As if cave-ins, explosions, and the risk of inhaling poisonous gas weren’t enough, some miners must also contend with tales of supernatural creatures living below the earth. Tales of ghostly miners exist around the world. Here are four of them.
It’s Flashback Friday! This time last year I posted about one of my favorite topics: Asian ghosts! Check out “18 Types of Ghosts from China and Japan” to learn about the countries’ amazingly specific spirits. I’ve also written “11 of Japan’s Most Bizarre Supernatural Beings” and “Ghosts Around the Globe: Thailand’s Krasue.”
Want to share an Asian ghost legend or experience? Click here or email ghostsghoul@gmail.com!
In Thailand, a krasue is the spirit of a beautiful young woman that manifests as a floating head with internal organs trailing below the neck. An eerie glow accompanies the krasue as it floats up and down the countryside, searching for blood to drink or raw flesh to consume. Cambodians know this horrifying specter as an ap, while Laotians call it a kasu. Similar spirits appear in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
According to Thai folklore, krasues pose a real danger to pregnant women. Tales speak of floating heads that attempt to slay babies within the womb or devour expelled placentas. If there aren’t any pregnant women around, a krasue might feast on cattle, chicken, or even feces.
A domovoi or domovoy is a spirit in Slavic folklore dedicated to keeping peace and order in a household. Every home traditionally has a domovoi which may help out with chores or protect family members.
Descriptions vary, but the standard domovoi is a small, masculine creature covered in hair and sporting a beard. Domovye (plural of domovoi) might also take on the appearance of cat or dog or even the homeowner himself.
Though often friendly, a domovoi is not something to anger. When displeased, domovye behave much like poltergeists, rattling objects, banging on walls, and leaving muddy footprints in the home. Poor housekeeping and profane language draw the ire of these household spirits (well, my family is screwed) said to live under stoves or thresholds.
Dancing with the Stars’ Karina Smirnoff believes she was once attacked by a domovoi. The Ukraine-born dancer shared her creepy experience on a 2010 episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories. Sightings of domovye continue today with some Russians and Ukrainians claiming to have caught the creatures on tape.
See also: “Shubin: The Ghost of Ukraine’s Mines“
Have you spotted a domovoi in your house? Share your story here!
