It is almost Halloween, the day the Dead are returning to Earth. It is no coincidence that a day like this needs to be celebrated in Autumn, a season in which the days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting increasingly dreary. The leaves are falling from the trees, and there is an overall feeling of hatred towards the Earth for having to leave that glorious summer behind.
Even though I don’t celebrate Halloween, I always enjoy the atmosphere that comes with it, and while I am physically incapable of watching a horror movie (my eyes clamp shut, my body starts convulsing, and I throw myself at a pillow or a nearby person in order to avoid catching even the smallest glimpse of the things happening on the screen), I do love a good scary book. There is definitely something about sitting on the couch curled up with a book, and reading about the most terrifying events with the lights on, while outside it’s getting darker and darker, and the rain is pattering dismally against the panes.
My favourite scary books are those with a supernatural monster. The more unlikely the being presented in them, the more scared I am of them. My brain clearly doesn’t care about the unlikeliness of an immortal, bloodsucking creature raised from the dead (to name but one type of monster) coming after me; instead, it seems to be determined to make me so frightened that I have sleepless night after sleepless night, scared of every sound, and afraid to go to the bathroom for the fear of encountering a murderous creature.
Last year, I wrote a post about writing your own horror story, but this year I want to look at some classics. So, without further ado I present to you my personal Top Ten of Extremely Frightening Literary Monsters. With a daily countdown from ten to one, here are the worst, the scariest, the most frightening, the most dangerous, and the most memorable monsters ever put to paper. These are the ones that will keep you awake at night, aware of even the softest sound, and which will let your imagination run wild.
I won’t add any pictures, for the best type of fear is the one that you have made up for yourself and which is hinted at by the creators of these monsters. Let the words get to you, and chill you to the bone.
What is your favourite literary monster? Or does nothing ever scary you? Do share your opinion in the comments!
The Open Book 