A
will o' the wisp is a ghostly, pale light sometimes seen at night hovering and sliding around in
swamps and
graveyards. Will o' the wisps recede if approached, and are traditionally held to be mischievous
spirits of the
dead or other
supernatural beings attempting to lead travellers astray. Scientists believe the will o' the wisp phenomenon is a result of the
oxidation of
hydrogen phosphide[?] and
methane gases produced by the
decay of
organic material.
Willo the Wisp was a 1983 animated series for children shown by the
BBC and featuring the voice of
Kenneth Williams.