I followed a similar kind of formula when I created Bartholomew for my forthcoming horror comic, Bartholomew of the Scissors. In a sense, Bartholomew is partly inspired by Anthony and partly inspired by Samara. He also unleashes chaos in revenge for being murdered and acts out homicidal and id-like whims.
Of course, there are many more evil children to discuss. I was very traumatized by the little boy in Pet Semetary, who is also buried and reborn, which could be another image of repression. In addition, Damien from The Omen and Regan from The Exorcist are interesting evil children because they are channeling the big baddie himself, Satan. Perhaps a topic for another LOTT D discussion. I think evil children are a constant archetype in the horror genre because everyone has to repress their id-like whims and desires, but what gets repressed doesn't stay buried — it comes out in our worst nightmares. In my opinion, that's exactly what a good horror story is in the first place.
So there you have it. Which evil children in the horror genre instigate your nightmares? Now go out and play.
The mission of the League of Tana Tea Drinkers (LOTT D) is to acknowledge, foster, and support thoughtful, articulate, and creative blogs built on an appreciation of the horror and sci-horror genres. Contributing LOTT D members for this article are:
Article comments
1 - ANNA OBROPTA
Hello Bloggers--
I found your article very interesting, and am wondering who the author is? I am working on a short documentary DVD extra for the film "Orphan" and am looking for writers, scholars, critics, etc. to discuss the "evil child" genre. Please write back or call if you have any suggestions. The interviews will be held in the LA area late this week or early next week, so it would be great to hear from you soon.
Many thanks,
Anna Obropta
EMP Productions
[Personal contact info deleted]
2 - Laurel Dearing
I feel like something is missing here! the tendency of children to say or do creepy things in every day life! the heartlessness and lack of empathy of children, hinted at in Peter Pan! and it isnt only children as evil that is common but children as having a closer link with death and the supernatural in the first place. a lot of ghost stories involve children being more open to seeing ghosts or having stronger psychic links or things like that. i think a lot of it has to do with how as we grow up and forget our childhood, how strange things like imaginary friends, or outbursts about their apparent past lives, or them seeing things in the dark and freaking out about things in the closet actually is, and how it affects parents and passes fear on to them
Parents Ask What Is The Creepiest Thing.