Nestled in Scotland's misty Cairngorms' peaks, a chilling myth lingers—the story of Am Fear Liath Mòr, or the Big Grey Man. He is said to haunt the second-highest British Isles' mountain, Ben Macdui. Climbers have been filled with terror from this spooky figure for more than a century.
The First Encounter
The myth grew to be well known in 1925, when J. Norman Collie, a well-known mountaineer and scientist, recalled a harrowing incident in 1891. Descending Ben Macdui in thick mist, he could hear crunching footsteps behind him—long, measured strides, considerably bigger than his own. Though he could see nothing, a crushing sense of fear compelled him to run for miles.
What Is the Big Grey Man?
Accounts of the creature are varied. Some say it is a giant humanoid, more than ten feet tall, with black skin, long arms and shoulders, and wide shoulders. Others describe only a presence unseen, coupled with heavy footsteps and an overwhelming sense of dread.
The experience has a parallel in Welsh mythology, in which the Brenin Llwyd (Grey King) is reported to haunt foggy mountains, attacking travelers.
Possible Explanations
Though some are convinced the Big Grey Man is a ghost, others propose more logical explanations:
- Brocken Spectre: An optical illusion that is rare in which a climber's shadow falls upon mist, making it look giant and ghostly.
- Psychological Effects: Solitude, altitude sickness, and fatigue can cause hallucinations and paranoia.
- Echoes and Wind Patterns: The creepy crunching footsteps might be distorted echoes off the rocky ground.
Other Sightings
Since Collie's report, various climbers have had similar encounters. In 1943, Alexander Tewnion, a mountaineer, saw a dark figure rushing towards him in the mist. He fired his revolver in fright before making a hasty retreat.
Conclusion
Whether paranormal being, optical illusion, or mental deception, the Big Grey Man legend remains to haunt and captivate. While the mist plays around Ben Macdui, the mystery is left untouched.
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