The Whistling Hour-A Time When The Shadows Awaken
21st August 2023
Categorized Under: 05 characters, Playscripts
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In the rich tapestry of British folklore, where misty moors and ancient castles harbor tales of old, there exists a whispered legend that intertwines the mundane and the mystical. This legend passed down through generations like an age-old lullaby, whispers cautionary tales about the act of whistling. Beyond the simple notes that dance on the breeze, lies a belief woven into the very fabric of daily life—a belief that holds the power to beckon mysterious forces, evoke canine guardians, and stir the unseen currents of fate. This is the British legend of whistling, where the echoes of melody carry with them the echoes of tradition and the unseen whispers of the unknown.
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Whistling Inside the House After Dark: The belief that whistling indoors after dark, particularly around midnight, can attract malevolent forces or spirits is a common superstition in various cultures. It’s thought that the sound of whistling can disturb the spirits of the night and draw their attention to the whistler. This belief might have originated as a way to discourage unnecessary noise at night or to prevent unwelcome attention from supernatural entities.
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Whistling while Showering: Similar to whistling indoors after dark, the superstition of seeing shadows or specters in the corners of the house while whistling during an early morning shower is another variation of the belief that making noise at certain times can attract otherworldly beings. It might also be related to the feeling of vulnerability that people sometimes experience when they’re alone and making noise in the shower.
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Whistling in the Woods at Night: The caution against whistling in the woods at night to avoid attracting spirits stuck in limbo, particularly those who were hanged at crossroads, is yet another manifestation of the idea that whistling can have supernatural consequences. Crossroads are often considered places of power and significance in many cultures, and this belief could stem from the idea that the spirits of those who suffered untimely or unjust deaths might linger in such locations.
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The Seven Whistlers: The concept of the “Seven Whistlers” as mysterious birds or spirits that foretell death or calamity is a specific legend tied to British folklore. These whistling spirits are said to fly over the land, creating eerie sounds that are considered omens of impending doom. This legend might have been used as a cautionary tale or an explanation for certain unsettling natural phenomena.
In the darkness, they stir and dance, drawn by the sound of a late-night whistle. They are curious, but they also bring misfortune to those who call them.
One night, a young boy named Alex hears the whistling. He is intrigued, but he is also afraid. He knows the stories, but he can’t resist the temptation. He whistles, and the shadows come.
The shadows are not what Alex expected. They are not dark and menacing. They are ethereal and eerie, like wisps of smoke. They whisper to him, calling him to join them.
Alex is scared, but he is also drawn to the shadows. He wants to know their secrets. He wants to understand them.
The shadows tell him stories of a world beyond our own, a world of lost souls and forgotten dreams. They tell him of the power of the whistle, and the danger of using it.
Alex is left with a choice. He can join the shadows, or he can turn away. He knows that the choice he makes will have a profound impact on his life.
CHARACTERS:
ALEX (A Curious Teenager)
GRANDMA AGNES (Wise and Mysterious)
SHADOW SPIRITS (Ethereal and Eerie)
Setting:
Alex’s Bedroom
Grandma Agnes’ Living Room
The Woods
SCRIPT:
Scene 1: Alex’s Bedroom, Midnight
(Alex is lying in bed, unable to sleep. The moonlight filters through the window, casting eerie shadows on the walls.)
ALEX: (whispering to self) What’s that sound?
(As Alex listens closely, a faint whistling sound can be heard in the distance.)
ALEX: (curious) Whistling? At this hour?
(As the whistling grows louder, Alex becomes uneasy.)
ALEX: (hesitant) Maybe it’s just the wind… or maybe it’s true what they say about whistling after dark.
(The whistling stops. Alex listens for a moment, but he doesn’t hear anything else. He sighs and tries to go back to sleep.)
Scene 2: Grandma Agnes’ Living Room, Next Morning
(Alex visits Grandma Agnes, who is sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea.)
ALEX: (nervously) Grandma, I heard whistling last night. After midnight.
GRANDMA AGNES: (turning to Alex) Ah, the whistling hour. A time when the shadows awaken.
ALEX: (wide-eyed) Shadows? What do you mean, Grandma?
GRANDMA AGNES: Child, there are ancient tales that speak of the shadows that dance to the tune of a late-night whistle. They’re drawn by curiosity, but they bring misfortune to those who call them.
ALEX: (shivering) Misfortune?
GRANDMA AGNES: (nodding) They say that when you whistle in the dark, you invite the spirits of the night, those who have lost their way in the realm between worlds.
ALEX: (thoughtful) I see.
GRANDMA AGNES: So, be careful what you whistle for.
ALEX: Thanks, Grandma!
(Alex leaves)
Scene 3: The Woods, Late Evening
(Alex, intrigued yet cautious, ventures into the woods with a whistle in hand. As Alex starts to whistle, the wind begins to howl.)
ALEX: (nervous) Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea…
(Suddenly, eerie shadows materialize and start to move closer to Alex.)
SHADOW SPIRITS: (whispering) Whistler… join us…
ALEX: (backing away) No, stay back!
(The shadows continue to move closer. Alex is terrified and runs to Grandma’s house)
Scene 4: Grandma Agnes’ Living Room
ALEX: (enters shouting) Grandma! Help!
(Grandma Agnes rushes into the room.)
GRANDMA AGNES: Alex! What’s wrong?
ALEX: (pointing to the window) The shadows! They’re here!
(Grandma Agnes looks out the window and sees the shadows. She gasps.)
GRANDMA AGNES: I see them.
(The shadows start to dissipate.)
GRANDMA AGNES: They’re gone.
ALEX: (relieved) Thank goodness.
GRANDMA AGNES: I told you to be careful.
ALEX: I know. I’m sorry.
GRANDMA AGNES: It’s okay. Just remember, the shadows are not to be trifled with.
ALEX: I will.
Scene 5: Alex’s Bedroom, Late Evening
(Alex is lying in bed, pondering Grandma Agnes’ words. The window rattles as the wind blows.)
ALEX: (softly) I should have listened to her. Whistling in the dark is more than just a superstition; it’s a connection to something beyond our understanding.
(As the wind carries a faint whistling sound, Alex closes his eyes and tries to sleep.)
The End
AUTHOR: K I D S I N C O
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