A German word meaning "double walker." A phenomenon in which a person has an identical "twin," although the two are unrelated biologically. There are various theories on why doppelgangers exist. Traditionally, the appearance of a doppelganger is regarded as a warning of your impending death. Ironically, this is probably more true than most of us would like to believe, especially in light of research that indicates the distribution and true intentions of doppelgangers. Some people may experience doppelganger-like effects without actually encountering their malicious "twin." Most of these cases are attributed to lucid dreams, clairvoyant awareness, astral projection or out-of-body experiences.
The phenomenon of doppelgangers is similar to that of a ghost or haunting in that the astral body of a human being is seen and experienced by others, often by the person in question. These incidents of "seeing your twin" often precede a personal tragedy, such as a violent death, and may therefore be somewhat related to the Crisis Apparition.
HISTORY'S ALLEGED DOPPELGANGERS
George W. Bush, United States president
Some authorities believe that George W. Bush is actually the fetch of George Bush, his alleged father and former American president. If true, it would represent the first time a doppelganger and its human counterpart found a way of coexisting for their mutual benefit. The doppelganger's inherent homicidal tendencies are probably relieved through the Texas governor's obscene fascination with capital punishment.
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia
Observed her double sitting on the royal throne. She ordered it shot, although this had no effect on the doppelganger (now thought to have been some kind of astral projection).
It is believed that Costner's fetch caught up with him sometime after his success with Dances With Wolves. Although the fetch's assimilation into Costner's life was virtually seamless, its inability to reproduce the actor's high quality of work up to that point resulted in Waterworld and The Postman. The rest of America quickly caught on and the substitute Costner became a tired old joke. (Costner fetch: alive and well and making bad movies. Real Costner: ???)
Observed her doppelganger as a portent of her impending death.
Jack the Ripper, serial killer
Recent information now indicates that "Jack" was in fact a rogue doppelganger. Most likely Jack's twin could not be located or eliminated, so the fetch turned its wrath on the whores of Whitechapel. (Never caught, this doppelganger continued to ravage humanity for years to come, first in England and later in Canada.)
Alphonsus Liguori, Catholic saint
In 1774, St. Alphonsos's double visited the deathbed of Pope Clement XIV in Rome... despite the fact that the saint was actually in Naples at the time.
Increasing encounters with his doppelganger eventually drove the French writer mad, as was detailed in his short story, "Lui." Ironically, his friends and family felt that his hysteria produced the belief in a doppelganger, rather than the other way around. (Killed and replaced by his fetch in 1893. The fetch disappeared, Maupassant was buried.)
Emilie Sagé, teacher
In 1845, this young French teacher showed a dedication to her students even after her physical body was exhausted. Sagé would often be seen visiting her charges as she slept in her dormitory.
Shelley encountered his wraith for the first time on an Italian beach where it indicated it would kill the poet at sea. Some time later, Shelley drowned while sailing in a small boat. (Killed by his fetch in 1822. The fetch also drowned in the incident and its body was quietly "disposed of.")
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