Will-o’-the-Wisp: Monstrous Flame or Scientific Phenomenon? | Monstrum

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These elusive blue flames have been reported globally and inspired a wealth of folklore. But what exactly is a Will-o’-the-Wisp? Also commonly called “ignis fatuus” or “corpse-candle” the glowing atmospheric phenomenon has a reputation for causing mischief and even death. But are they really a supernatural phenomenon or something more worldly?

Drawing on over six hundred years of literature and lore, and more than 300 years of scientific exploration, this episode presents the mesmerizing lights in all their blazing glory—from ancient legends to scientific rationalizations. And no, they aren’t glowing owls. #willothewisp #ignisfatuus #MonstrumPBS

Written and Hosted by: Dr. Emily Zarka
Director: David Schulte
Executive Producer: Amanda Fox
Producer: Stephanie Noone
Illustrator: Samuel Allen
Editor: Derek Borsheim
Produced by Spotzen for PBS Digital Studios.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Allies, Jabez. On the Ignis Fatuus, or Will-o’-the-Wisp, and the Fairies. Worcester: Brighton and Co., 1846.

Andersen, Hans Christian. The will-o’-the-wisps are in town, and other new tales. Trans. A. Plesner and S. Rugeley-Powers, London: Alexander Strahan, 1867.

Briggs, Katharine. “Will-o’-the-Wisp.” An Encyclopedia of Fairies, 1976.

Clark, Cumberland. Shakespeare and Science. Haskell House Publishers Ltd., 1970.

Croker, Thomas Crofton. Fairy legends and traditions of the south of Ireland, 1825.