OTHERPLANE

Wed, 19 Feb 2003, Reader writes:

I have read enough stories regarding treasure that I am convinced that evil spirits do guard some types of treasure. I am guessing it is treasure that involved violence rather than just a man that hid some money. My grandfather was onto some outlaw loot back in the 30's, and while he and another man were digging, they heard an un-earthly noise that scared them so badly that they abandoned the effort. I believe there are good and evil spirits.

Wed, 05 Mar 2003, Otherplane's comments:

It is widely understood that there are good and evil spirits/entities, however, we believe that entities are not really evil... they just lack proper guidance, and can be taught to be "good" spirits.

In traditional cultures much older than that of Americans, excluding the Native Americans, this belief that entities do guard hidden treasures... is very "real", especially when a large amount is involved. The reasoning is that it would have taken more than a few to transport, find and/or dig a suitable hiding place, move the treasure into the hiding place and bury or conceal the entrance (to the hiding place). All during this process, it can be guranteed that all of those involved harbored thoughts of someday coming back to claim their share, and/or all of the treasure... if they could manage it without the others finding out.

Greed and self-preservation now has taken priority and thoughts of elimination is becoming an essential motivation. To the individual or a few trusted individuals who are in-charge, they have already surmised that they could be killed and... have already laid plans to eliminate the others. Elimination would be carried-out soon after the treasure was placed into the hiding place... as this place would also provide for the final resting place (of the dead). If not executed during this process, then it would be done soon after the hiding place was secured... to delay further would mean a certainty that they themselves could be eliminated.

The spirit of the dead now lingers near the area of the hiding place and the treasure. If for some circumstance that no one had managed to return and recover the treasure, it will remain in its hiding place... until someone one day accidentally stumbles into or onto the hiding place, or is directed to the hiding place (by researching and follow-up of treasure accounts/tales) someone heard about. Not often will a detailed map or document (of the hiding place) exist. Usually the map will be partially incomplete and/or show indications by way of "symbols". These symbols must then be researched and broken down (as to their meaning). This is where interpretation of symbols can prove a formidable undertaking and requiring much time lost. Not only time lost but sometimes drastic reduction financial resource (conducting field trips in locating the hiding place).

In-the-meantime, the spirit/entity lingers near the treasure. The treasure itself means nothing or has no real-value to the spirit/entity. They or it... are connected by last known association... to the hiding place.