Vortigern (Wortigern) was a legendary king of Britain, frequently associated with the Arthurian cycle and Merlin. He appears in various medieval chronicles as a ruler whose reign was marked by conflict and legendary events involving magic and prophecy. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary of the…Arthur, King of the BritonsThe Werewolf in Central European Folklore: … Read more
Stryges were portrayed in various traditions as malicious beings or witches, sometimes believed to consume living humans. In the ancient world, they were envisioned as aged women. Among the Franks, the term indicated witches or specters that could devour people. The Salic Law contains clauses mentioning stryges, suggesting that offenders accused of being stryges were … Read more
Historical references mention the use of Stratagèmes involving natural phosphorescent substances to simulate supernatural events. An example recounts King Kenneth II of Scotland (9th century) scaring his nobles with fiery figures thought to be heavenly spirits, leading them to wage war with renewed confidence. Related Posts:StratagemsMythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary of the…ApparitionsAmulet
Skinkraftigans is a term ascribed to Anglo-Saxon conjurors who purportedly countered Christian missionaries with false miracles. Mentioned in certain post-medieval compilations, it may be an archaic label for pagan priests or magicians. The reliability of these sources is debated, and direct historical evidence remains limited. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary of the…20+ German Photographers … Read more
Muhammad (c. 570 – 632 CE) was an Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet, divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. He is viewed as the final prophet of God in all … Read more
Louis I (778-840 AD), also known as Louis the Pious and Louis the Debonair, was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Franks. He was the son of Charlemagne. Historical accounts suggest that astrologers held some influence in his court. Legend claims that on his deathbed, Louis uttered the words “Huz, huz!” (Out, out!), … Read more
Dagobert I, King of France who died in 638 at the age of thirty-seven, is the subject of a legend where an ermine named Jean witnessed his soul being chained in a boat by demons destined for Mount Etna. Saint Denis, Saint Maurice, and Saint Martin intervened, rescuing his soul from the demons. A curious … Read more
Bells were known to the ancients, with their invention attributed to the Egyptians. They were used in Athens and by the Romans. Unlike Muslims, who do not incorporate bells in their minarets due to the belief that bell sounds would disturb the souls of the blessed in paradise, Christians began using bells in churches around … Read more
Clément was a Scottish priest contemporary with Charlemagne. He advocated the doctrine that when Jesus Christ descended into hell, He freed all damned souls without exception. This belief was later condemned by the church authorities. Related Posts:Hell: The Posthumous Realm of PunishmentThe Werewolf in Central European Folklore: Between…CharlemagneThomas Reid: Witchcraft, Folklore, and the Queen of…
Chilperic I (French: Chilpéric Ier) was a King of the Franks and son of Chlothar I. According to Gregory of Tours, a vision recounted by King Guntram portrayed Chilperic’s soul in chains, led by three bishops—Tétricus, Agricola, and Nicetius. Tétricus reportedly insisted on punishment for Chilperic’s deeds, culminating in the soul’s immersion in a boiling … Read more