Northern Iberian lore has told for centuries of the Santa Compana, which translates to “Holy Company”. This covers the regions of uppermost Spain and Portugal. First officially documented in the 13th century Spanish poem “The Miracle of Theophilos” about an ancient host of candlelight-carrying figures, a more detailed modern documentation of the legend was compiled in 1885 by Galician writer Jesus Rodriguez. Galician Zombies are said to be the souls of several pale, cloaked figures who parade through the darkness at the stroke of midnight, while each carrying a lit candle. Allegedly, this group of nocturnal pedestrians is led by a live person who has been cursed or forced into a trance-like state, who is seen hauling a cross or a water container through the remote woods, becoming feebler and frailer by the day. It’s said that this cross or candle handling is the only way to remove the hex for good, at least until they can pass the torch, literally, to some other unsuspecting witness. Warnings mention that you’re never supposed to look at these marchers if you happen to see them. If eyesight is matched, that’s when you’re doomed to join them for all eternity.
Who are the creepy forest marchers in Spain?
