Climbing in the early hours of the morning often triggers psychological tension due to fatigue and poor lighting. In the silence of the wilderness, the sound of a snapping twig or a gust of night wind is frequently misinterpreted by climbers as interference from supernatural entities.
The tendency to immediately link natural phenomena to the mystical is inseparable from a societal culture that has been familiar with horror stories since childhood. As a result, instead of prioritizing scientific literacy, some climbers carry this superstitious mindset all the way up the mountain.
Academically, this phenomenon is closely related to the concept of the God of the Gaps, which is the human tendency to use supernatural explanations to fill the gaps in knowledge. Blaming spirits for getting lost or having an accident becomes an emotional shortcut to avoid admitting one's own negligence, such as the inability to read navigation tools or maps.
In reality, the universe, including mountains, operates mechanically and neutrally, regardless of human moral aspects. The belief that a mountain can be "tamed" simply by watching one's words is a psychological illusion that ignores the reality of physical dangers, such as extreme weather and steep terrain.
From a medical standpoint, most cases of climbers hallucinating or raving are caused by a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain (hypoxia) or extreme cold (hypothermia). Unfortunately, these clinical symptoms are often misidentified as possession or demonic interference by fellow climbers.
This fatal mistake often leads to delayed emergency response. Instead of immediately providing physical warmth through blankets or first aid, the critical victim is left out in the cold for an exorcism ritual, which can ultimately prove fatal.
Safety in the wild is not determined by compliance with myths, but rather by thorough physical preparation, adequate logistics, and sound navigation skills. Prioritizing rationality and common sense is the primary key to reducing accidents on the mountain.
