The Zugun Poltergeist

Between 1925 and 1926, a Romanian peasant girl named Eleonore Zugun became the focus of intense poltergeist phenomena. Her case attracted the attention of psychical researchers, who studied her in controlled conditions.

The Phenomena

Objects moved around Eleonore, sometimes with violent force. Furniture overturned. Items flew at witnesses. Most disturbingly, bite marks and scratches appeared spontaneously on her body, witnessed by observers who confirmed no one had touched her.

The Investigation

Researcher Harry Price brought Eleonore to London for study. Under observation, the phenomena continued. Objects moved when she was watched, and the mysterious injuries appeared while her hands were restrained.

The Countess

Countess Wassilko-Serecki took a particular interest in Eleonore, housing her and facilitating research. Under the Countess’s care, the phenomena were extensively documented but eventually subsided as Eleonore matured.

Explanations

Skeptics suggested the girl was a skilled fraud, producing injuries and movements through sleight of hand. Supporters noted the phenomena occurred while she was under observation and sometimes physical restraint.

Assessment

The Zugun case represents one of the few poltergeist cases studied under something approaching laboratory conditions. Whether Eleonore was the source or the focus of the phenomena, her case contributed significantly to poltergeist research.