Erlik-Khan is the prince of the underworld, depicted with a buffalo head adorned with horns and a necklace of skulls. Occasionally assuming a human head, Erlik-Khan wields a scepter topped with a skull. His consort is Samorindo or Samoundo. This figure represents the fearsome aspects of the afterlife in Kalmuck mythology, embodying death and the … Read more
Erlik or Erlig is a malevolent deity in Kalmuck belief, responsible for disasters and possessing a trident-like nose that detects dying individuals. When a person succumbs to a terminal illness, Kalmuck priests, known as guéloungs, perform rituals to appease Erlik by offering clay dolls. To save a leader from Erlik’s grasp, a devoted individual may … Read more
Erleursortok is the devil of Greenland, perpetually on the lookout to seize souls escaping from mortal prisons. Typically ravenous, he devours captured souls, embodying eternal hunger and malevolence. His relentless pursuit symbolizes the unforgiving nature of evil forces in folklore. Related Posts:Diabolic Hunger (Faim diabolique)The Werewolf in Central European Folklore: Between…Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary … Read more
Erles are spirits or genies from German folklore known to induce fear. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe depicted them in a ballad, portraying their haunting presence and malevolent nature. Erles reflect the Germanic tradition of fearsome spirits that inhabit the unseen realms, influencing human emotions and actions. Related Posts:20+ German Photographers Who Redefined Artistic ExpressionParalinguistic Sounds: … Read more
Eric the Windy Hat, mentioned in Boethius’ Hector, was the King of Sweden who could control the winds by rotating his bonnet. This ability allowed him to dictate weather patterns by signaling demons with whom he had made pacts. The precision of his wind control was so reliable that his royal hat was likened to … Read more
Erceldoune refers to the marvelous adventures of Thomas of Erceldoune, one of the oldest known fairy legends. Also known as the Rimeur, Thomas composed a poetic romance about Tristrem and Yseult, featuring one of the earliest samples of English verse. Flourishing under the reign of Alexander III of Scotland, Thomas was suspected of practicing magic … Read more
Epilepsy in historical contexts was often misunderstood and attributed to supernatural causes. In England, kings not only treated scrofula but also blessed rings believed to protect against cramps and wasting diseases. This ceremony took place on Good Friday, where the king would rub the rings between his hands to convey their healing properties. These golden … Read more
Enigma refers to mysterious or puzzling phenomena often associated with divinations. Historical accounts from Naples under Robert Guiscard describe a statue with a golden head bearing an undecipherable inscription predicting great treasures. A Saracen prisoner interpreted the enigma, leading to the discovery of treasures that aided in military campaigns. Enigmas are prevalent in various divinatory … Read more
The Elf King is the monarch of the Elves, governing their realm with authority and wisdom. He is often portrayed in legends as a powerful and just ruler, ensuring the prosperity and harmony of the Elven kingdom. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary of the…The Werewolf in Central European Folklore: Between…Paralinguistic Sounds: Micro-Signals, Macro-Powers,…Regions with … Read more
Elfland is depicted as the realm or island kingdom of the fairies and Elves. According to folklore, fairies and Elves sometimes abduct children, taking them to Elfland to populate it. Men who fall asleep on haunted mountains by fairies or Elves are also believed to be transported to this mystical land. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The … Read more