Understanding the Term Harbinger in Context

In an ancient village nestled between mountains, stories of a mysterious phenomenon echoed in the tales told by its elders. Every decade, a peculiar event occurred: the skies would darken, the winds would howl, and from the depths of the forest, an ethereal light would emerge, casting a soft, ghostly glow upon the village. The villagers, both terrified and enchanted, spoke of this occurrence as a harbinger of change. Some believed it was a blessing, a signal from the forest spirits. Others eyed it with suspicion, fearing it was an omen of misfortune. Yet, as the decade approached its end, hope mixed with trepidation, and the villagers prepared for the unknown, filled with questions about the true nature of the phenomenon. Young and old alike gathered at the edge of the woods, whispering their own interpretations, none able to discern whether the light would herald prosperity or despair.