Have you ever spotted another individual that looked eerily similar to you or someone you know? It may just be a coincidence but what if it’s not? It’s said that we have somebody out there that looks almost identical to us and while that may sound fun and cool, for centuries, doppelgangers have been perceived as a phenomenon that’s far more sinister below the surface.
The word doppelganger derives from German, which means ‘double-walker‘ or ‘double-goer‘. The novel, Siebenkäs by German author Jean Paul, made the term well known after its publication in 1796. But before the publication, the term ‘fetch’ was used to describe those who look like another.
Some Known/Public Examples:
One example that may sound a bit hard to believe comes from none other than Honest Abe (Abraham Lincoln) when he thought to have seen his doppelganger in 1860 while gazing into a mirror. You may be thinking that of course he’d see himself, because its a mirror. However, this reflection was doubled next to his own. Perhaps, he had blurry vision then? Or did the former president actually see a ghostly form of himself? Imagine looking into a mirror and seeing two reflections. Creepy…
Another erie example is that of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, an eighteenth-century German writer. He claimed to have seen his spectral self on horseback in the 1770s wearing attire that was unknown to him at the time, a grey coat. Though years later, Johann found himself reliving the event as he trotted on horseback through the same area wearing the exact jacket that had been unfamiliar to him. Talk about deja vu, huh?
Psychological Explanations:
While there have been countless recorded instances of doppelganger sightings, I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t include some possible explanations for the creepy encounters.
One explanation is referred to as heautoscopy, a neurological condition in which you hallucinate your double from afar. Perhaps, this explains some instances, though I’m not sure I believe it can be applied to all accounts, as there are simply just too many circumstances.
Another explanation is purely paranormal. Some believe that these doubles may be demonic in nature or a ghostly apparition of your own soul. You may also know or have heard that seeing your double may lead to your untimely demise. Perhaps, this is true, perhaps it is nothing more than superstition.
Either way, if you ever find yourself face to face with..well, yourself, maybe just turn around and walk away. Or maybe you’ll have a new best friend? Honestly, I can’t give you sound advice here. I’ve never had an encounter myself, neither would I want to…
Have you ever encountered a doppelganger? Let me know in the comments, I’m genuinely interested in hearing about your experience, if so!
Thank you for joining me this week! I plan to have a new post up every other Monday so stay tuned and subscribe if you haven’t already to know exactly when I do! And the next time you look in a mirror…watch out.
Paranormal Addict 