The decision to write horror folklore was a long time calling. Crafting a story within this genre required a delicate balance of imagination, historical accuracy and a journey that involved rigorous research and creative development. There are stories from my past and culture that have been both thrilling and terrifying. Writing Indian folk horror was not just about conjuring up scares, as these narratives are rooted in traditions and superstitions in my culture. Developing supernatural stories and meeting them with researched cultural truths was an intricate process.
Familial Influence
Every great story starts with a spark of inspiration. For folklore horror, this often comes from a fascination with particular myths, legends, and oral storytelling. In my case, this creative flame was kindled in the heart of Maharashtra. I grew up in Mumbai & Nagpur, listening to stories told over and over again by my Aaji (grandmother). During those hot summer holidays, my Aaji shared tales that shaped my perspective of the supernatural forever. I would be completely captivated as she recounted elaborate tales of interactions with goddesses, witches, and demons. As a wide-eyed 10-year-old Trupti, picturing my Aaji dealing with the supernatural was both exciting and terrifying. She was my hero! What made these stories even more captivating was the simplicity with which my Aaji recounted her experiences. I would lay my head on her arm, fiddling with her flawlessly draped nine-yard saree, as she straightforwardly recounted her stories. There were no dramatic flourishes, no exaggerated gestures; just the raw, unadorned truth as she remembered it. Her voice was steady and unwavering.
My dad, on the other hand, was an animated storyteller. His storytelling skills were like stepping into a whole new world, a world where his words painted vivid pictures in my mind. With each tale, he transported me to realms of horror, making me feel as though I were right there alongside the characters he brought to life. His voice would rise and fall with the tension of the plot, his gestures adding a touch of drama to the narrative. As he delved into the details, his stories became more than just words - they became experiences. I could almost feel the chill of the wintry night, and hear the footsteps of the approaching witch and her wailing baby. The sound effects he used made the stories come alive, sending shivers down my spine and leaving me on the edge of my seat. Even after the tales ended, this fear lingered in the air. As I lay in bed, wide-eyed and filled with a mix of fear and fascination, I could still hear the echoes of my dad's narration, his voice weaving its way through my nightmares.
Their stories, steeped in folklore, became the foundation upon which inspired my creative journey.
Diving into Research
The history, geography, and cultural practices of Maharashtra are closely connected with its folklore and traditions. These include Mythology of goddesses, Sacred trees, tribal lives, haunted forts, wandering spirits, protective deities, and mystical legends, providing insights into the beliefs and creative minds of the locals. Whether shared through festivals, literature, or oral narratives, these tales remain captivating and chilling, retaining their significance in modern culture.
Fig. 1 S. M. Edwardes, By-Ways Of Bombay, 1912
The development of my folklore included sourcing materials from books, academic papers, maps, prints, catalogues, photographs and gazetteers. I initiated the process by frequenting libraries, engaging with folklore societies, cultural societies, and museums and conducting archival investigations to uncover its origins. Understanding its origins, variations, and the cultural context in which it exists was crucial. This helped in portraying the myth accurately and respectfully.
Exploring themes and motifs
I explored different cultures across India, including Assamese demonology, rituals related to sacred trees, folklore surrounding wells, and cults, while also drawing parallels to Islamic, Zoroastrian, and Buddhist traditions. Whether it is the varied gods in Hindu mythology, the eerie tales from medieval Europe, or the intricate beliefs of Christianity, these stories express common themes of good versus evil, safeguarding, and the supernatural.
The fascination with these age-old stories and traditions resides in their ability to provide insight into the shared consciousness of civilizations across time. Looking into these domains has enabled me to reveal the complex web of human creativity and the diverse approaches various societies have taken to comprehend the mysterious. Whether exploring the Greek myths portraying divinities and champions or delving into the folklore of native communities recounting tales of spiritual beings and natural gods, each narrative presents a distinct viewpoint on the universe and our role in it.
Essentially, my interest in myths and folklore goes beyond mere entertainment or curiosity; it represents a deep dive into the human experience and the lasting impact of storytelling. These age-old narratives remain relevant in our lives, reminding us of our common humanity and the lasting influence of our shared imagination.
The representation of power and femininity in folklore through symbolism
My first step was identifying a focal point – a myth that scares and resonates on a deeper, cultural level. Folklore and mythology across cultures offer profound insights into how societies perceive and interpret femininity and power. These narratives often feature female figures who embody both nurturing and malevolent aspects, using symbolism to convey deeper meanings about gender, morality, and the supernatural. Here’s an exploration of how malevolent power and femininity are represented through symbolism in various cultural traditions:
In Hindu mythology, Kali (See Fig. 2) embodies both nurturing and destructive forces, symbolizing the duality of feminine power. Often depicted with a garland of skulls, a skirt of severed arms, and blood dripping from her tongue, symbolizes the destructive and protective aspects of feminine power. Her wild hair represents freedom and untamed nature. Kali embodies the fierce, maternal energy that destroys evil to protect the righteous. Her terrifying appearance challenges conventional notions of femininity and underscores the complexity of female power.
Hariti (See Fig. 3) is initially depicted as a Rakshasi(demoness) who abducts and devours children. This portrayal underscores a malevolent power associated with femininity, particularly focusing on the subversion of maternal roles. Her cannibalistic acts represent a perversion of motherhood, transforming nurturing into destruction. This extreme behaviour highlights the fear of unchecked feminine power and its potential for chaos.
Hariti, initially a child-eating demoness is converted by the Buddha into a protector of children. She is often depicted holding a child, symbolizing transformation from malevolence to benevolence. The portrayal of Hariti and her change may indicate concerns within a patriarchal society regarding strong women and the desire to manage and tame their power.
