World Myths
The myth of a corpse rising from the grave to do harm to the living is worldwide. All cultures have a variation on this myth differing only slightly in how they appear or sometimes why they turn into a revenant. The universality of this myth demonstrates the fear of death all humans have and a need to voice those fears. It also speaks to the fact that humans do not truly understand what death is or what it means.
It is interesting to look at the various types of revenants in the myths from other cultures. These creatures can tell us about the culture, their views on death and death rites. Since it’s simply impossible to cover them all, this section will introduce the myths from selected cultures.
It is interesting to look at the various types of revenants in the myths from other cultures. These creatures can tell us about the culture, their views on death and death rites. Since it’s simply impossible to cover them all, this section will introduce the myths from selected cultures.