The Black Ghost

In Lithuania, an historic seaside city is protected by an eerie statue, which literally emerges from the ocean. Known as Juodasis Vaiduoklis, or The Black Ghost, this spooky artwork is based on an old Klaipeda legend.

Photos From Apie vija and Vladas Balsys

Back in 1595, the city of Klaipeda was saved by a phantom.  It is said that one of the guards for nearby Memel Castle, Hans von Heidi, encountered the hooded ghost while patrolling the docks one night.  This particular ghost was a chatty one, and asked the guard if the city had a sufficient grain and timber supply.  The guard replied that indeed, the town was fairly well supplied. However, the ghost predicted that the supply would soon run low, and urged the city to beef up their stock.  The mysterious phantom then vanished into the mist.

The city apparently took this warning seriously and took extra steps to ensure that their supply was truly sufficient.  As a result, the people were able to ride out the impending famine and the city became the third largest in Lithuania, its people prospering.

The Black Ghost statue is the work of Svajunas Jurkus and Sergejus Plotnikovas.  It stands at almost 8 feet tall and is made of bronze. It was installed in 2010, and I'm pretty sure it tops the list of most photographed items in town!

More Information: My Modern Met