The Paranormal Digest for Jan 31, 2026

Witches, shapeshifting dolphins, and more

I am well aware that none of you are here for a weather report, but since we experience snow so infrequently in my part of the world, it does feel like a situation worth mentioning. The heat is on, I am wrapped in my favorite horror-themed blankie, and I now ready to spread the chills with this week’s digest. I am also introducing a bit of a new theme this week for the images, which I hope you all like. Let’s get to the spooky stuff.

Haunted Location - Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill in England is a very popular spot with hikers and campers, and while some go there for the challenge of the climb, others go in search of the supernatural. Back in 1612, the location was used for witch trials, with ordinary women tried and put to death, accused of all manner of things like common illnesses. In all, 12 women were accused of being witches and using black magic. Some say those women can still be seen and heard to this day.

Urban Legend - The Beast of Gevaudan

We now head to France, specifically between 1764-1767. During that period of time, the Gevaudan region experienced death at an alarming rate, with as many as 300 people believed to have been killed during that period. The deaths were all similar in that there were vicious animal attacks, leading locals to believe that a singular beast was responsible for the slaughter. It should be noted, though, that there was a wolf problem in the region at that time. Once that issue was addressed, the killings stopped, but the legend of the Beast of Gevaudan lived on.

Creepy Cryptid - Encantado

Urban legends usually involve some horrific person or creature, but that is not the case with the Encantado. This creature is a rather pretty Amazonian river dolphin by day, but at night, he takes human form and emerges from the depths of the river. He is especially active during festivals, where his beauty is often admired by the local ladies, some of whom he lures back to the water and takes to the mystical underwater city of Encante. This is almost certainly a morality tale aimed at young women in this culture, but it is a fun one.

Video of the Week - The Witches of Pendle Hill

I was torn about whether to have an overnight camping investigation of the hill or something about the history. I opted for the latter, but you will have zero problem finding the other variety of videos there, as it is a popular spot for paranormal YouTubers.

Free Horror Book of the Week - The Roots of Hollow Creek by Catherine Hill

Since a lot of what I am talking about this week falls into the folk horror type genre, I thought it might be a good idea to follow that trail. Be aware that the free books I post here might only be available at that price on the day in which I post this, so be sure to go in and grab The Roots of Hollow Creek by Catherine Hill before it goes back to full price.

Deadly Drabble - Blood Mountain

The trail ended at the base of a sheer cliff face. The rock was smooth, with no handholds in sight. The only blemish was a singular crack running from the base to as high as the eye could see.

The hiker removed his knife and sliced the blade across his thumb. He inserted the bleeding digit into the crack and saw his future play out behind closed eyes.

With a smile, he plucked his thumb free, safe in the knowledge that he could continue to kill with no fear of ever being caught.

Life was good and the blood better.

Random Weirdness - The Frozen Hill People

This creepy old legend takes place in Vermont, where dirt poor hill farmers would take their sick and elderly out into the fields and put them in cold storage through the winter months, only to then thaw them out and put them to work when spring arrived. Less mouths to feed in the winter meant that the rest of the family could survive the harsh months.

Well, that’s an unpleasant way to end this week. I hope you all stay warm and fed through the winter snap we are experiencing, and I hope to see you all again next week.