Which of the following is NOT a factor leading to the existence of a revenant?

The assertion that familial relations are not a factor leading to the existence of a revenant aligns with the understanding of how these supernatural beings are typically conceptualized in various cultural and mythological contexts. While familial connections can be significant in many stories about the dead returning, the notion of a revenant most often emphasizes broader themes linked to predestination, certain events (like untimely or unnatural death), and predisposition to becoming a revenant due to specific attributes or circumstances.

In many traditions, revenants are often portrayed as souls that return due to unresolved matters, curses, or as a consequence of specific life events that affect their transition to the afterlife. Familial connections might not inherently dictate one’s status as a revenant, especially when compared to the influence of fate or significant life events.

The other factors—predestination, events that trigger the return, and predisposition—encompass the broader philosophical and narrative themes that underpin the concept of revenants in folklore, demonstrating that the existence of a revenant is more complex and often detached from mere familial ties.