In earlier times, people lived closer to the Earth and were at Natures whim.
Isn't it at least remotely possible that people living in such times may have understood things that we have since forgotten?
This is the Age of Reason, and while I consider myself to be opened minded, I also am interested in the sciences. Therefore, I find that I try to categorize and explain things into a scientific worldview. While this may be limiting, I think it beats the last age - The Age of Religion.
Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against religion, it just makes for bad explanations. Simply stating that "God (replace with your deity of choice) did it" kinda puts a damper on any further creative conversation.
Science tells us that the supernatural doesn't exist. Religion tells us that it does, but only by the Grace of God.
Science says religion doesn't exist, religion says science is a tool of God.
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Science used to tell us that the world was flat - they changed their minds!
Religion used to say Vampires, Werewolves and Witches were real. Well, officially the Catholic Church says that Vampires and Werewolves don't exist ANYMORE! Witches however, are a little more complicated. The Bible says that they have existed and people claim to be witches, so, MAYBE they still exist.
Catholicism states that magic exists but is Evil. While they admit to the supernatural as evidenced in things such as the Stigmata.
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I believe that, just perhaps, there are things out there that defy rational explination - at least, so far!
U.F.O's and Aliens - They're not beyond scientific belief, just beyond our understanding right now. Does religion have a problem with the concept of Extra-Terrestrial's? I don't know. I'm not claiming to be an expert on anything, but I've met religious people who believe that if you're not from Earth you must be Demonic!
Bigfoot - It's a great big world out there for creatures such as Sasquatch, Yeti and their ilk to hide in. Any idea how many naturally deceased bear carcasses are found yearly in the Pacific Northwest? Few, if any! And bears are plentiful. Why? Because nature takes care of itself. Scavengers eat and distribute the carcass. Why couldn't a less numerous and more intelligent creature stay hidden?
Loch Ness Monster - Sonar scans have picked up something big in the loch and many credible witnesses claim to have seen Nessie. Nothing definate - but too much to just dismiss.
Vampires - I would think something like that would be very hard to hide, and from a scientific standpoint; superhuman strength, invulnerability to normal means of damage, the ability to transform into bats, wolves, and mist can be difficult to explain. But let's step outside the box shall we? How about something to the effect of; A Vampire has the mental ability to control the molecular bonds of their own body. This would give them an immunity to damage, the effects of aging and the ability to change shape. As for their weakness, they could also be mental.
Werewolves - Similiar to Vampires in their powers and weaknesses. Quite a few Werewolf stories go hand-in-hand with Vampires - In fact, in Transylvania (in and around modern Romania) The same word is used for both
Fairies - When people back in the days of yore saw UFO's and Aliens - having no concept of space and other planets - they catagorized them as best as possible? Or perhaps we really do share this world with all manner of Wee-Folk.
El Chupacabra - Well, okay...goat suckers...umm, sure. I guess.