Unknown hominoid creatures have been reported numerous times throughout the South American jungles. Legends of the Didi, Vasitri, and the Mono Grande circulate in the region. One piece of evidence supporting the existence of a South American version of bigfoot is the famous photograph of de Loys Ape, photographed by a Swiss geologist, Dr. Francois de Loys sometime between 1917 and 1920. According to de Loys, he and his expedition were resting near the Tarra River on the border of Venezuela and Columbia. They were suddenly attacked by two 5-foot-tall ape-like creatures that waved branches menacingly and threw feces at the men. In defense, de Loys’ men fought back, shooting and killing the female. The wounded male escaped back into the jungle. The ape had strange human-like characteristics, prompting de Loys to photograph the creature sitting on a crate, it’s dead body propped up with a stick. It is said that the creature was eaten by the starving men, thus destroying all evidence except the one controversial photograph.
Nearly a decade passed before the image was made public. Fascinated by the photograph, a friend of de Loys, Dr. George Montandon published the image claiming it was a type of South American ape he dubbed "Ameranthropoides loysi".
Scientists were quick to debunk Dr. Montandon’s claims. One such skeptic, Sir Arthur Keith, proclaimed that the photograph was a hoax picturing nothing more than a spider monkey with it’s tail hidden behind the crate upon which it sat. He also pointed out that the photograph had no indications of the creature’s size. Many speculated that the crate was 20 inches tall, and based on that calculation, the ape would be nearly 5-feet-tall. However, the average height for a spider monkey is between 15 and 27 inches, its tail measuring 20-35 inches long.
Ivan T. Sanderson, respected Fortean researcher and author of several books on the subject, also finds fault in Montandon’s claim. Sanderson writes in his book, Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come To Life, "...this picture produced by Dr. Francios de Loys is obviously that of a spider monkey...". After calculating the creatures actual size, he goes on to say, "Thus this animal, with its head poked up to an unnatural degree by a stick, measures about 27 inches. This is a fair-sized spider monkey but not even a large one. The original photograph is not just a case of mistaken identity; it is an outright hoax, and an obnoxious one at that, being a deliberate deception..."
Despite the skepticism surrounding this photograph, others maintain that the creature is not just a normal spider monkey. Anomalist Michael T. Shoemaker writes: "Examination of the photo reveals a strange, but logical, mixture of characteristics from different genera. The flat nose, with the nostrils widely separated and flared outwards, is characteristic of New World monkeys...Other characteristics that strongly suggest a spider-monkey are the round ridges surrounding the eye sockets, the long hair, and the extremely long fingers and toes. On the other hand, many of its characteristics contradict such an identification...Compared to other anthropoid apes, the creature's body is like a gibbon's, but its limbs and reduced thumbs are most like those of an orangutan...The most extraordinary characteristics lie in the shape of the head. Spider monkeys have a distinctly triangular face, with a pronounced prognathism. The creature's face is oval, with its lower half much heavier, and with more powerful jaws, than a spider monkey's. The creature also has little or no prognathism...Although many New World monkeys tend to have a more prominent forehead than do Old World monkeys, none has a forehead so highly developed as this creature's forehead."
It is interesting to note that Dr. Montandon was a known racist and grossly anti-Semitic, and held a belief that different races evolved from different apes. In a letter to the Anomalist Magazine published in the Fall 1996 issue, cryptozoologist Loren Coleman writes that Dr. Montandon used the photograph to provide evidence for his racist hypothesis, suggesting that the Native Americans descended from the Ameranthropoides loysi.
So it appears that one more cryptozoological enigma bites the dust. Although, as de Loys's photograph has been thoroughly debunked, it does not allow for the case of South American Apes to be officially closed. Numerous sightings of the Mono Grand (or "large monkey") have been reported throughout the jungles of South America. Natives speak of a 5-foot-tall, bipedal ape-like creature that is often said to be dangerous. Credible witnesses reported encounters with these creatures as well, the most recent report from Gary Samuels in 1987. As a mycologist working for the New York Botanical Garden, he was gathering specimines of fungi in Guyana. After hearing footsteps, Samuels looked up to see a 5-foot-tall, bipedal ape nearby.
