The Ophthalmius (Ophthalmius) was a mythical stone believed to grant invisibility to its bearer. Such stones of invisibility are a recurring motif in folklore and mythology, often associated with magical powers or divine intervention. Similar concepts appear in various cultures, like the cap of Hades in Greek mythology or the ring of Gyges in Plato’s … Read more
The Invisible Hand is a motif found in folklore and supernatural tales. Gaspard Schott, in his Magia Universalis (1657), recounts a story he witnessed in his childhood. Two men were leaving a town when one, drunk, attacked the other. The sober man, initially reluctant to fight, was struck on the head and retaliated, killing the … Read more
The belief in magical rings, imbued with enchantments or serving as amulets, was widespread. Magicians created constellation rings to perform wonders. This belief was so common among pagans that their priests were forbidden from wearing rings unless they were simple, ensuring they contained no amulets (Aulu-Gelle, Noctes Atticae, X, 25).Magical rings also appeared among Christians, … Read more