Thanks Richard, there will be more like this to come in the future. But first, I have to order some more obscure books ;) (or maybe I'll just write about more of Sumrall's cases because he has no shortage of them)
I'm glad you enjoyed. Nothing is more fun for me than exposing people to these obsure stories of weirdness. There will be more of these in the future, as the occult and paranormal is a hyper-fixation of mine.
I may not be a believer in the paranormal, (nor am I a staunch nonbeliever, by the by) but that doesn't stop me from finding tales like this absolutely fascinating. Real or no, stories of this kind are immensely compelling in their strange and eerie nature. Your recounting of it is quite compelling in its own right.
That's really the thing - whether it happened or it didn't, it's still a Hell of a story. I also appreciate the kind words. I try to add a little something of my own into the mix to make the narrative more interesting and, most importantly, differentiate it from anyone else who might cover it. A lot of paranormal podcasts and coverage is very dry and basically boils down to either one guy reading a Wikipedia article or a group of drunken friends making jokes, and I just really don't like either.
Well, unpleasantness aside, this ended better than I thought it would for all concerned. Other than the demon girl, I guess, but even she apparently got off scot free. You're right that this one has a beguiling quality where it switches between a kind of anime-like (or even almost Ghibli-like) "kids on an adventure" fantasy and a grimmer demonic possession story. Could definitely see this both as a movie and as the romanticized Ghibli version.
"At the time, it was not uncommon for citizens from what were considered third-world nations to serve in the Navy - especially those from the Philippines"
To this day, there's a common stereotype/saying that everyone serving on Norwegian ships other than the officers are Filipinos.
Anyway, thanks for this. Don't have all that much to add, but appreciate the write-up and the storytelling.
Oh, I'm sure the demon girl had to answer to her higher ups when she got back to wherever she was from about how she bungled this one. And if her superiors are as I expect them to be, they're not the type who are gracious enough to let a subordinate disappoint them twice ;)
That being said, Ghibli was absolutely something I thought of when I read the story. For as "whimsical" as their movies can be, many of them - even the lighter ones - have an sinister undertone to them. Spirited Away is a perfect fairy tale in that way (it also predictably spooked me as a kid).
I appreciate seeing you back in my comment sections again - I always look forward to your input, regardless of how much of it there it.
Indeed, I too noticed the combination of whimsical fantasy and sinister undertone in this story. In addition to those mentioned, other examples include Pinocchio and the Neverending Story.
The Bible actually has remarkably little to say about demons. Are they in the Abyss? Are they roaming about? Both? And why? And how much of a role do they play in every day affairs?
My personal take, based on the remarkably consistent Satanic bent of our leaders in media and politics, is that demons are very active.
What a wonderful tale.
Fantastic and well written too!
Love your work, keep it up and i hope to read more in the future.
Thanks Richard, there will be more like this to come in the future. But first, I have to order some more obscure books ;) (or maybe I'll just write about more of Sumrall's cases because he has no shortage of them)
This has been a great series. Absolutely fascinating tale. Thanks, YA!
I'm glad you enjoyed. Nothing is more fun for me than exposing people to these obsure stories of weirdness. There will be more of these in the future, as the occult and paranormal is a hyper-fixation of mine.
Two subjects that I happen to enjoy thoroughly as well!
I may not be a believer in the paranormal, (nor am I a staunch nonbeliever, by the by) but that doesn't stop me from finding tales like this absolutely fascinating. Real or no, stories of this kind are immensely compelling in their strange and eerie nature. Your recounting of it is quite compelling in its own right.
That's really the thing - whether it happened or it didn't, it's still a Hell of a story. I also appreciate the kind words. I try to add a little something of my own into the mix to make the narrative more interesting and, most importantly, differentiate it from anyone else who might cover it. A lot of paranormal podcasts and coverage is very dry and basically boils down to either one guy reading a Wikipedia article or a group of drunken friends making jokes, and I just really don't like either.
Well, unpleasantness aside, this ended better than I thought it would for all concerned. Other than the demon girl, I guess, but even she apparently got off scot free. You're right that this one has a beguiling quality where it switches between a kind of anime-like (or even almost Ghibli-like) "kids on an adventure" fantasy and a grimmer demonic possession story. Could definitely see this both as a movie and as the romanticized Ghibli version.
"At the time, it was not uncommon for citizens from what were considered third-world nations to serve in the Navy - especially those from the Philippines"
To this day, there's a common stereotype/saying that everyone serving on Norwegian ships other than the officers are Filipinos.
Anyway, thanks for this. Don't have all that much to add, but appreciate the write-up and the storytelling.
Oh, I'm sure the demon girl had to answer to her higher ups when she got back to wherever she was from about how she bungled this one. And if her superiors are as I expect them to be, they're not the type who are gracious enough to let a subordinate disappoint them twice ;)
That being said, Ghibli was absolutely something I thought of when I read the story. For as "whimsical" as their movies can be, many of them - even the lighter ones - have an sinister undertone to them. Spirited Away is a perfect fairy tale in that way (it also predictably spooked me as a kid).
I appreciate seeing you back in my comment sections again - I always look forward to your input, regardless of how much of it there it.
Indeed, I too noticed the combination of whimsical fantasy and sinister undertone in this story. In addition to those mentioned, other examples include Pinocchio and the Neverending Story.
Such a welcome departure from the political doom I almost invariably allow to grab my attention. 🥴 Fascinating and well told!
Thank you for the kind words, I'm happy to offer an alternative because I, too, also grow very, very weary of political doomscrolling.
Great essay, thank you.
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
The Bible actually has remarkably little to say about demons. Are they in the Abyss? Are they roaming about? Both? And why? And how much of a role do they play in every day affairs?
My personal take, based on the remarkably consistent Satanic bent of our leaders in media and politics, is that demons are very active.