P/S:SOURCES:
Clark, Jerome, Unexplained!
Coleman, Loren and Raynal, Michael, "De Loys's Photograph: A tool of Racism" The Anomalist, (1996)
Sanderson, Ivan T., Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come To Life.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
When Lake Monsters Attack!
The majority of lake monster and sea serpent reports describe large, serpentine creatures that may startle observers, but rarely do these reports describe violent behaviour. However, there are numerous legends and eyewitness accounts that suggest some of these cryptids may be "sometimes" predatory. You may want to be wary next time you’re enjoying your favourite lake, river, or swimming hole on a hot summer day...the pool may be safer!
Lake Erie Monster - USA
Bessie, the large, serpentine creature that haunts Lake Erie in the USA and Canada, has been sighted numerous times. There is an unconfirmed rumor which tells of a lethal encounter with a creature who’s head was the size of a car and killed 3 people in 1992. Although Bessie is generally benign, a more sinister creature has been attacking swimmers near Port Dover, Ontario, Canada in August 2001. News headlines last week covered three bizarre incidents where swimmers were bitten by an unknown fish - or something. Dr. Harold Hynscht, who treated one of the bite victims, has ruled out some of the theories attempting to put a face to the bite marks. Released pet Pirranhas, Lamprey eels, snapping turtles, walleye, goby, and muskellunge fish have been ruled out, prompting Dr. Hynscht to suggest the attacks were caused by a Bowfin fish protecting its territory. However, this has not yet been confirmed.
The Lau And The Lukwata - Africa
A giant, 100 foot-long lake serpent that lurks in the swamps, rivers, and lakes in Uganda, Africa has been feared by natives because of its predatory nature, often taking large mammals or fishermen. Explorers of the region heard these bizarre tales that became more credible as some of them observed the creature themselves.
Dobhar-Chu - Ireland
A strange creature of the Irish lakes is the Dobhar-Chu of Lough Mask. Also called the dobarcu or dhuragoo, this "water hound" has been reported to attack people. It is described as sort of looking similar to a large otter, white in colour with black ear tips and black across the back. It is said by some to look like "half wolfdog/half fish".
In Roderick O’Flaherty’s book, A Description of West Connaught written in 1684, he recalls a startling incident of the dobhar-chu.
"There is one rarity more, which we may term the Irish crocodile, whereof one, as yet living, about ten years ago had sad experience.
The man was passing the shore just by the waterside, and spyed far off the head of a beast swimming, which he took to be an otter, and took no more notice of it; but the beast it seems lifted up his head, to discern whereabouts the man was; then diving swam under the water till he struck ground: whereupon he run out of the water suddenly and took the man by the elbow whereby the man stooped down, and the beast fastened his teeth in his pate, and dragged him into the water; where the man took hold of a stone by chance in his way, and calling to mind he had a knife in his jacket, took it out and gave a thrust of it to the beast, which thereupon got away from him into the lake.
The water about him was all bloody, whether from the beast's blood, or his own, or from both he knows not. It was the pitch of an ordinary greyhound, of a black slimey skin, without hair as he imagines."
Underwater Mystery Attacker - USA
Mrs. Darwin Johnson had a terrifying encounter with a strange creature while swimming in the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana on 21 August 1955. Something with a claw-like hand under the water grabbed her knee. She struggled in vain as the thing dragged her underwater twice. She eventually fought off the unseen attacker with a friend's inner tub. The only evidence of Mrs. Johnson's ordeal were some scratches and a green palm print on her knee.
Thetis Lake Monster - Canada
Thetis Lake, located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is said to be home to a silvery-scaled humanoid with gills that lurks in its waters. Sporting webbed feet, hands, and ears, the Thetis Lake Monster adds to its fearsome appearance with a razor-sharp fin or crest on its head. Its large, fish-like eyes are said to penetrate the murkiest of water.
