The Three Lakes of Souls
On a volcano in Indonesia lie three crater lakes of different colours, which change without warning. Local people believe the souls of the dead go to them.
What was reported
At the top of Kelimutu volcano on the island of Flores are three crater lakes. They're often vividly different colours: turquoise, green, red, brown or black. Over the years, each has changed colour, sometimes suddenly.
The local Lio people believe the lakes are resting places for souls: one for the young, one for the elderly, and one for those who did evil. The changing colours are said to show the moods of the spirits.
Explanations offered
The colours come from chemical reactions in the water, driven by volcanic gases and minerals rising from below, which change the amounts of iron, sulphur and other elements. The lakes are part of a national park and are seen at sunrise by many visitors.
- When
- A living tradition
- Where
- Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
- Witnesses
- The Lio people and visitors
- Status
- Partly explained
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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