I'm D K Girl, author of gothic historical fantasy series, The Diabolus Chronicles. The encounter with will-o'-the-wisp comes early in the series, Book Two - The Verderer, where Silas and Pitch, our reluctant and ill-matched heroes, first meet these strange lights of the bogs and swamps.
The lights raced ever closer, their glow setting the forest dancing. Silas was puzzled by Lalassu’s signals. The horse was anxious, clearly, but showed no sign of racing from the approaching glow. The lights shot through the forest, not a sound betrayed them, no crack of branches or shuddering of leaves. Pitch shouted at Sanu to steady as his attempts to mount were thwarted by her restlessness. Barely had he found his seat and the lights were on them. Passing by with a blinding brightness that pained Silas’s eyes near to tears. He threw up an arm in defence, but still Lalassu held her path and did not shirk at the encounter.
It was over in a moment. The trio of coloured lights crossed over them and continued their trajectory into the forest on the other side. He was ready to heave a sigh of relief when Lalassu turned about, and followed where the lights led.
‘Oh gods, what is wrong with you, man?’ Pitch shouted. ‘You can no sooner catch a will-o’-the-wisp than you can a cloud.’
From - The Verderer- Pitch & Sickle Book Two. (Eight book series to be read in order)
Will-O'-the-Wisp
Most commonly associated with the English bogs and moors, these phantom lights are said to lead travellers astray, and are usually malevolent. They appear mostly with a blue-ish gleam but red is also mentioned.
Pretty, but dangerous.
These lights are known by various names in many other countries around the world. Here in Australia they are called 'min min' lights, and, as with their English counterparts, tend to like to lead travellers astray. They are seen most commonly in the Outback, and it is said that if you try and follow them, you will never been seen again.
Folklore describes the will-o'-the-wisp as lost souls, or souls turned away from heaven and hell.
Scientists believe the phenomenon is likely the ignition of gas marshes, or bioluminescent algae or fungus, glowing because of a chemical process. (Not as much fun as a glowing ghostly soul!)
In my dark historical fantasy series The Diabolus Chronicles the initial encounter with the will-o'-the-wisp is not everything it seems. Not only are they not interested in attacking Silas, but they will turn out to be far greater allies then he could ever imagine.
Though there is some folklore that describes wisp as malevolent, in my series I decided on a much more mutually beneficial relationship between heroes and swamp lights. Indeed, one of the creatures turns out to be such a helpful, adorable little thing that they've since become a reader favourite in the series.
🌟Curious about the creatures of The Diabolus Chronicles?
Check out the series page in my author store HERE.
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