folklore, where tales of the supernatural are as much a part of the landscape as its ancient architecture. The Marble city has even been called the most haunted city in the world. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The reason for its haunting is much blamed on the curse a supposed witch put on the city that convicted her for witchcraft and is the first recorded person that was condemned for this. This case set the precedent for how all following witchcraft and heresy cases would be executed. The act of burning witches in Ireland lasted until 1895 when the 28 year old Bridget Cleary was burnt as the last one. The legend of Black Alice and the eerie history of John’s Bridge and the ghost that are supposedly lingering.

Black Alice’s Mysterious Life

The year was 1280 when Dame Alice Kyteler was born into the Kyteler family, a clan of Flemish merchants who had made their home in Kilkenny.  She was born in Kyteler’s House, which has since 1639 been used as an inn and is today a restaurant.

Dame Alice Kyteler

As she grew older, Alice’s life took intriguing turns. She first married William Outlawe, a wealthy merchant and moneylender, and later, Adam le Blund of Callan, another prosperous moneylender. After Adam’s death, Alice’s fortune continued to rise as she married her third husband, Richard de Valle, a wealthy landowner, and subsequently, Sir John le Poer.

Alice Kyteler soon earned the moniker “Kilkenny’s merry widow” due to her remarkable run of good fortune – a fortune that, mysteriously, seemed to coincide with the untimely deaths of her spouses. 

The circumstances surrounding her fourth husband’s death were particularly disturbing, as he was found with his nails torn out, his body hair fallen off, and his will altered to benefit Alice and her son. Fearing foul play, the children of her former husbands accused her of witchcraft and that she had poisoned him, and perhaps the other husbands as well. 

The Seven Accusations

Seven grave charges were brought against Alice and her servants, accusing them of denying Christ and the Church, having dealings with a demon named Artis Filius and Robin Artisson for sorceress powers, practicing pagan rituals involving animal sacrifice and theft of church keys, crafting love potions and poisons from grisly ingredients, and using these concoctions to manipulate her husbands into giving away their wealth and ultimately killing them.

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

In a shocking turn of events, Alice Kyteler managed to escape to England, vanishing without a trace and we don’t really know what happened to her after this. Her son, however, faced a trial for witchcraft but was ultimately sentenced to penance, which he failed to uphold. Instead, he ended up in prison until he fulfilled a unique penance: covering the roof of the local cathedral with lead, a task he succeeded in but which ultimately led to the roof’s collapse.

Petronilla’s Grim Fate

Petronilla de Meath, Alice’s maid, was not as fortunate as her mistress. She was a young woman in her 20s and was her mistress maidservant. When her mistress was charged, it was her that suffered the gruesome consequences.

She endured torture, whippings, and finally, a gruesome end at the stake on 3rd of November in 1324. The Bishop wrote this about her confessions: 

‘On one of these occasions, by the crossroads outside the city, she had made an offering of three cocks to a certain demon whom she called Robert, son of Art (Robertum filium Artis), from the depths of the underworld. She had poured out the cocks’ blood, cut the animals into pieces and mixed the intestines with spiders and other black worms like scorpions, with a herb called milfoil as well as with other herbs and horrible worms. She had boiled this mixture in a pot with the brains and clothes of a boy who had died without baptism and with the head of a robber who had been decapitated … Petronilla said she had several times at Alice’s instigation and once in her presence, consulted demons and received answers. She had consented to a pact whereby she would be the medium between Alice and the said Robert, her friend. In public, she said that with her own eyes she had seen the aforesaid demon as three shapes (praedictus daemon tertius), in the form of three black men (aethiopum) each carrying an iron rod in the hand. This apparition happened by daylight (de die) before the said Dame Alice, and, while Petronilla herself was watching, the apparition had intercourse with Alice. After this disgraceful act, with her own hand she (Alice?) wiped clean the disgusting place with sheets (kanevacio) from her own bed.’

Legend has it that before her death, Petronilla vowed to exact revenge on the onlookers who had condemned her. Her vow would soon come to haunt the city. One can ask, who was really the one behind the legend of Black Alice? Is it the ghost and curse from Petronilla that continued to haunt the city, centuries after her death?

The Ghostly Legacy about John’s Bridge

Particularly in 1763, during a catastrophic flood that claimed sixteen lives when John’s Bridge collapsed. During the flood, the people gathered to see when the Green’s Bridge collapsed, not realizing that the bridge they were standing on would also meet the same fate until it was too late. 

But what does this have to do with the specters found after the collapse of one of the city’s bridges with the trial of Black Alice? Ever since these disturbing events, tales of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions have persisted in and around Kilkenny, and it is said that it is the wrath of Black Alice that caused the accident in the first place. 

That day, 16 people died and reports of ghostly figures have multiplied, with witnesses describing spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the river below, especially in the eerie hours of the early morning.

