Death as a Child: The Modern Legend of the Black-Eyed Children

In 1996, Brian Bethel encountered the black-eyed children while paying his cable bill in Abilene, Texas. The teenagers asked for a ride to their mother's house to get money for movie tickets, but their odd behavior and black eyes made Bethel suspicious. He sped away, and the children disappeared. Since then, similar stories have emerged worldwide, with the children described as appearing to be school-aged, wearing outdated clothing, and speaking in a monotone voice. They insist on being let inside, either into a house or car, and become aggressive if denied. The children must be invited in to have any power over an individual, and disastrous events follow if they are allowed entry. The black-eyed children are an example of death personified as a child, exploiting the belief that children are inherently good. They are similar to other malevolent creatures in folklore, such as changelings and water babies, who also take advantage of people's desire to help the vulnerable. Despite the spread of the concept online, hard evidence remains elusive.