GHOST STORY FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR KIDS

Story 1
In the lush tropical forests of Indonesia, there was a legend of a powerful creature known as the
Garuda. According to the legend, the Garuda was a giant bird-like creature with wings that spanned
the length of the forest canopy.

The Garuda was said to be the mount of the Hindu god Vishnu, and it was revered as a symbol of
power and strength. It was believed that the Garuda possessed supernatural powers and was
invincible in battle.

One day, a small village was attacked by a group of bandits. The villagers were helpless and didn't
know what to do. Just as they were about to give up hope, they saw the shadow of a giant bird-like
creature soaring through the sky. The creature was the Garuda.

The Garuda landed in the center of the village and faced the bandits. With a powerful screech, it
spread its wings and soared into the sky, swooping down to attack the bandits. The bandits were
terrified and fled the village in fear.

The Garuda became the protector of the village and continued to defend the villagers from any
threat. The villagers praised the Garuda and built a temple in its honor. They would offer sacrifices
and pray to the Garuda for protection and guidance.

From that day on, the Garuda became a beloved symbol of power and protection in Indonesia. The
legend of the Garuda was passed down from generation to generation, and the Garuda was
celebrated in art, literature, and even on the national emblem of Indonesia.

The Garuda became a reminder to the people of Indonesia that no matter how small they may seem,
they can always find strength and protection in the powerful and mythical creatures of their folklore.
Story 2
In ancient India, there was a legendary king named Vikramaditya who was known for his
wisdom, bravery, and justice. Vikramaditya ruled his kingdom with compassion and fairness,
and his people loved and respected him greatly.
One day, a sage visited Vikramaditya's court and presented him with a challenge. The sage
placed a throne in the center of the court and told Vikramaditya that the throne belonged to
a powerful and wise demon named Baital.
The sage challenged Vikramaditya to bring Baital to him, seated on the throne. But there
was a catch – Baital was known to be a trickster who would engage in a riddle game with his
captor. If Vikramaditya failed to answer Baital's riddles, the demon would return to his lair
and the king would fail the challenge.
Undeterred, Vikramaditya set out to capture Baital. He traveled to the demon's lair and was
confronted by Baital, who immediately challenged him to a riddle game.
For 24 nights, Vikramaditya carried Baital on his back, with the demon asking riddles along
the way. Each night, Vikramaditya would answer the riddle correctly, and Baital would tell
him a story related to the answer.
On the 25th night, Baital posed a difficult riddle that stumped Vikramaditya. The demon
immediately flew back to his lair, leaving Vikramaditya to return home defeated.
But as he was leaving, Baital praised Vikramaditya for his intelligence, wisdom, and bravery.
He told Vikramaditya that he had learned much from the king, and that he would always be
watching over him and his kingdom.
Vikramaditya returned home to his people, who welcomed him with open arms. They
celebrated his bravery and intelligence, and they were grateful to have such a wise and just
ruler.
The legend of Vikramaditya and Baital became a beloved story in India, passed down from
generation to generation. It taught people the importance of intelligence, bravery, and
justice, and it reminded them that even the most powerful and dangerous beings could be
defeated with wit and wisdom.
Story 3
In ancient China, there was a wise and just emperor named Huangdi, who was revered by his people
for his wisdom and fairness. One day, the emperor was visited by a wise sage named Xuanyuan, who
presented him with a challenge.

Xuanyuan told the emperor that he had discovered a powerful dragon living in the nearby river. The
dragon was causing destruction and chaos in the surrounding villages, and Xuanyuan challenged the
emperor to capture the dragon and bring it to his court.

The emperor was unsure of how to capture a dragon, but he knew that he had to protect his people
from its destructive power. So he gathered his bravest warriors and set out to capture the dragon.

After many days of searching, the emperor and his warriors finally found the dragon. The dragon was
fierce and powerful, breathing fire and thrashing its tail. But the emperor was determined to capture
the dragon and bring it to justice.

With great courage, the emperor and his warriors engaged the dragon in battle. They fought
valiantly, dodging its fire breath and attacking its scales with their weapons. Finally, after a long and
grueling battle, they were able to subdue the dragon and bring it to the emperor's court.

The emperor was praised for his bravery and wisdom, and his people celebrated his victory over the
dragon. But the emperor knew that he could not keep the dragon locked up forever. So he made a
wise decision and released the dragon back into the river, with a promise to protect his people from
its destructive power.

The legend of Huangdi and the dragon became a beloved story in China, passed down from
generation to generation. It taught people the importance of bravery, wisdom, and compassion, and
it reminded them that even the most powerful creatures could be defeated with courage and
perseverance.
Story 4
One of the most famous and enduring legends from Scotland is that of the sword in the stone, which
tells the tale of a young boy named Arthur who is destined to become king.

According to the legend, the sword was embedded in a large stone, and a prophecy proclaimed that
whoever was able to remove the sword from the stone would become the rightful king of Scotland.