Two teenagers were allegedly attacked by the monster on 19 August, 1972. After seeing the scaly creature rise from the lake, the boys fled in terror, with the monster in pursuit. It caught up with one of the boys, cutting his hand with its barbed head-fin. The boys escaped, and told the Royal Canadian Mounted Police about the incident. The RCMP launched an investigation that yielded no evidence despite other residents coming forward with their sightings of the creature. The investigation was soon called off.
African Brain-Sucker (Mamlambo) - Africa
The "half horse, half fish" Mamlambo inhabits the Mzintlava River in the Mount Ayliff area of South Africa. Eyewitnesses describe this creature as being 20 meters (67 ft) long, with short stumpy legs, crocodillian body, and the head and neck of a snake. It is said to have a hypnotic gaze, and shine at night with a green light. It drags human and animal victims in the water, drowning them, and sucking their blood and brains out.
The Mamlambo is described in Xhosa tribal mythology, and is said to bring great wealth to those brave enough to capture it.
Government sources say that the creature has claimed 7 human victims in 1997 alone, along with several goats. But freelance journalist, Andite Nomabhunga, says that 9 human deaths have been blamed on the Mamlambo, including a school girl.
Mount Ayliff police claim that most of the alleged victims which have been found had simply drowned. Sometimes, crabs have eaten away at the soft tissues of the face and throat. Despite police explanations for the deaths, villagers claim that they are not just superstitious tribe people, but educated people who are being terrorized by the Mamlambo.
Bunyips - Australia
According to Aboriginal legend, Bunyips are creatures that lurk in swamps, billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes. They emerge at night, making terrifying, blood-curdling cries, and devour any animal or human that dare venture near its abode. The Bunyip's favourite prey is said to be women.
Fearing to go near suspected Bunyip haunts, the Aborigines shared their fearsome legends with early white settlers. After hearing such tales, they became fearful of strange, loud noises at night, and seriously considered the existence of the Bunyip Monster.
Descriptions of Bunyips include a wide spectrum of appearances from animal to spirit. Some describe the Bunyip as a gorilla-type animal (kinda like bigfoot, or the Australian Yowie), while others say it is half animal, half human or spirit. Bunyips come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are described to have long tails or necks, wings, claws, horns, trunks (like an elephant), fur, scales, fins, feathers...any combination of these.
P/S:SOURCES:
Blackman, W. Haden, The Field Guide to North American Monsters
Bord, Janet and Colin, Unexplained Mysteries of The 20th Century
Clark, Jerome, Unexplained!
Lake Erie Monster - USA
Bessie, the large, serpentine creature that haunts Lake Erie in the USA and Canada, has been sighted numerous times. There is an unconfirmed rumor which tells of a lethal encounter with a creature who’s head was the size of a car and killed 3 people in 1992. Although Bessie is generally benign, a more sinister creature has been attacking swimmers near Port Dover, Ontario, Canada in August 2001. News headlines last week covered three bizarre incidents where swimmers were bitten by an unknown fish - or something. Dr. Harold Hynscht, who treated one of the bite victims, has ruled out some of the theories attempting to put a face to the bite marks. Released pet Pirranhas, Lamprey eels, snapping turtles, walleye, goby, and muskellunge fish have been ruled out, prompting Dr. Hynscht to suggest the attacks were caused by a Bowfin fish protecting its territory. However, this has not yet been confirmed.
The Lau And The Lukwata - Africa
A giant, 100 foot-long lake serpent that lurks in the swamps, rivers, and lakes in Uganda, Africa has been feared by natives because of its predatory nature, often taking large mammals or fishermen. Explorers of the region heard these bizarre tales that became more credible as some of them observed the creature themselves.
Dobhar-Chu - Ireland
A strange creature of the Irish lakes is the Dobhar-Chu of Lough Mask. Also called the dobarcu or dhuragoo, this "water hound" has been reported to attack people. It is described as sort of looking similar to a large otter, white in colour with black ear tips and black across the back. It is said by some to look like "half wolfdog/half fish".
In Roderick O’Flaherty’s book, A Description of West Connaught written in 1684, he recalls a startling incident of the dobhar-chu.
"There is one rarity more, which we may term the Irish crocodile, whereof one, as yet living, about ten years ago had sad experience.
