Hidden Horrors

by · Published · Updated

Hidden Horrors

by: J.M. Shaw

It is what you cannot see that is most terrifying. Even as adults, many of us are afraid of the dark, though few will admit to such a childish fear. We use nightlights, open our curtains, or crack the door to let the hall light chase away the shadows. While we claim this is to prevent trips and falls in the middle of the night, a deeper dive into such ritual behaviors would reveal that we are afraid of being vulnerable. We know there are no dangers shrouded in the darkness or hiding in the ill-defined corners, but our mind convinces us that there is, and who are we to argue with ourselves. We believe our own lies because it is better to be cautious then dismissive of something nefarious that might exist.

Given that we predominately navigate our world by sight and seeing as how a large portion of our brains are designated to the processing of this capability, it stands to reason that this faculty is vitally important to our survival. While it is common for sufferers of seasonal allergies or the common cold to lose their sense of smell, this deprivation does not typically threaten our lives. Likewise, the loss of hearing or touch, though inherently hazardous, can often be mitigated by technology and a keen eye for danger. However, considering the volume of visual stimuli that we must process, not to mention that most learning is sight based, the deprivation of such a consequential ability cannot be moderated and can absolutely threaten our lives. 

The inherent dangers of sightlessness instill within us a visceral fear that pierces our very souls. Since we are incapable of seeing in the dark, any exposure to lightless environments will spawn fear. Conversely, there are many people who relish the excitement that comes from being scared and, since everything is less frightening when properly illuminated, this is why ghost hunters work at night, and our favorite horror movies are scantly lit. The desire to experience fear, knowing that there is no real threat, is motivated by humanity’s insatiable curiosity.

It is for this reason that, as children, we occasionally closed our eyes and explored our environment by sound and touch, biting our tongues and groping around as if the world had suddenly gone dark. Even though we could not see, we were not frightened because we maintained control and could open our eyes on a whim.

Now, let us imagine that we are back in our bedroom, with a moonless night outside our window and small sources of light penetrating the gloom. As long as those lights stay on, all is good, but if the power goes out terror will ensue—for child and adult alike.

Regardless of circumstance or location, the inability to see is petrifying, and our minds will fill in the blanks. The pitch blackness suddenly becomes thick, closing in on us as our hearts wage war with our lungs, and our thoughts begin to spin. Unable to determine what is up or down, dizziness sets in, and one’s body seems to float. In an instant, adrenaline floods our veins, yet our limbs, as if disconnected and intangible, refuse to obey. Eventually, we muster the courage to move, eking ourselves forward inch by inch. The further we go, the more pressing our fears become. 

No longer are we in a safe space or surrounded by familiar things. Instead, we are in a dark hell, with dangers closing in, and since we cannot see, we have no evidence with which to challenge this impression. As we progress through the shadows, our minds convince us that we have alerted fantom monsters to our presence, and our search for light has suddenly become a fight for our lives. This is our imagination at work, an immaterial process—born from intellect and warped by curiosity—capable of usurping our mental and physical control and driving us to insanity.

The power of imagination is one of the greatest gifts that humankind can possess, but it is easily a double-edged sword. It can enable us to realize endless possibilities and understand that which defies understanding. As a creative tool, our imaginations become a foundational scaffolding for mathematics, scientific advancements, and artistic endeavours. Yet, while this innate gift has influenced nearly every aspect of our lives, we know so little about it. What is worse, we cannot control it, and this terrifies us because, though humankind can conceive of great things for our betterment, by this same token, we can contrive unimaginable horrors. Thusly, it is the darkness within each of us that is so frightening, and not the shadows that skirt the room.

 

You may also like...