A ghost is a spirit that has not passed through to the other side of death and is unable or unwilling to leave their earthbound home. This is often associated with a violent death and the spirit’s reluctance to move on or reconcile their experiences with their final moments of life (compare possession).
They are said to appear as ethereal beings or shadows, but they may also interact with people by touching them or omitting odours. They can also cause noises and a feeling of uneasiness. In the past, a haunted place was considered to be the location of an untold story and ghosts were often associated with a specific event that occurred there. For example, many stories are associated with the spectral armies of the 17th century English Civil War or World War I.
The ethereal quality of ghosts makes them difficult to describe. They do not appear solid or tangible, yet they can pass through doors and slam them shut. Their form can be more or less human-like, but they sometimes take on the form of inanimate objects like hats, canes and dresses.
Ghosts can be benevolent or evil. However, the most terrifying ghosts are those that died with immense hatred and become demons. These can attack people or obliterate cities. Other types of vengeful spirits include jealous ghosts that seek revenge on those they feel have done them wrong, or regretful ghosts that ask the living to help them fulfill their last wishes.