History of Ghost Stories Ghost stories began as ancient lore and told of visits to and from the other side of the grave, whereby heroes would learn of their destiny. The earliest of known ghost stories is TheEpic Of Gilgamesh, written upon cuneiform tablets in the Akkadian language.
Ghost Stories: Stories of Ghosts Ghost stories...some classic, famous, real & true stories of ghosts we have collected for your reading!
Ghost stories have been around for many millenniums. Stories about ghosts and spirits have amazed us, causing us to wonder what might lie beyond what we consider to be real. For many, the question is, "Are ghost stories real...are such tales true?" Each ghost story you will find on this page is unique and enlightening; but it is up to you, the reader, to learn the lessons found within each of our stories of ghosts. Ghost stories can, perhaps, provide us with clues about the afterlife if we compare ghost evidence reported from around the world in story.
Ghost Stories to Read by Type Some of these ghost stories impacted many cultures or began as the foundation of the "ghost tale." Famous Ghost StoriesRead some famous ghost stories found here. Classic Ghost StoriesRead some old ghost stories from antiquity. Short Ghost StoriesThese ghost stories are a quick read and tell of ghostly encounters.
Archive of Ghost Stories Ghost Story Archive Page 1 Our first collection of ghost stories sent in by our readers. Ghost Story Archive Page 2 Our second set of ghost stories from visitors to Angels & Ghosts. Ghost Story Archive Page 3 Our final list of ghost stories including monthly submissions which are also posted below.
More Ghost Stories Topics Special ghost stories found within different themes! Ghost ShipsStories of ghosts and hauntings at sea! Ghost Planes!Ghost stories pertaining to phantom aircraft! Haunted PlacesStories of ghosts at famous places in the US! Haunted LibrariesGhost Stories and book depositories! Library GhostsGhost stories and info about bookish specters! Halloween GhostsStory about All Hallow's Eve and ghosts... Haunted HotelGhost Stories from some legendary haunts... HauntedStories about haunted items, such as dolls, paintings and other odd things! Haunted LighthousesRead ghost stories about sea beacons... Ghost BooksBuy all sorts of writings and books about ghosts, spirits and hauntings!
Common Threads in the Tales Ghost stories, whether modern or of old, all seem to share similar themes about ghosts' tragedies, unfinished business, unrest, visitations, and hopeless roamings among the living. Ghost stories also sometimes share common ghostly messages of warning to aid those still alive, or tell of spirits with ill intentions, seeking revenge from those who wronged them in life. Some ghost stories truly enlighten, while other ghost stories paint a picture of hell to frighten!
As you might imagine, ghost stories have been popular for thousands of years, and people have various reasons for enjoying them, whether it's to learn something of the spirit world, or simply for a good scare. Ghost stories often reflect upon religious or spiritual beliefs concerning death and the afterlife. People naturally want to believe in,and thus, read about the survival of the spirit upon the passing of the human body. Descriptions of ghosts in stories fascinate mankind because one day we,too,will be like them. So in the reading of ghost tales, we learn of ghostly conditions and appearances, enabling us to become somewhat enlightened with what our future may hold.
Ghost Stories: Origins Many famous authors have written stories about ghosts, such as Shakespeare, Henry James, M.R. James, Dickens, Wakefield, Irving, Aickman and of course, Edgar Allen Poe. Today, Stephen King has carried on the tradition of ghosts, by telling stories through books, television, and even movies!
Beyond the masters who have written many a ghost story lies cultural traditions and legends we share with one another. Many stories are passed down generations within families, never to be told to the world; yet these ghost stories are very personal and of greater meaning to them. The stories seem to evolve over time, though, as details are lost or forgotten. Yet, it seems almost every family, everywhere, has some sort of good ghost story hidden somewhere in their history.
Ghost stories can be fiction or true but usually include a haunting or experience with a ghost. Stories about ghosts are found within most cultures, whether modern or ancient. Ghost stories in classical literature have primarily been fictional, as they were typically used to teach a moral lesson. Charles Dickens' classic ghost story,A Christmas Carol, taught not only should we be benevolant to our fellow mankind, but that leading an immoral life can imprison one in their self-created hell in the afterlife.
Children also enjoy ghost stories, as evidenced by the popularGoosebumpsbooks of recent years. It seems a good, non-terrifying ghost story awakens them to the supernatural and the unseen.
A great way to uncover ghost stories is while on vacation. Tourists with a love for the paranormal will want to look for ghost lore by searching gift shops and stores that carry books of regional hauntings written by local writers. Aspiring authors in many towns and regions will diligently research ghost tales and self-publish the stories which sell well to not only tourists, but local residents. One fine example of this phenomena, are the collection of ghost stories found within the Haunted Ohio series of books.