You may have heard a local story of someone encountering an unknown child, or a group of children, seemingly lost or in need. They wear clothes that are somewhat out of style, or even of a different era. When you get a good look at them, they have black eyes. Not just pupils or irises, but the sclera, too -totally black eyes. They might talk to you in an eerie monotone voice. No matter how needy or fearful they seem, don't let them get in your car or in your home, because bad things will happen.
This is no ancient tale, but stories that contemporary people tell in their own experiences, going back about 30 years. And they come from all parts of the country. The exact details may vary slightly, and you have read these stories online and you have certainly seen such children in movies. But what does it mean? Read about the modern legend of the black-eyed children and what it means at Atlas Obscura.
(Image credit: Megamoto85)