The man was passing the shore just by the waterside, and spyed far off the head of a beast swimming, which he took to be an otter, and took no more notice of it; but the beast it seems lifted up his head, to discern whereabouts the man was; then diving swam under the water till he struck ground: whereupon he run out of the water suddenly and took the man by the elbow whereby the man stooped down, and the beast fastened his teeth in his pate, and dragged him into the water; where the man took hold of a stone by chance in his way, and calling to mind he had a knife in his jacket, took it out and gave a thrust of it to the beast, which thereupon got away from him into the lake.
The water about him was all bloody, whether from the beast's blood, or his own, or from both he knows not. It was the pitch of an ordinary greyhound, of a black slimey skin, without hair as he imagines."
Underwater Mystery Attacker - USA
Mrs. Darwin Johnson had a terrifying encounter with a strange creature while swimming in the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana on 21 August 1955. Something with a claw-like hand under the water grabbed her knee. She struggled in vain as the thing dragged her underwater twice. She eventually fought off the unseen attacker with a friend's inner tub. The only evidence of Mrs. Johnson's ordeal were some scratches and a green palm print on her knee.
Thetis Lake Monster - Canada
Thetis Lake, located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is said to be home to a silvery-scaled humanoid with gills that lurks in its waters. Sporting webbed feet, hands, and ears, the Thetis Lake Monster adds to its fearsome appearance with a razor-sharp fin or crest on its head. Its large, fish-like eyes are said to penetrate the murkiest of water.
Two teenagers were allegedly attacked by the monster on 19 August, 1972. After seeing the scaly creature rise from the lake, the boys fled in terror, with the monster in pursuit. It caught up with one of the boys, cutting his hand with its barbed head-fin. The boys escaped, and told the Royal Canadian Mounted Police about the incident. The RCMP launched an investigation that yielded no evidence despite other residents coming forward with their sightings of the creature. The investigation was soon called off.
African Brain-Sucker (Mamlambo) - Africa
The "half horse, half fish" Mamlambo inhabits the Mzintlava River in the Mount Ayliff area of South Africa. Eyewitnesses describe this creature as being 20 meters (67 ft) long, with short stumpy legs, crocodillian body, and the head and neck of a snake. It is said to have a hypnotic gaze, and shine at night with a green light. It drags human and animal victims in the water, drowning them, and sucking their blood and brains out.
The Mamlambo is described in Xhosa tribal mythology, and is said to bring great wealth to those brave enough to capture it.
Government sources say that the creature has claimed 7 human victims in 1997 alone, along with several goats. But freelance journalist, Andite Nomabhunga, says that 9 human deaths have been blamed on the Mamlambo, including a school girl.
Mount Ayliff police claim that most of the alleged victims which have been found had simply drowned. Sometimes, crabs have eaten away at the soft tissues of the face and throat. Despite police explanations for the deaths, villagers claim that they are not just superstitious tribe people, but educated people who are being terrorized by the Mamlambo.
Bunyips - Australia
According to Aboriginal legend, Bunyips are creatures that lurk in swamps, billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes. They emerge at night, making terrifying, blood-curdling cries, and devour any animal or human that dare venture near its abode. The Bunyip's favourite prey is said to be women.
Fearing to go near suspected Bunyip haunts, the Aborigines shared their fearsome legends with early white settlers. After hearing such tales, they became fearful of strange, loud noises at night, and seriously considered the existence of the Bunyip Monster.
Descriptions of Bunyips include a wide spectrum of appearances from animal to spirit. Some describe the Bunyip as a gorilla-type animal (kinda like bigfoot, or the Australian Yowie), while others say it is half animal, half human or spirit. Bunyips come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are described to have long tails or necks, wings, claws, horns, trunks (like an elephant), fur, scales, fins, feathers...any combination of these.
P/S:SOURCES:
Blackman, W. Haden, The Field Guide to North American Monsters
Bord, Janet and Colin, Unexplained Mysteries of The 20th Century
Clark, Jerome, Unexplained!
