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 we first meet will-o'-the-wisp in book two, The Verderer, where a cluster of them nearly run the Pitch and Silas off the road in their desperation to escape a pursuing monster.
I've gone against the malevolent reputation in my version of the will-o'-the-wisp, with one of the creatures being 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?
Then head to the series page to check out the books HERE.