Will o' the wisp

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.

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Willo the Wisp was a 1983 animated series for children shown by the BBC and featuring the voice of Kenneth Williams.