Will o’ the Wisps

Will o’ the Wisps are apparitions said to appear in swamps. They appear as lights hovering above the bog, almost like the flame of a lantern. Many tales describe their intent as malicious, meaning to draw travelers away from the path and into the dangerous water. In other stories, however, their appearance is a sign of treasure nearby. The Will o’ the Wisp is primarily found in European myths, but similar apparitions have been seen in many parts of the world.

Because of the widespread stories about these fiery apparitions, people have called them many different things throughout history. Some other common names include ‘Jack o’ Lanterns’, ‘Friar’s Lanterns’, ‘Hinkeypunks’, and ‘Ignis Fatuus’, though ‘Will o’ the Wisp’ is the most common name. The name is thought to have originally been ‘Will of the Wisp’, ‘Will’ being a common name and ‘wisp’ meaning a bundle of sticks and paper used as a torch. 

Folklore offers many explanations for the origin of these strange bog lights. Some say they’re the spirits of unbaptized children or lost travelers, while others say that they’re orbs of mystical fire held by mischievous goblins. Today, scientists believe this phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction between phosphine and methane produced by decaying organic matter. This reaction causes the methane to spontaneously combust, creating a fire not unlike common descriptions of Will o’ the Wisps.

Next time you find yourself passing a wetland at midnight, take a moment to search the vegetation for a glimpse of light, whether it be a distant house, the reflection of a passing car’s headlights, or, just maybe, something more supernatural.