Will’ O’ the Wisp Concepts
For a recent project, I wanted to try and create a new character that would fit into the world of Rise of the Guardians. I started researching different cultural tales and interpretations for Will o’ the Wisps and discovered Jack o’ lanterns were referred to as a similar phenomenon. In Ireland and Scotland, they have a tale of a man named “Stingy Jack” who would play pranks on both the people and the devil. He eventually was denied entry into both heaven and hell and was given a piece of burning coal, to which he placed into a carved turnip to light his way back home. This is where “Jack o’ Lanterns come from. People began carving scary faces onto turnips to scare off Stingy Jack. Eventually, turnips evolved to pumpkins, once the folks moved to the Americas and discovered pumpkins are way easier to carve.
Another representation I found for Will’ o’ the wisps are Link-Boys from the 18th century (young boys who would carry torches for people in the dark for a bit of coin).
The basic background story I ended up on for this character is a mischievous, playful, and adventurous 11 year-old boy who drowned in a bog while trying to chase away some will’ o’ the wisp flames. He does this with his light to save travelers from falling into the dangerous traps the wisps tend to lead people to.
Due to his courageous/adventurous center and selfless act, he’s chosen to come back as, not yet as a guardian, but a spirit that resides in boggy/swampy dark areas to protect the travelers who enter. He’ll still play the occasional harmless prank though, such as suddenly blowing out the torch when travelers follow too closely in the dark forests.
I’m very much still in the character concept phase (including maybe changing his background story) so if anyone does have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
Thank you for reading this lengthy bit of text all the way to this point! ( ･᷄ὢ･᷅ )
I really do love the world of Rise of the Guardians, and I hope this character will stays true to at least the movie!