Hariti is a moral example, highlighting the importance of kindness, understanding, and the responsible use of power for the benefit of society. This folklore uses symbolism through Hariti to offer profound observations about human behaviour and societal standards, addressing the fears and aspirations related to female empowerment.
Interplay themes within Qarinah, Succubus, Lilith
The Qarinah is a demoness in Islamic mythology, often associated with sleep paralysis and nocturnal disturbances. The term "Qarinah" can also refer to a spirit that accompanies an individual throughout their life, but its more malevolent depiction aligns it with themes of fear and control. Their association with sleep paralysis reflects the fear of losing control and being vulnerable, particularly during sleep, a time when one is supposed to be at rest and safe. Her intrusion into the private, intimate space of the bedroom signifies societal anxieties about female sexuality and its perceived dangers.
Having its roots in medieval Christian demonology, the Succubus (See Fig. 4) symbolizes the alluring threat of uncontrolled female sexuality. She is renowned for luring men and draining their life energy, frequently through intimate encounters. Portraying the intense and risky aspect of sexual longing, specifically the apprehension that it may dominate rational thinking and result in one's ruin. The Succubus commonly acts as a cautionary tale concerning the perils of yielding to physical desires, which are depicted as corruptive and spiritually harmful.
Lilith (See Fig. 5) is a figure in Jewish mythology who is often depicted as Adam's first wife, created from the same earth, and who refuses to be subservient to him. She is later transformed into a demoness, embodying aspects of rebellion, independence, and vengeance. Lilith's refusal to submit to Adam's authority symbolizes a broader resistance to patriarchal control and the assertion of female independence. In later myths, Lilith is depicted as a threat to children and pregnant women, intertwining themes of motherhood with malevolence, reflecting deep fears about female reproductive power and its potential to harm.
Folklore provides insight into how societies perceive and express their fears concerning female power, sexuality, and independence through characters like the Qarinah, Succubus, and Lilith. These mythical beings, originating from various cultural and religious backgrounds, symbolically and profoundly represent these ideas. All three figures utilize sexuality as a means of asserting power, challenging the societal norms and expectations imposed on women. They represent a form of resistance against male authority, whether through direct rebellion, as seen in Lilith's case, or through subtle manipulation, as demonstrated by the Succubus and Qarinah. These entities evoke both fear and fascination, highlighting the mixed emotions societies harbour towards strong, self-reliant women who defy traditional gender roles.
Writing Folklore with "Save the Cat" Principles
Crafting an engaging folklore seemed very challenging. I employed the Save the Cat method, introduced by screenwriter Blake Snyder, which provides a systematic approach that can be adjusted for crafting folklore narratives. A clear structure helped with keeping my story logical and engaging. It ensured that each part of my story served a purpose and kept the audience hooked. Snyder’s rules also focus on making characters relatable. By giving them clear motivations, flaws, and moments that show their humanity, one can make the audience care about what happens to them.
Snyder's Beat Sheet breaks a story into 15 essential parts, ensuring it flows well and keeps the audience interested. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Opening Image: A snapshot of the world before the story starts.
Theme Stated: A hint at the story’s main message.
Set-Up: Introduce the main character and their world.
Catalyst: An event that changes everything for the main character.
Debate: The main character hesitates before deciding to act.
Break into Two: The character commits to their journey.
B Story: A subplot that supports the main story.
Fun and Games: The main action of the story, where the character explores their new world.
Midpoint: A big event that changes the direction of the story.
Bad Guys Close In: Challenges and threats intensify.
All Is Lost: The character hit their lowest point.
Dark Night of the Soul: The character reflects and finds a new resolve.
Break into Three: The character decides on a final plan.
Finale: The climax where the character faces the biggest challenge.
Final Image: A closing scene that shows the change in the character or world.
Scrivener
Writing a horror story requires careful focus on details, a thorough exploration of fear, and a strong organizational ability to craft a narrative that will engage and frighten readers. Utilizing tools such as Scrivener greatly enhanced my writing experience. It offered a versatile platform designed to handle the complexities of long-form storytelling.
Being able to use this program on both my iPad and iMac gave me the flexibility to synchronize the project across both devices. This program allowed me to experiment with diverse narrative structures and explore different viewpoints. I successfully navigated the complexities of crafting a horror novel with ease, enabling me to focus on enhancing the elements that would evoke both fear and fascination in my audience.
Crafting the Horror
I crafted a folklore by reflecting on the challenges and significant events that have influenced my perspective. I immersed myself in my cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from traditions and wisdom passed down through generations. This journey of self-discovery led me to uncover profound insights and truths that became the foundation of my folklore world. Every aspect of my experiences, beliefs, and values intertwined to bring depth and authenticity to the stories I created. Through this creative process, I paid tribute to my ancestors while establishing a strong link between the past and the future. The folklore I crafted continues to captivate and inspire those who engage with it.
Although my first draft was flawed, receiving feedback from friends, family, mentors, and peers, particularly those well-versed in the folklore or culture being discussed, was extremely beneficial. Their suggestions highlighted errors, suggested improvements, and ensured the authenticity and sensitivity of the story.
Writing folk horror is an arduous but immensely rewarding journey. It’s a dance between the real and the imaginary, a task of bringing ancient myths to life in a way that captivates and terrifies modern readers. Through meticulous research, careful crafting, and deep respect for the source material, folk horror can transcend mere storytelling, offering a glimpse into the soul of a culture and the universal fears that unite us all.
Whether you're a budding writer or a fan of horror, keep in mind that the most captivating stories are those based on reality - even if that reality is veiled in chilling folklore.
Arts Council England funded this Research and Development into Writing folklore