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墨書 Inktalez
There are many reports of similar events, with the earliest records dating back to the 18th century.
In more recent times, for instance in 2006, a journalist using the username Big Max reported on a cryptozoology forum that he experienced the rumored footsteps while returning from Ben Macdui in May 1988.
He stated that there was heavy fog at the time, and he felt as if a massive entity was following him. When he turned to look, however, there was nothing there, and the sound persisted whether he was moving or standing still.
Years later, when he recounted this story to a cousin living in Glasgow, it was then that he first heard about the Grey Man.
Descriptions of the Grey Man are mostly based on strange footsteps and vague shadows seen in thick fog, but there are also a few detailed descriptions of its features, such as a slender body, sharp fingers, dark brown fur, and a whispering voice.
Most of these cases have not been reported in newspapers; rather, they circulate among many mountaineering enthusiasts.
There are numerous speculations regarding the identity of the Grey Man. Unlike some well-known unidentified mysterious animals (UMAs), its story is often accompanied by supernatural phenomena, resembling a large primate akin to the Yeti.
This theory gained popularity in the mid-20th century, based on many climbers' reports detailing shadowy figures and some other physical evidence.
For example, in 1956, British writer James Allen Rainey mentioned in his romantic work Stellapes Art that in 1952 he discovered a series of strange footprints in the Cromtyr Highlands and took a photograph of them.
The footprints measured 19 inches long and 14 inches wide, with a stride of 7 feet, and their shapes were consistent.
However, when he returned to the mountain and observed how these footprints were formed, he realized they were actually due to snow being eroded by rainwater. At that moment, he believed that all UMAs like the Yeti and Wendigo that left footprints had received reasonable explanations.
Cryptozoologist Karl Schuch also argued that labeling the Grey Man as a creature similar to the Yeti is clearly unreasonable; it is akin to using one mystery to explain another. Moreover, we do not even know the specific form of the Grey Man or whether it truly exists.
As for the Gray Man, the most popular theory so far is that the shadow seen by witnesses is a result of the Brocken Specter, which is referred to as the Buddha Light Phenomenon in Chinese.
This speculation became mainstream after the remarks of Professor Klein spread in 1925.
The Brocken Specter refers to an optical illusion where a shadow is cast by a strong light source at a distance, causing the apparent size of the shadow to be magnified.
Due to strong light scattering through water droplets in mist, a rainbow-colored halo known as the Glory of the Grass Road forms around the outline of the shadow. This phenomenon often occurs on foggy mountains.
In the nature art of Scottish poet James Hogg, he described an encounter he had while shepherding on Ben Macdui in 1791 when he was only 19 years old. He saw a huge black figure not far from him, which frightened him enough to run down the mountain.
The next day, when he returned to the mountain, the fog was even thicker than before, and at the same place and time, that figure appeared again, estimated to be about 30 feet tall.
Close to where Hogg was standing, fear overcame him, and he hid under his blanket, terrified of the devil. He took off his hat and scratched his head in distress, only to realize that the figure also took off its hat and scratched its head. At that moment, he understood that what he saw was merely a shadow in the mist.
Undeniably, this theory can explain some of the mixed sightings; however, many climbers did not actually see anything but heard rhythmic footsteps instead.
American skeptic Brian Dunning believes that temperature fluctuations at the summit cause rocks to expand or contract, which could be a primary source of these sounds.
Since Ben Macdui is covered with rubble and there are many wild animals in the highlands, hikers might disturb them, causing them to flee and make noise. Under pressure from their own minds, these sounds could transform into the footsteps of the Gray Man.
He argues that all evidence provided by Gray Man incidents does not hold up under scrutiny, including reports from Professor Kelly. The tale of the Gray Man can only be considered an interesting campfire story shared among climbers in their tents.
Cryptozoologist Karl Schuch believes that there is no single or simple explanation for the multifaceted mystery of the Gray Man.
Some events seem to stem from the psychological issues of climbers, while others manifest as supernatural phenomena. There may even be aspects characterized by geological or other physical phenomena, though these have yet to be scientifically verified.
In my personal understanding, the legend of the Gray Man holds a higher degree of mythological significance.
Although I am not well-versed in geology or optics, most eyewitness accounts indicate that nearly all encounters involved hearing rhythmic footsteps without seeing any tangible beings.
I personally speculate that this is likely due to certain natural factors, making the occurrence of such phenomena more plausible.
The reason I say the legend holds significant value is that in Scotland and throughout the UK, a place steeped in romanticism, any peculiar tale could potentially exist.
For instance, in Welsh mythology, there is a character named the Material King, who is said to wear a gray robe and embody biodiversity, living among the vast mountains. Anyone who encounters him is believed to suffer misfortune.
This legend is widely circulated in the mountainous regions. Although there are many versions of the tale, descriptions of his form remain consistent. Our protagonist, the Gray Man, is merely the tip of the iceberg among Scotland's many myths and folklore.
As for whether the Gray Man could be some large primate, I remain skeptical because he has not left behind sufficient physical evidence as we have come to understand with other Gray Man accounts.
Additionally, I must mention that I tend to believe in the existence of the Gray Man due to numerous messages and theories shared by friends from Tibet and Sichuan. However, since these involve religious and privacy issues, I will refrain from elaborating further here.
Regardless, the Gray Man, an entity imbued with supernatural aura, still lacks definitive conclusions. Although reports about him have gradually decreased into the 21st century, it cannot be denied that climbers continue to have similar experiences.
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