Trickster theory (George P. Hansen)

Referenced in 1 episode

Definition

Hansen's argument in 'The Trickster and the Paranormal' (2001) that paranormal phenomena behave like folklore tricksters. In his view, they thrive on ambiguity and resist clear proof, especially when official institutions try to confirm them.

Related episodes

Joshua Cutchin on UFOs, Paranormal Encounters & The Inverted Path

Somewhere in the SkiesAug 24, 2026

Author Joshua Cutchin discusses his new book The Inverted Path, which explores why people across the paranormal spectrum report getting mysteriously lost or physically stopped during encounters. He links the old folklore of being 'pixie-led' by fairies to UFOs stalling cars, Bigfoot witnesses losing their way, and people becoming trapped behind invisible walls. Cutchin argues that disorientation and supernatural stopping are two sides of the same coin, and that electromagnetism alone cannot explain them.

FS 7