Are you familiar with the Bell Witch story? Do you believe it? Or was it a hoax? Your thoughts?

Question

Are you familiar with the Bell Witch story? Do you believe it? Or was it a hoax? Your thoughts?

Answer 1

Read the book, if you haven't already.  It tells the story as the events actually happened, supernatural or not, without the made-up Hollywood stuff.

I am descended from Bealls (Scottish spelling), and although my family name is a different spelling, it's still pronounced "Bell" and my grandma grew up (in TN and north MS) terrified of the Bell Witch, lol. As a kid she was always scared it was going to come after her family too. I can't say whether I believe it or not, but I know many people here in the South that will swear on their mama's grave it's all true.

Answer 2

true!

Answer 3

I read the book.  I don't know that it was a hoax, necessarily, but just called a "witch".  I don't believe there was anything supernatural about it.  I believe the "witch" was actually the conscience/bad side of the father in the story.  I do not believe it was really something supernatural.  It was a "haunting" of another sort.  Something more mental than physical.

Answer 4

The movie is such a misleading, over- sensationalized disgrace to the real facts of the case. People need to read books about the actual events, because if you go by the movie you are only being lied to and misled.  By the actual true facts of the case, it is very likely that there was legitimate paranormal phenonoma going on there. The people of that time were not trying to "make themselves famous". On the contrary- it was something that folks of that period would not want to made public because it often meant being shunned by their communities. The Bell case was very spectacular in its own right, and the happenings there can not be explained by rational means.  There is no reason to think they did nothing but simply report what happened as accurately and straightforward as the events described.  If you believe that, then what they reported leaves little doubt that there was a very real and sensational haunting going on there. But for anyone to pass judgement- you must read the book (The Bell Witch: The Full Account by Pat Fitzhugh)to get the real story, not the fictionalized movie version.

Answer 5

It's folklore.

Answer 6

Yes. I believe the people were sincere in what they reported experiencing and in their fear. While not in the original reports its very easy to understand why the movie producers (and those seeking natural and psychological causes) would suspect incest as that it has many telling signs. It was a long time ago and conventional science (both physical and social) were far less sophisticated and people (both in the time and area) were much more likely to believe and/or suggest a spiritual (witch, demon) explanation.

So, what happened is probably impossible to discover at this point. I unlike YA debunkers do not dismiss normal or paranormal explanations on the basis of my personal belief system.

I don't think it was a hoax in what was reported but I do think the family may have not talked about somethings (especially if incest or abuse was present).

It is a fascinating story and can be very instructive in what usually gets missed in trying to investigate a case where family dynamics and privacy are issues.

Answer 7

I have heard of it and think it was a real witch but who knows?

BB

Answer 8

yes I am, and I have no clue. I have never been there. I know the movie went way off the original story to add stuff like incest and family violence and property theft. I don't recall those being part of the original book info. As for the validity of the original tale its hard to say since it was so long ago. Supossidly the cave near the farm is still haunted by her, but then, most caves feel eerie and haunted.

Answer 9

It seems to be a hoax.Everyone was stressed out so they died by killing themselves or moved things with their minds.It was all the build up that's all.I am a beleiver but it's proffed to be a hoax.

Answer 10

It's a local legend,probably with some long ago truth to it.Somebody heard it and turned it into a pretty good movie.Remember something very important.There is no such thing as witches.At least witches with magical powers.So really,how could it be true.

Answer 11

I am from the area where this originated.  It is true there is a cave where people believe that the witch went when she left the family be.

Answer 12

yeah, there is probably some truth to it, but I doubt there is anything supernatural going on.

Of course, I have never done any research on it, but if I did, my expectation would be that I would find the story to be mostly fictitious with a core of truth.

Answer 13

True story, it's about relatives of my wife. She has bell in her family tree.