Dance of the Will-o'-Wisps

The Heralds of Misfortune

Summary

In the dead of night, when no stars shine and the moon is new, the Will-o'-Wisps come out to dance. They gather by the hundreds in places that have seen suffering and death aplenty. At ancient ruins and abandoned graveyards, they converge, flitting this way and that way, weaving among themselves.
But there are whispers that they sometimes gather in places that have seen no such suffering. And when they do, you would do best to steer clear of that place.
Still others say that those Will-o'-Wisps are the souls of the people who have died at the place of gathering. Those, who have not received a proper burial. Frantically searching for their body - or any body for that matter - so their souls can finally be at rest.

Historical Basis

This phenomenon was first observed in the Age of Illusions in the Wasteland and has since been observed in places at well. The reason for the Will-o'-Wisps' strange behavior is unclear, there is, however, plenty of speculation.

Spread

Most people have heard of this myth at least in passing. A small few have even witnessed the dancing of the Will-o'-Wisps themselves. It is commonly described as eerie, hauntingly beautiful, and alarmingly mesmerizing.

Cultural Reception

In some areas, the dance of the Will-o'-Wisps is treated as a bad omen, and they are considered Harbingers of Misfortune. Inhabitants of those areas will generally avoid going outside on the nights of the new moon. Some even go as far as making an offering to the Gods to protect them from any misfortune the Will-o'-Wisps might bring with them.

Written for Spooktober
Prompt 16: Dance

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Date of First Recording

The Age of Illusions
Newgrowth 23, 560