Many warriors and knights tried to remove the sword, but none were successful, until one day a
young boy named Arthur came to the stone. Despite his youth and lack of experience, Arthur was
able to pull the sword from the stone with ease, proving himself to be the true king of Scotland.

As the legend goes, Arthur went on to become a great and noble king, revered by his people for his
wisdom, courage, and compassion. He established the Knights of the Round Table, a group of brave
knights who swore to uphold the virtues of chivalry and protect the people of Scotland.

Under Arthur's leadership, Scotland enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity, and the legend of the
sword in the stone became a symbol of the power and legitimacy of Scotland's rulers.

The story of the sword in the stone has been retold in many forms over the centuries, including in
the famous medieval romance "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory, and it continues to
captivate the imaginations of people all over the world.
Story 5
One of the most famous legends from Japan is the story of the 47 Ronin, also known as the
"Ako Incident". This story tells of a group of samurai who avenged the death of their lord,
despite facing immense danger and risking their own lives.
The legend begins in the early 18th century, when the shogun, or military ruler of Japan,
appointed a samurai named Lord Asano to host a reception for a powerful and influential
court official. However, the official, named Kira, was known for his arrogance and contempt
towards the samurai, and he insulted and belittled Lord Asano during the reception.
Unable to tolerate Kira's insults any longer, Lord Asano drew his sword and attacked Kira.
This was a grave offense against the shogun's law, and Lord Asano was ordered to commit
seppuku, a form of ritual suicide.
After Lord Asano's death, his samurai were left without a leader, and they became known as
ronin, or masterless samurai. For over a year, the ronin plotted their revenge against Kira,
who remained unpunished for his role in Lord Asano's death.
Finally, on a snowy night in December, the ronin launched their attack on Kira's home, killing
him and avenging their lord's death. Knowing that they had broken the shogun's law and
faced certain death, the ronin turned themselves in to the authorities and were sentenced
to commit seppuku.
The story of the 47 Ronin became a symbol of loyalty, honor, and justice in Japan, and it has
been retold in countless forms, including plays, novels, and films. The legend continues to
inspire people around the world, reminding us of the power of loyalty and the importance of
seeking justice.
Story 6
One of the most well-known urban legends from Japan is the story of the Kuchisake-Onna, or the Slit-
Mouthed Woman. This legend tells of a woman with a gruesome appearance who terrorizes children
and adults alike.

According to the legend, the Kuchisake-Onna was a beautiful woman who was married to a samurai.
However, she became vain and unfaithful, and her husband disfigured her by cutting her mouth from
ear to ear.

Now known as the Kuchisake-Onna, she wanders the streets at night wearing a surgical mask to hide
her disfigurement. She approaches people, asking them if they think she is beautiful. If they say yes,
she reveals her mouth, which is slit from ear to ear, and asks the same question again. If they answer
no, she kills them with a pair of scissors or a knife.

The legend of the Kuchisake-Onna has been passed down through generations and has taken on
different variations over time. Some versions say that the woman was a vengeful spirit who only
appears during specific times of the year, such as Halloween or the summer festival of Obon. Other
versions claim that the Kuchisake-Onna is a manifestation of societal anxieties around beauty
standards and infidelity.

Regardless of the variations, the Kuchisake-Onna has become a part of popular culture in Japan and
has even inspired films and TV shows. The legend continues to fascinate and frighten people all over
the world, reminding us of the power of urban legends to capture our imaginations and spread fear.
Story 7
One of the most enduring urban legends from America is the story of the "Vanishing
Hitchhiker". This legend has been told in various forms throughout the country and is often
used as a cautionary tale for drivers.
The story goes that a driver is traveling on a lonely road when they encounter a hitchhiker,
usually a young woman, who appears to be in distress. The driver offers to give her a ride,
and the hitchhiker gets in the car. During the ride, the hitchhiker is often described as being
quiet or distant, and the driver may notice that she is wearing old-fashioned clothing or
seems out of place.
When they arrive at the hitchhiker's destination, she disappears from the car without a
trace. Sometimes, the driver discovers that the hitchhiker was killed in a car accident on the
same road years ago, and her ghost is said to haunt the area, seeking a ride home.
Other variations of the story suggest that the hitchhiker is actually an angel or a ghost,
warning the driver of impending danger. In some versions, the driver discovers a valuable
item left behind by the hitchhiker, such as a scarf or a piece of jewelry, which serves as proof
of her existence.
The Vanishing Hitchhiker legend has been retold countless times in books, movies, and TV
shows, and has become a part of American folklore. While the origins of the legend are
uncertain, it continues to captivate and frighten people, reminding us of the power of urban
legends to tap into our deepest fears and desires.
Story 8
One of the most popular urban legends in Brazil is the legend of the "Mula Sem Cabeça," which
translates to "Headless Mule" in English. This legend has been passed down through generations and
is often used to warn against the dangers of sin and the consequences of immoral behavior.

