Here are some key aspects of the term:
* Return from the dead: This is the core meaning. It suggests that the revenant is not merely a ghost, but has returned to the physical world in some form. This might involve possessing a living body, appearing as a physical entity, or existing in a shadowy form.
* Motivations: Revenants often have a specific purpose for their return, such as seeking revenge, unfinished business, or a warning for the living.
* Appearance: Revenants can appear in various forms, ranging from a ghostly visage to a seemingly living individual. Their appearance can be both terrifying and unsettling.
Examples of revenants in literature and culture:
* The Walking Dead: The undead in this popular TV series and comic books are a prime example of revenants.
* Hamlet's Ghost: In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the ghost of Hamlet's father returns to reveal his murder and seek revenge.
* The vengeful spirits of Greek mythology: Characters like the Furies and Erinyes were revenants seeking justice for crimes committed against them.
The word "revenant" has a slightly different meaning in modern usage:
* It can also describe someone who has returned after a long absence or difficult experience, like a soldier returning from war.
Overall, a revenant is a compelling and often unsettling figure, symbolizing both the fear of the unknown and the persistence of the human spirit.