For Some reason, I've had Will o' the Wisps (Willow the Wisp; Jack o' Lantern; Will o' wisp etc.) on the brain for the last few weeks.

I've always liked Will o' the wisps as a fantasy spirit, but I like to make a distinction between Will o' the Wisps and other similar creatures. (Eg: Jack o' Lantern) so, here is some home made Mythology.

Will o' the Wisps are generally seen off in the distance as small lantern lights. Rarely do travelers get close enough to distinguish the true form of this astounding creature.

This creature, is essentially an unfortunate lure. The bobbing light in the distance gives lonely travellers the hope of company on a dark night. And so, a traveller will move towards the light, following it, and trying to catch up.

In this instance, where Jack o' Lanterns will lure a traveler to their death, a Will o' the Wisp is simply trying to escape the traveler. Will o' the Wisps are shy creatures, and they wish nothing more than an undisturbed night of frolicking on the deserted moors. Should a traveller actually manage to catch a Will o' the Wisp, they will encounter a pitifully frightened child like creature.

It must be noted, that travellers who find themselves following a Will o' the wisp, could consider themselves lucky. For while they may become hopelessly lost, they are in no immediate danger from this tiny creature. The same cannot be said for it's cousin, the Jack o' Lantern.

A traveller lured by a Jack o' Lantern is unlikely to see another dawn, as they are led off to the Jack o' Lantern's nest, where a pack of angry Jack o' Lanterns will feast on their victim.



This image is my idea of a Will o' the Wisp. He also reminds me of a nursery rhyme, I think it's Wee Willy Winkie. I found it a challenging picture, trying to convey both lantern light, and the extremities of Will's hat becomming a white smoke.