The story goes that the Headless Mule is a cursed creature that was once a beautiful young woman
who had an affair with a priest. As punishment for their sin, the woman was transformed into a mule
with no head, cursed to wander the Brazilian countryside at night, spitting fire and brimstone.

The Headless Mule is said to appear to sinners and those who commit immoral acts, such as adultery
or theft. The creature is said to be unstoppable, galloping through the night and destroying
everything in its path. It is said that the only way to stop the Headless Mule is to throw a needle into
its mouth, which will break the curse and return the woman to her human form.

Many variations of the legend exist throughout Brazil, with some claiming that the Headless Mule is
the result of a woman who was raped by a priest, while others claim that it is the spirit of a woman
who died in childbirth. Regardless of the origin, the legend of the Mula Sem Cabeça continues to be
told and retold, serving as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of living a moral
life.
Story 9
One of the most well-known legends in Australian folklore is the story of the Rainbow
Serpent. This legend is significant to many Aboriginal cultures and has been passed down
through generations as a creation story.
The story goes that in the Dreamtime, the Rainbow Serpent was responsible for creating the
landscape and waterways of Australia. As it slithered through the earth, the serpent would
create rivers, lakes, and streams, carving out valleys and mountains as it went.
The Rainbow Serpent was also believed to have the power to control the weather, causing
storms and droughts as it saw fit. As a result, the serpent was revered as a powerful and
dangerous force in nature, to be respected and feared.
In addition to its role as a creator and destroyer, the Rainbow Serpent was also believed to
have a spiritual significance. It was said to possess a deep knowledge of the universe and
was often associated with wisdom and healing.
Today, the legend of the Rainbow Serpent continues to be told and celebrated in many
Aboriginal cultures throughout Australia. The serpent is seen as a symbol of the land and its
people, and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the natural
world.
Story 10
One of the most famous legends from New Zealand is the story of Maui and the creation of the
North Island.

According to the legend, Maui was a demigod who lived with his family in a small village. One day, he
decided to go fishing with his brothers. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to catch any fish,
so Maui decided to use his magic to create a large fish hook from the jawbone of his ancestor.

As he cast the hook into the ocean, Maui felt a strong tug and began to pull. He pulled with all his
might, and soon the water began to churn and boil. Suddenly, a great landmass rose out of the
ocean, pulled up by the strength of Maui's hook.

This landmass became known as the North Island of New Zealand, and Maui's feat of strength and
magic became a legend passed down through generations. The North Island is said to have been
created from the body of a giant fish, with the mountains and valleys formed by the contours of its
scales.

The legend of Maui and the creation of the North Island remains an important part of New Zealand's
cultural heritage, and serves as a reminder of the power of myth and storytelling in preserving a
nation's history and identity.
One of the most well-known legends from Malaysia is the story of the Princess of Mount Ophir, also
known as Puteri Gunung Ledang.

The legend tells the story of a beautiful princess who lived on top of Mount Ophir. She was known for
her incredible beauty and intelligence, and was sought after by many suitors from far and wide.
However, the princess was not interested in any of them, and instead had a list of impossible
demands that they had to fulfill in order to win her hand in marriage.

One day, a powerful and wealthy sultan named Mahmud Shah heard about the princess and her
demands, and decided to go to Mount Ophir himself to win her heart. The princess agreed to marry
him on one condition - that he fulfill seven impossible tasks for her.

The tasks included a golden bridge connecting Mount Ophir to Malacca, a silver boat with a sail of
brocade, a bowl of blood from the heart of a brave man, and a betel leaf from the garden of the King
of Java.

Mahmud Shah managed to fulfill the first six tasks, but was unable to complete the final one. The
princess was heartbroken and sent him away, but not before she cursed him and his descendants,
bringing about the downfall of the Malacca Sultanate.

The legend of the Princess of Mount Ophir has become an important part of Malaysian culture and
history, and is often retold in literature, theater, and film. It is seen as a cautionary tale about the
dangers of pride and greed, and a reminder of the importance of honor and humility.

One of the most well-known legends from Sweden is the story of Storsjöodjuret, or the Great Lake
Monster.

According to the legend, there is a large sea serpent that lives in Lake Storsjön, the fifth largest lake in
Sweden. The monster is said to be over 30 feet long, with a hump and a serpentine head.

The first recorded sighting of the Storsjöodjuret dates back to 1635, when a local vicar reported
seeing a "great fish or serpent" in the lake. Since then, there have been numerous sightings of the
monster, with some even claiming to have captured it on film.

Despite the many sightings, there is no conclusive evidence that the Storsjöodjuret actually exists.
Some believe that it is a myth, while others insist that it is a real creature that simply hasn't been
captured or studied yet.

Regardless of whether the monster is real or not, it has become an important part of Swedish
folklore and is celebrated each year during the Storsjöyran festival. The festival features a variety of
events and activities, including a parade, music performances, and even a boat race inspired by the
legend of the Storsjöodjuret.