The Remaining Whispers about Black Alice

As the eerie whispers of Black Alice continue to echo through the streets of Kilkenny, the city remains captivated by its rich supernatural history. The legend of Alice Kyteler and the tragic events surrounding John’s Bridge have left an indelible mark on the city’s consciousness, fueling both fascination and fear.

In the years that followed the collapse of John’s Bridge, the sightings of ghostly figures and strange occurrences persisted, casting an ethereal veil over the area. Locals and visitors alike would share tales of spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the depths of the river in the early hours of the morning. The apparitions served as a constant reminder of the long-standing curse that was said to haunt the bridge, a curse supposedly originating from the vengeful spirit of Petronella de Meath, Alice’s ill-fated maid. Or perhaps it was Black Alice herself?

As visitors walk across the bridge, feeling a chill in the air and catching fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures, they can’t help but wonder: are they merely witnessing tricks of the mind or is something more supernatural at play? Perhaps the echoes of the past, the whispers of those who have been wronged or lost, continue to resonate in the present, ensuring that the story of Black Alice and the haunted history of Kilkenny never fade away.

And so, the mystery remains, inviting new generations to delve into the depths of Kilkenny’s history, to unearth the untold secrets and unlock the truth behind the haunting tale of Black Alice and John’s Bridge.

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References:

Black Alice | Irish Ghost Stories from the Emerald Isle

John’s Bridge | Haunted Kilkenny, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Ghost Stories ~ Sacred Sites of Ireland Alice Kyteler – Wikipedia

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The Mystery of the Bird Suicides in Jatinga, Assam

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Known as the Valley of Death, the little town of Jatinga in Assam is the place of an annual mass death of birds that has puzzled scientists for years. The locals have long thought the seemingly suicidal birds were angry spirits from the sky come to torment them. 

Deep in the heart of the Dima Hasao district of Assam lies a small village shrouded in mystery and surrounded by eerie legends. This is Jatinga, a place where birds fall from the sky in droves, and strange lights flicker in the darkness. For years, scientists, researchers, poets and curious visitors have tried to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic village, but the truth remains elusive. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Some believe the small town of Jatinga with only 2500 people is a cursed place, haunted by the spirits of the dead. Others claim that it is a vortex of strange energies that attract birds and other creatures to their doom. 

The Mystery of Jatinga: Birds committing suicide

Jatinga is known for its strange phenomenon of birds committing suicide and it has at least been happening for over a century. Every year, during the months of August to November, between 7 pm to 10 pm, hundreds of birds come crashing down to the ground in Jatinga. It is said it happens mostly on moonless and foggy dark nights.

The Birds of Assam: Jatinga in Assam, India has long been known as the Bermuda Triangle of Birds. The strange case of countless of birds seemingly plummeting to their death has puzzled scientists for years.

It is a bizarre sight that has puzzled researchers for years. The birds that are affected are usually night migratory species that come from the Himalayan ranges. The birds that are affected by this phenomenon include the tiger bunting, black bittern, and little egret, amongst others.

Theories Behind the Bird Suicides

The local tribals first took this natural phenomenon to be spirits flying from the sky to terrorize them and is also believed to be behind killing many of those that have plunged to death with bamboo poles. Many studies over the years have dispelled the bird suicide theory, but says it is actually the village on a killing spree of the birds to eat them. 

There have been many theories behind the bird suicides in Jatinga. Some people believe that the birds are attracted to the lights in the village and become disoriented, leading to their deaths. It could also be the wind that makes them go towards the lights as safety but are hit with bamboo poles on their way down and killed. 

Others believe that the birds are driven to suicide by a magnetic force that emanates from the hills surrounding Jatinga. However, none of these theories have been scientifically proven.

Legends and Myths Associated with Jatinga

Jatinga is steeped in legends and myths that add to its enigmatic aura. One of the most popular legends associated with Jatinga is that it is a cursed place. It is also said that this is why the villagers set up the bamboo poles, who feared the birds that they thought were evil spirits sent from the sky to cause them harm and it was meant as more of a protective measurement when the birds got attracted to the lights from the village. Or whatever that is making the birds drop from the sky that is.  

The Green Country: Assam at the eastern foot of the Himalayas is often associated with mysteries and mythical tales and the hill village of Jatinga is just one of them. The place is also known for its diversity of faun and flora.

According to the legend, a powerful witch cursed the village, causing the birds to fall from the sky. The witch is said to have been angered by the villagers who refused to help her when she was in need. Another legend states that Jatinga is the gateway to the underworld, and the birds that fall from the sky are the spirits of the dead trying to communicate with the living.

The Enduring Mystery of Jatinga

Jatinga is a place that continues to baffle scientists, researchers, and visitors alike. Its strange phenomenon of bird suicides, haunted places, and legends have made it an enigmatic destination that draws people from all over the world. While the truth behind the mysteries of Jatinga may never be fully understood, one thing is for sure: it is a place that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to explore its secrets.

