A Haunting Story

Did you know that Gambians commonly believe that witches can transform themselves into owls? If you have ever seen or heard a Verreaux's Eagle Owl with its round face and deep haunting voice, it is easy to understand why. However, if you should be in doubt as to whether the bird you see is a natural owl or purely an imposter, rest assured as there is simple method for finding out...

Ancient wisdom dictates that if you see such an owl perched on a tree you should return to your room, undress (stark naked like the day on which you were born), take a needle and stick it in the tree trunk. This will have the effect of pinning the 'witch' to the branch.

When you return the following morning, a natural owl will have flown away, but should the bird really be a witch, it won't have moved. By this time, the magic will have worn thin and whilst the body of the owl will remain unchanged, it will carry a human head. The person whose evil trickery will thus have been exposed will feel so ashamed that they will fall dead in the few days that follow!

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