The Myth of the Doppelganger

I have always found the myth of the doppelganger very interesting. The idea that somewhere out there I might have an identical twin is kind of intriguing. However, it poses all kinds of questions like whether or not we'd share the same traits, think the same way, have the same talents, etc.

The term doppelganger originated in Germany. The word literally means double goer; loosely translated as "double walker."

Some think that a doppelganger is a shadow entity of a living human being. Supposedly only the original person can see his or her double, which may appear either as a ghostly apparition or actually in the flesh. Others believe that anyone who knows the original person can also see his or her doppelganger.

Still others subscribe to the "evil twin" theory that says the doppelganger will automatically act in a manner that is directly opposite to that of the original person. In some cases, the evil twin may simply be mischievous, seeking to confuse friends and relatives just for fun. In other cases, the twin may be malevolent, actually seeking to harm the original or those that he or she loves.

A few believe that doppelgangers are a split off of the original person, which allows him or her to appear in two places at the same time. Those who buy into this theory are generally believers in the paranormal magic, or even sorcery. In the paranormal world, the doppelganger is just considered a result of bilocation.

Those who believe in the theory of bilocation say that anyone can project his or her double to another location, either simultaneously or at will. This projected double is virtually indistinguishable from the original person and can interact with others in the same way that the original would.

Many consider the viewing of a doppelganger as an omen or even the harbinger of bad luck. Some claim that such a vision often heralds a serious illness or even the death of the original person. Whatever the reality of the myth, there have been lots of people, including those of notable fame, who reportedly have ran into their doppelgangers.

French novelist Guy de Maupassant claimed to be plagued by his doppelganger near the end of his life. He even claims that his "twin" helped dictate something he was writing. He wrote about this experience in a short story he entitled "Lui," which translates to mean "Him."

English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley claimed that he met his doppelganger while on vacation in Italy. While the poet stared dumbfounded at the apparition, all that the double did was point to the Mediterranean Sea. Oddly enough, Shelley drowned in the Mediterranean shortly thereafter.

Historians often note that Queen Elizabeth I reported seeing her doppelganger laid out on her bed shortly before the queen herself passed away.

Other writers included President Abraham Lincoln's encounter with his twin self, which only appeared to him in a mirror when he was lying on his couch. Most of the reflection was normal, but the apparition had two reflections. One image looked like Lincoln did at that time, while the other was a paler version; one might guess a duplicate of how the president looked when he was murdered a short time thereafter.

If there is any truth to the doppelganger myth, I wondered what to do should we meet one. Here are some ideas:

Make certain you understand what you are seeing. Try touching your doppelganger. If you can reach out and touch someone, it obviously isn't an illusion and you should be able to converse with your "body double."

You may find out that you and your doppelganger are related in some way. He or she may even be a twin from which you were separated at birth. Seem unlikely? Don't laugh because there have been real cases documented of this phenomenon.

If you can't really view your doppelganger head on or reach and out and touch them, consider looking for medical assistance. There is an actual neurological disorder called "the doppelganger syndrome," whereby people believe that a doppelganger exists even though one cannot be documented.

Whatever the case may be, I suggest that you never panic. Even if you do happen to see your own doppelganger, it doesn't necessarily mean something negative. A lot of people lived for many years after meeting theirs. It may just be a trick of nature that can't be explained away.

Be sure that you document whatever you can about the experience. If nothing else, it will certainly make an interesting story to tell your family and friends.