One common theme is revenge. The kuntilanak is often a wronged woman in life who comes back as a vengeful spirit in these stories.
A third common theme is the power of faith. In many kuntilanak short stories, it is often the character's faith, like their belief in a particular religious practice or a spiritual charm, that helps them either face the kuntilanak or escape from it. For instance, a character might be able to ward off the kuntilanak by using a holy symbol or reciting a religious verse.
One common theme is fear. The Kuntilanak is a spooky figure, so the stories play on people's fear of the unknown and the supernatural. Another theme is revenge. Often, the Kuntilanak is seeking revenge for some wrong done to her in life or death.
One popular kuntilanak short story is about a young woman who wandered into an old, abandoned house in the forest. She heard strange noises and saw a figure in white. It was the kuntilanak. She tried to run but felt a cold hand on her shoulder. Fortunately, she managed to escape when she remembered to recite a prayer her grandmother had taught her.
There are some indie - published Malaysian short stories that deal with the Kuntilanak ghost. They may explore the cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding this ghost. For example, how villagers try to protect themselves from the Kuntilanak's wrath, perhaps by using certain herbs or performing specific rituals.
One common theme is the unknown. Ghosts represent the things we can't explain, like the afterlife or strange occurrences. Fear is also a big theme. The idea of something otherworldly scares the characters and the readers. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's fear of the old man's eye drives the whole story.
One common theme is the presence of the unknown. Ghosts often represent things that are not fully understood, like the afterlife or hidden secrets. For example, in many stories, the ghost is a mystery that the characters try to figure out.
In ghost fiction short stories, a prevalent theme is the past haunting the present. The ghosts are often a connection to a past event or person that won't go away. Guilt is another common theme. The characters may feel guilty about something, and the ghost serves as a manifestation of that guilt. Also, the theme of the thin veil between the living and the dead is often explored. These stories play with the idea that there's not much separation between our world and the spirit world, and that can be very unsettling.
One common theme is redemption. For example, a ghost might be haunting a place because of something bad it did in life, and during Christmas, it has a chance to make amends through helping the living. Another theme is loneliness. The ghosts are often lonely spirits, and Christmas, which is a time of togetherness, heightens their sense of isolation. So, they reach out to the living in strange ways.
Common themes in Christmas ghost short stories include family. Ghosts might appear to remind characters of the importance of family during Christmas. Nostalgia is also a theme. The ghosts of Christmas past can bring back memories of happier times. And then there's the theme of giving. Christmas is a time of giving, and the ghosts may inspire characters to be more giving, whether it's of their time, money, or love.
Another theme is the mystery. Ghosts often come with a lot of unanswered questions. In ghost romance short stories, this mystery adds to the allure of the relationship. The living character is usually trying to figure out the ghost's past, their reasons for being there, and this exploration is part of the romance.
One common theme is revenge. Many Asian ghost stories feature ghosts who have been wronged in life and return to seek vengeance on those who wronged them.