Mentions of ‘zoaphite’ in historical references and its association with monstrous or hybrid forms The term Zoaphite appears in certain antiquarian or encyclopedic entries as a designation for a monstrous or abnormal being, often without detailed elaboration. In such texts, the entry for “zoaphite” typically includes a cross-reference to “monsters”, suggesting that the word was … Read more
Tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) venom was believed in southern Italy to induce uncontrollable dancing—‘tarantism’. Observers reported humans, roosters, and wasps dancing to violin music following a bite. 16th-century physician Girolamo Saint-André documented a Neapolitan soldier who danced for days after a tarantula bite, a phenomenon later interpreted as psychosomatic. Related Posts:Tarantula BiteThe Dancing Plague of 1518: … Read more
Taciturnity (Taciturnité) is a magical affliction in early modern French demonological literature. It manifests as a curse of enforced silence cast by the Devil upon alleged witches, preventing them from answering interrogations during trials. The 16th-century case of the shoemaker Jean Boullé exemplifies its use: he remained silent under questioning and was deemed afflicted by … Read more
Tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) venom was believed in southern Italy to induce uncontrollable dancing—‘tarantism’. Observers reported humans, roosters, and wasps dancing to violin music following a bite. 16th-century physician Girolamo Saint-André documented a Neapolitan soldier who danced for days after a tarantula bite, a phenomenon later interpreted as psychosomatic. Related Posts:Tarantula BiteThe Dancing Plague of 1518: … Read more
Taciturnity (Taciturnité) is a magical affliction in early modern French demonological literature. It manifests as a curse of enforced silence cast by the Devil upon alleged witches, preventing them from answering interrogations during trials. The 16th-century case of the shoemaker Jean Boullé exemplifies its use: he remained silent under questioning and was deemed afflicted by … Read more
Sunnyass, sometimes spelled Sannyasi, refers to ascetic devotees in parts of India who renounce worldly attachments. Some accounts describe extreme penances or public displays of self-mortification, including suspension by hooks. Though these references often mingle with sensationalized travelogues, the real Sannyasis in Hindu tradition follow a path of spiritual detachment and are not uniformly engaged … Read more
Suceurs (Demons) are described in some demonological interpretations as entities that feed on vital energy or blood. An example is the vampire-like accounts in which beings would draw sustenance from living humans. The concept parallels ancient Greek references where the dead were said to crave blood, as portrayed in Homer’s depiction of spirits in the … Read more
Succubi are demons assuming female forms, noted in various traditions. According to some cabalistic interpretations, they are elemental spirits interacting with humans. Rabbinic writings mention a belief that Adam was visited by such entities for 130 years, resulting in births of other supernatural beings. Several anecdotes from medieval Europe describe men allegedly pursued by female … Read more
Succor-Benoth is cited in certain demonological sources as the head of Beelzebuth’s eunuchs, described as a demon linked to jealousy. This reference appears in some medieval and Renaissance texts on demon hierarchies, although comprehensive primary records are scarce. The name indicates a specialized role within infernal structures documented in older grimoires. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The … Read more
Stollenwurms are described in folklore from the Bernese Oberland as enormous black serpents bearing two, four, or six legs, a griffin-like head, and a fiery crest. No direct sightings are verified, but local tales say they appear at night to drink from cows in the fields. Some believe the presence of a white rooster wards … Read more