Brave Movie Spirits: Unraveling the Mystery of the Wisps

The movie Brave, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released in 2012, is a beautifully animated film that takes audiences on a thrilling adventure through the Scottish Highlands. The story revolves around Merida, a fiery and independent princess who defies tradition to follow her own path. However, the incident that sets off the chain of events leading to Merida's decision is shrouded in mystery, courtesy of the enigmatic wisps.

These wisps are not your average movie spirits; they are malevolent entities with a penchant for causing trouble and chaos. In fact, they are responsible for everything bad that happens in the film, from Mor'du's attack on Merida's father to the subsequent events that unfold. But what exactly are these wisps, and where do they come from?

According to Scottish folklore, will-o'-the-wisps are believed to be the ghosts of the dead, which fits perfectly with Brave's depiction of them as vengeful spirits. In Scotland, these spirits are known as Spunkies, and they have a reputation for being one of the most malevolent entities in folklore. They have been blamed for shipwrecks and other disasters, and are said to lead travelers deep into the marshes where they get lost and drown.

But what's interesting is that not all folklore about will-o'-the-wisps describes them as spirits of the dead. In some stories, they are believed to be candles or lanterns held by faeries or pixies. This ambiguity has given rise to a lot of speculation and myth-making over the years, with many people believing that will-o'-the-wisps are actually real.

And, surprisingly, they are! Will-o'-the-wisps are a type of bioluminescent organism found in marshes and other wetland areas. These weird lights have fascinated people for centuries, leading to all sorts of tales and legends about their origins and powers.

Brave's depiction of the wisps has likely introduced many people to this fascinating aspect of folklore, and has sparked a renewed interest in the stories and myths surrounding these enigmatic creatures. Whether you believe them to be malevolent spirits or harmless faeries, there's no denying that will-o'-the-wisps are a captivating subject that continues to capture our imagination.

Brave movie spirits