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References:

Jatinga Dima Hasao Assam – Best Place for Bird Watching in Assam 

A Mystery Yet To Be Uncovered! Birds Have Committed Suicide In This Assam Village Every Year Since Centuries 

Jatinga – Wikipedia

A Tiny Village Called Jatinga In Assam Is One Of The Creepiest Places on Earth 

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The Haunted Home of the Cursed Braganza House in Chandor

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One of the huge Portuguese families branched out into the colonies and The Braganza House is the testament to it, now thought to be haunted. Could it have something to do with the family curse that once plagued The Braganza Family?

The Braganza House stands as a magnificent yet eerie relic of the past in Chandor Village in Goa, India. This grand mansion close to the church square in Chandor, built over 350 to 500 years ago, is a testament to the opulence and grandeur of Portuguese colonial architecture with its Italian marble antique chandelier from Europe and carved rodewood furniture. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Behind its ornate facades, private library and family portraits lies a history steeped in tragedy, mystery, and according to some coming out of the manor house, paranormal activity, making it one of the most haunted places in Goa.

Braganza House: One of the two parts of the house, the Menezes Braganza House exterior. It used to belong to one of the most powerful Portuguese families, and is a silent witness to the Portuguese rule in Goa. // Source: Wikimedia

A Glimpse into History

The Braganza House, a sprawling mansion divided into two wings with the family divided into two different branches, was constructed by the affluent Braganza family, who were prominent Portuguese nobles, built centuries ago when Goa was under Portuguese rule. 

The mansion’s East Wing is owned by the descendants of the Pereira-Braganza family, while the West Wing belongs to the Menezes-Braganza family. The house is renowned for its stunning collection of antiques, vintage furniture, and artifacts that reflect the family’s wealth and status during the Portuguese era.

The Tragic Ending of a Braganza Family

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The mansion’s history is intertwined with tales of power, betrayal, and sorrow. Among the most notable events is the tragic story of a young woman from the Braganza family who is said to have committed suicide in one of the mansion’s opulent rooms. 

There are not many details about who she was and as of why. Some local gossip claims that she was the daughter of the master of the house and fell in love with a servant, a relationship her father didn’t accept. He then killed her lover when they tried to elope and she took her own life right after.

Her untimely death has become the cornerstone of the haunted reputation that envelops the Braganza House. Her spirit is said to linger in the room where she died, a place now shrouded in an unsettling aura.

The Ghostly Woman of the Braganza House

Today the Archaeological Survey of India has opened the house to visitors as a museum. Visitors and locals alike have reported numerous eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena within the Braganza House. Most often, a descendant are said to lead the tours through the house.

Many who have ventured into the room recount feeling an inexplicable sense of sadness and despair. Some have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman dressed in traditional Portuguese attire, her face pale and mournful, drifting through the corridors of the mansion. 

The flickering of candles, sudden drops in temperature, and the sound of soft sobbing are just a few of the paranormal activities attributed to her restless spirit.

To be noted, although there are few details and very few resources stating who the woman was, for what reason, or even which room are now haunted, it is worth noting the name, Braganza. If it weren’t for the family owning the house, one could almost write off the history as just rumors, but according to myth, the Braganza Family has said to be cursed for centuries.

The Curse of the Braganza Family

King John IV of Portugal: The first Braganza to reign and be cursed.

Adding to the house’s haunted legacy is the alleged curse that is said to plague the House of Braganza. The Braganza family, once a symbol of nobility and power and the rulers of Portugal as well as their colonies for centuries, is believed to be cursed due to a series of unfortunate events that have befallen its members over the centuries. 

The curse is said to have originated during the reign of John IV of Portugal in the 17th century. Allegedly he kicked a Franciscan friar who was begging for alms. Because of this offense, the friar cast a curse over his family, saying that no first-born male in his family would live to sit on the throne.

This act doomed the family’s lineage to a cycle of misfortune and sorrow and since then, without three exceptions all first-born boys in the family died before taking the crown.

House of Braganza in Goa

So could this curse have something to do with the haunted rumors that seems to linger as a whisper outside of the main conversation. Although, the curse and its female ghostly counterpart seems unlikely. 

King John VI seemed adamant about ending the curse, and annually visited Franciscan monasteries in both Portugal and Brazil. But it is said that it first ended with the reign of Braganzas ending at the start of the 1900s. 

While the Braganza House stands as a beautiful relic of a bygone era, it also serves as a haunting reminder of the tragedies and mysteries that continue to captivate and terrify those who dare to enter its shadowy confines.

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References:

Braganza House 

Enter at Your Own Risk: The Most Terrifying Places in Goa 

Curse of the Braganzas – Wikipedia 

Luís de Menezes Bragança – Wikipedia The Colonial Houses of Goa – Braganza House, Chandor