To celebrate spooky season, BSU lecturer Nadia Maddy shares one of her favourite ghostly tales from Sierra Leone.
Nadia Maddy is Programme Leader for Health and Social Care at Bath Spa University London. Her latest novel, Corpo Seco, was recently published and tells the story of a cursed creature from Brazilian folklore who travels to West Africa seeking redemption.
Imagine yourself barrelling down a treacherous winding road in the dead of night, thick fog enveloping your vehicle like a nightmare. The eerie silence is broken by the hum of the engine and the crackle of stones under your tires as you navigate. Every twist and turn feels like a game of chance, with visibility reduced to a few feet ahead.
The slick pavement reflects the headlights in erratic glimmers, casting eerie shadows along the roadside. Potholes lie in wait beneath puddles, adding to the tension as the car jolts and dips unpredictably. You cannot help but feel like something is watching from within the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to catch you off guard. The silence on this road is unnerving as if even nature itself is in sync with the unknown. The only company you have are your racing thoughts as you attempt to concentrate. Each passing mile feels like a descent into the depths of an uncomfortable existence that is out of your control.
Suddenly, your headlights catch sight of her – The Woman in White, walking slowly along the edge of Wilkinson Road. Her figure draped in a flowing white gown, her expression etched in sorrow and despair, she exudes an otherworldly aura that sends chills down your spine.
Suddenly, your headlights catch sight of her – The Woman in White, walking slowly along the edge of Wilkinson Road. Her figure draped in a flowing white gown, her expression etched in sorrow and despair...
Legend has it that this apparition is known as Mama Lungi – a restless spirit trapped on this very road, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, since the 1970’s. Locals believe she perished in a tragic car accident while frantically searching for her missing child who never came home that afternoon from school. She roams the road at night, her grief and longing forever tying her to the place of her demise. Some say if you see her in your rearview mirror, she offers protection for a safe journey home. But if she knocks on your window then you are in for misfortune. Those who try to stop and help her find she disappears the moment they draw close.
This story was unknown to me until my cousin went to Sierra Leone for Christmas a few years back. She immersed herself in the lively streets of Freetown during the month-long celebrations, dressed in all white with her long dreadlocks flowing behind her. Her family teased her about wearing all white and having her hair down, questioning her need to stand out in the city. She brushed off their concerns and proceeded on her way. As she stood on the main road she drew admiring glances from passersby. She managed to flag a taxi down and hopped into the front seat.
As soon as she did the passenger in the back gasped in shock and demanded that the driver not take her. Another passenger chimed in, declaring her to be Mami Wata (a mermaid) or even a ghost. The tension in the cab was palpable as they gave her an ultimatum – leave or they would leave without paying.
Confused and frustrated, my cousin asked what the problem was. The two passengers pointed fingers and shouted at her, urging her to leave for the sake of everyone’s safety. Despite the protests of the taxi driver, my cousin was forced to exit the taxi and make her way through the crowded streets. Suddenly those glances of admiration were questionable.
The story of Mama Lungi reflects the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and value of family ties and spirituality. Mama Lungi personifies these themes. Her ghostly presence serves as a reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the enduring strength of love.
Alone in the bustling city, my cousin could not find another taxi that night and had no choice but to return to her family.
The story of Mama Lungi reflects the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and value of family ties and spirituality. Mama Lungi personifies these themes. Her ghostly presence serves as a reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the enduring strength of love.
As we celebrate Halloween let’s remember the stories that shape our cultures and communities – whether they are based on fact or fiction, the Mama Lungi story and other folk tales carry profound lessons. Mama Lungi, the Woman in White, is a chilling reminder of the tragic consequences of reckless driving.
Her haunting urges us to drive responsibly – so, this Halloween make sure you are committed to safe driving!