Cover photo: ottawagraphics, pixabay.com
It Is Fun to Be Scared!
According to a research carried out by doctors of Cleveland Clinic, “Several simultaneous processes are happening in our bodies when we’re frightened.” This chain of mechanism starts in the amygdala (the part of the brain in charge of decision-making, and, as the article explains, “fight or flight responses”), which releases adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline then triggers dopamine and endorphins, two hormones responsible for happiness and pleasure. But how on earth can happiness be compared to fear? As the article continues, it becomes clear that if we are frightened, we can really feel that we are alive. But not only that: fear also contributes to our survival, since it helps us to recognise dangerous situations, and urges us to run away.
Watching scary movies is a great way to experience fear without being in any life-threatening situation, since we understand that we are safe. We know that vampires and zombies don’t exist, they are just actors wearing masks and costumes, they don’t mean any harm – thus we can have fun, scream to let the excess stress out, and, as psychologist Chivonna Childs comments, “You experience the euphoria because you know you’re safe.” Childs further notes that living through fearsome situations and overcoming fear as a group contributes to the deepening of that relationship, and the mutual sense of accomplishment bonds people. Therefore, she advises every courageous volunteer to explore haunted locations in a group – gather your friends, we take care of everything else. All you have to do is just skim through our list and choose the most terrific destination!
The Most Famous Haunted Castles in Hungary
Villa “Kripta” (Fonyód) – The chamber of eternal love
In the early 20th century, Ödön Abrudbányai-Rédiger commissioned the building of the villa in Fonyód, near Lake Balaton – and behind its mesmerising façade lies a heartbreaking secret. The villa was built in memory of his first love, Magdus, who died tragically just a few weeks before the couple’s wedding. In the basement, the life-size marble statues depicting the couple found their final resting place on the marriage bed. Although the villa is currently closed, its premises are still worth a visit, since they offer a picturesque view of Lake Balaton.
Black Castle (Balatonederics) – Black widows, jealous murderers, and heartbroken husbands
Since we already mentioned Lake Balaton, we must draw your attention to the long-forgotten Black Castle that faithfully keeps the dark secrets of lovers. Since the 1920s, the male owners of the castle have ended their lives one after another: some due to their wives’ infidelity, others out of jealousy. It all started with the murder of the cook, after which the owner the castle ended his life; and the next owner committed suicide as well, followed by the widow’s next fiancé, who just ended up the same. Lastly, a minister counsellor met the same fate. The castle, now abandoned, is a popular destination among adventure seekers and ghost hunters.
Ó-Ebergény Castle Hotel (Vasszécseny) – A famous location for ghost sightings
Although this castle hotel near Szombathely was built in the 14th century, its paranormal phenomena have been observed only recently. Visitors have reported hearing strange voices and sounds in the building, and ghosts were allegedly seen on photographs they have taken. The building no longer operates as a hotel, but it’s still open to the public, and it can be rented out as a venue for family events.
Hollókő Castle (Hollókő) – Covenant between a witch and the devil
Located in Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this castle is most often visited at Easter for its colourful demonstration of Hungarian folk traditions. Its dark myths, however, are lesser-known. According to the folk tale, in the 13th century, a lord, András Kacsis was building a castle when he fell in love with the daughter of a landowner, but the girl rejected him. Accepting no refusal, András kidnapped the girl, unaware of the fact that her nanny practised witchcraft: the witch made a pact with the devil to free the young girl. The devil sent his sons disguised as ravens to carry away the stones of the castle the lord was building. However, instead of stealing them, the ravens placed the stones onto a nearby hill, where the Hollókő Castle was built (hence the name, since holló means raven and kő means stone in Hungarian).
Sirok Fortress (Sirok) – A tragic romance in the mountains of Mátra
Last but not least, we’d like to finish our list with one of the most well-known haunted castles in Hungary, located in the Mátra mountain range. The most famous myth of the fortress is the story of Gizella Kompolt, who swore after her father’s death that she would never fall in love, lest her heart get broken again. One day, seven knights arrived at the fortress, one of whom she eventually fell in love with, but the other six also claimed Gizella’s hand. During the night, a struggle broke out between the seven men, in which Gizella’s love died – consequently she killed his murderer, and threw herself down from the towering walls. Her weeping figure in a long, white dress is said to walk within the fortress to this day.
