File 1: Lydia – The Vanity Mother

Hey, everyone. As the spooky month of October approaches in 2025, I decided to do a countdown of my favorite creepy and disturbing theories I have about ghosts from the Nintendo game Luigi’s Mansion. I know I jumped the gun on this, and it is now late into October, but hey, I live for the creeps and scares.

In no particular order, I’ll be uploading my theories of how they died in their former life. Some may have more than one theory, while others have one, so pick your favorite, or you can think up your own theory. I will not be discussing theories on the last boss; however, as many other people have already shared their theories, which are quite good.

SUBJECT DESIGNATION: Lydia – “The Vanity Mother”

CLASS: Type IV Spectral Entity (Residual–Sentient Hybrid)

CONTAINMENT STATUS: Secured within Portrait Frame #002, “The Alluring Reflection”

THREAT LEVEL: Moderate (Non-Aggressive / Reactive)

IDENTIFICATION

Full Name (During Life): Lydia [Surname Unrecorded]

Apparent Age: 34

Gender: Female

Post-Mortem Appearance: Pale ectoplasmic form adorned in a flowing violet gown. Spectral hair styled in 19th-century fashion. Retains semblance of human vanity mannerisms (e.g., preening, mirror-gazing, hair smoothing).

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

Lydia was the matriarch of the original mansion family, noted for her obsession with physical beauty and domestic perfection. Accounts suggest she spent much of her life maintaining her appearance, neglecting familial and social obligations. Her vanity was so profound that even her spirit demonstrates compulsive behaviors—adjusting her hair or inspecting her reflection in any available reflective surface.

According to surviving journal fragments recovered from the east wing, Lydia maintained a strict cosmetic regimen involving powdered pigments, white lead foundation, and scented oils imported from unknown origins. Despite the deterioration of the estate, her private quarters remain unnaturally immaculate, implying spectral manipulation of the environment.

CAUSE OF DEATH (THEORETICAL ANALYSIS)

Primary theory indicates Lydia perished when an unexpected gust shattered her vanity mirror, driving shards into her chest. Secondary toxicology hypotheses suggest long-term lead poisoning from cosmetic powders could have weakened her physical health, inducing neurological degradation and early death.

Spectral analysis of her ectoplasmic field reveals trace elements of metallic resonance, consistent with residual mineral contamination—supporting the poisoning theory.

PARANORMAL CHARACTERISTICS

Behavioral Pattern: Non-aggressive unless interrupted during grooming rituals. Displays heightened agitation upon hearing glass shatter or reflective surfaces disturbed.

Manifestation Site: Second Floor, Master Bedroom; typically materializes near mirror or vanity table.

Activity Cycle: Appears most active between 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., coinciding with “mirror hour” reflections documented in similar haunt cases.

Notable Ability: Emits low-level electromagnetic interference when gazing at her reflection. Glass and metal surfaces show condensation and faint smudging resembling handprints post-manifestation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE

Despite her death, Lydia exhibits cognitive retention and emotional fixation on appearance-based validation. Displays mild narcissistic tendencies and denial of death. Frequently mutters phrases such as “I still look perfect, don’t I?” even when no reflective surface is present.

CONTAINMENT PROCEDURES

Lydia’s ghost was successfully subdued and captured by Luigi during Operation: Mansion Sweep (Ref. Case LM-GH/01). Containment was achieved using a Poltergust 3000 after luring the entity by manipulating air currents to disrupt her vanity space.

Her essence has since been converted into a stable portrait containment state, currently housed at E. Gadd’s Ghost Laboratory, Shelf C-2. Periodic observation required every 90 days to ensure ectoplasmic stability and mirror resonance remain below measurable thresholds.

NOTES FROM PROF. E. GADD

“Lydia’s case confirms my long-held theory that vanity, when paired with exposure to certain environmental toxins, produces exceptionally resilient ghost patterns. She’s harmless enough if you leave her mirror alone, but I recommend not complimenting her—she’ll never stop talking.”

— Prof. E. Gadd, Log Entry 2.14