What Happened To The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island
In 1584 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. The plan was to establish a colony in the new world, but soon after arrival, the hardships began to set in, and would become too much for the settlers. Strong weather battered the settlement, a lack of resources became worrisome, and poor relations with the […]
Kobolds: The Mischievous Goblin Creatures of Folklore
Numerous goblin-like creatures can be found in the folklore of various cultures, one of which is the European Kobold. According to sources, the kobold is a small, pointy-eared, goblin-like creature with a mischievous spirit. Initially, the Kobold is helpful, and has good intentions, but is easily angered and can quickly become a burden. Angering a […]
Aztlan: The Mythical Lost Land of The Aztecs
The Aztecs have puzzled and intrigued researchers for centuries, and the origins of the Aztec people is still a mystery. Mythical lands throughout various cultures have come and gone – including for the Aztecs. They have stories of their own mythical land, lost in time just like Atlantis, Lyonesse and Camelot in other parts of […]
The life and Divination Practices of Marie Lenormand
Marie Anne Lenormand also referred to as Sybil of the Faubourg Saint Germain, was a French fortune teller of great fame in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Even though she was born into a humble background, Marie is considered the greatest cartomancer of all time in France. She made her wealth serving the […]
The Life of Folklorist Andrew Lang
Andrew Lang was a folklorist, poet, novelist, editor, translator, compiler, biographer, essayist, and literary critic who contributed heavily to anthropology. He is well known as a collector of fairy and folk tales. Despite being a professional author who has contributed much to history, anthropology, and mythology; Andrew Lang is made famous by works that he […]
The Legend of Kiyohime The Japanese Ghost
Japan is renowned as a country steeped in mythology and folklore. It has been passed down throughout the generations and has given us some truly amazing, and creepy stories. However, many of these stories are unknown to westerners. One of the most famous Japanese stories, is of Kiyohime, the Japanese ghost. Japanese mythology embraces Buddhist […]
How The Novelist Charles Dickens Became A Mesmerist
On January 4th 1838, Charles Dickens went to the University College Hospital in Gower Street, with his friend and artist, George Cruikshank. When they arrived, they witnessed Professor John Elliotson mesmerizing the then 17-year-old Elizabeth Okey. Professor John Elliotson was renowned for his medical knowledge, but also his daring attitude to innovation in the industry. […]
The Christian View on Ghosts and Purgatory In The Middle Ages
In the middle ages, death was never far away. Lands were often ravaged by famine and war, towns and villages riddled with disease and the lack of medicine led to high rates of mortality. People in the middle ages led strict religious lives, and it was religion that crafted their view of life after death. […]
The Byzantine Interpretation of Dreams by Achmet
Achmet refers to himself as the son of Sereim, who was in service to the Caliph, Maʾmūn, as an interpreter of dreams. While his father worked as a dream interpreter, it’s not known whether Achment himself was also an interpreter, but given his extensive work on the subject, it’s highly likely that he was involved […]
Professor John Elliotson: The Curious Case of A Victorian Mesmerist
In 1837, medicine was a developing yet brutal field. Crucial operations were performed without any pain relief, and the medications which were used to aid both patient and surgeon were often toxic. The search for pain relief was a lucrative business, but across the continent, people were looking to other alternatives. One of these alternatives […]