| Poltergeist | |
|---|---|
 From the French magazine La Vie Mystérieuse in 1911. | |
|
Other Names |
Noisy Ghost, Rumble-Ghost, or Loud Spirit |
|
First Appearance |
German Folklore |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
In German folklore and ghostlore, a poltergeist is a type of ghost or spirit that is responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed. Most claims or fictional descriptions of poltergeists show them as being capable of pinching, biting, hitting, and tripping people. They are also depicted as capable of the movement or levitation of objects such as furniture and cutlery, or noises such as knocking on doors. Foul smells are also associated with poltergeist occurrences, as well as spontaneous fires and different electrical issues such as flickering lights.
The word poltergeist comes from the German language words poltern 'to make sound, to rumble' and Geist 'ghost, spirit' and the term itself translates as 'noisy ghost', 'rumble-ghost' or a 'loud spirit'.
Famous cases of claimed poltergeist activity include:
- Glenluce Devil (1654–1656)
- Drummer of Tedworth (1662)
- Mackie poltergeist (1695)
- Wesley poltergeist claim at Epworth Rectory (1716–1717)
- Hinton Ampner (1764–1771)
- Bell Witch of Tennessee (1817–1872)
- John Bovee Dods (1824)
- Bealings Bells (1834)
- Angelique Cottin (ca. 1846)
- Great Amherst Mystery (1878–1879)
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Poltergeist from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Poltergeists (1896)
- Encyclopædia Britannica (1911)
Public Domain Comic Appearances[]
- Eerie #11
- This Magazine is Haunted #13
- Black Magic #18
- Ghostly Tales #60
- Nightmare #2
- Treasure Comics 33
- Master Comics #40
- Amazing Ghost Stories #4
Notes[]
- The name of the Pokemon called Polteageist may be a combination of poltergeist and tea. It first appeared in Pokemon Sword & Shield.