Monday, April 16, 2007
At the Devil's Heels: The Legend of Springheeled Jack by Aly Julian
A strange creature, that pub worker and farmer's daughter Polly Adams could only describe as "devil-like", was the terror of London in the mid-1800s. It all started in 1837 with the attack on Polly Adams, and then later in the year another woman was attacked in the Clapham churchyard. But the sightings and attacks of this figure that could leap over fences in a single bound truly began to start in 1838.
January, 1838: A resident of Peckham sent a letter to the Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Cowan, describing an attack by a creature he called "Spring-Heeled Jack". Sir Cowan made the letter public, only to receive dozens of other letters by more witnesses of the creature.
February, 1838: Late at night there was a furious knocking at the door of the Alsop residence, where young Jane Alsop and her two sisters lived with their father. Jane answered the door, and standing in the shadows was a man claiming to be a police officer. He asked her to bring a candle, saying that he had captured Spring-heeled Jack.
The stranger took the candle but then grabbed Jane and began to claw at her face. He ran off into the shadowy darkness when one of Jane's sisters came outside and called for help.
Jane's attacker allegedly wore a helmet and a white costume similar to oilskin and wore a black cloak over everything. His eyes were like raging fireballs, blue flames shot from his mouth, and his fingers ended in claws.
A similar attack happened to 18-year-old Lucy Squires a few months later. While walking with her sister through Green Dragon Alley (ironic name) in Limehouse, she was blinded with blazing blue flames by a tall cloaked figure.
A strange figure was seen atop the spire of a church and even on the Tower of London. Throughout the 1850s and 60s, this strange creature was seen all over England. Its descriptions varied from a winged and horned creature, not unlike the Jersey Devil, to the "spaceman" that attacked the two girls in 1838. People stayed off the streets at night in fear of this creature.
Authorities began to send mobs out to capture this supposed devil. In the 1860s, one of the mobs cornered the creature, but it jumped over a hedge and escaped. In the 1870s he attacked sentries "with his icy hands". In 1877, people tried to shoot him, but just like in the cases of Mothman, the Jersey Devil, and other strange creatures, Springheeled Jack was not shot.
September 1904, was the last recorded sighting of Jack. He was seen jumping among the rooftops in Liverpool. He was cornered yet again but leaped away with ease.
What was this strange being? A century ago people believed him to be the Devil himself (especially since he was seen near and on top of churches) but nowadays many people believe Springheeled Jack to have been an extraterrestrial, judging by his "space traveler" attire and unusual abilities. Whether it was alien, Satan, or a prankster, the legend of Springheeled Jack lives on as one of the most terrifying paranormal events in British history.
P/S:Source: Anomalies Article: Springheeled Jack
January, 1838: A resident of Peckham sent a letter to the Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Cowan, describing an attack by a creature he called "Spring-Heeled Jack". Sir Cowan made the letter public, only to receive dozens of other letters by more witnesses of the creature.
February, 1838: Late at night there was a furious knocking at the door of the Alsop residence, where young Jane Alsop and her two sisters lived with their father. Jane answered the door, and standing in the shadows was a man claiming to be a police officer. He asked her to bring a candle, saying that he had captured Spring-heeled Jack.
The stranger took the candle but then grabbed Jane and began to claw at her face. He ran off into the shadowy darkness when one of Jane's sisters came outside and called for help.
Jane's attacker allegedly wore a helmet and a white costume similar to oilskin and wore a black cloak over everything. His eyes were like raging fireballs, blue flames shot from his mouth, and his fingers ended in claws.
A similar attack happened to 18-year-old Lucy Squires a few months later. While walking with her sister through Green Dragon Alley (ironic name) in Limehouse, she was blinded with blazing blue flames by a tall cloaked figure.
A strange figure was seen atop the spire of a church and even on the Tower of London. Throughout the 1850s and 60s, this strange creature was seen all over England. Its descriptions varied from a winged and horned creature, not unlike the Jersey Devil, to the "spaceman" that attacked the two girls in 1838. People stayed off the streets at night in fear of this creature.
Authorities began to send mobs out to capture this supposed devil. In the 1860s, one of the mobs cornered the creature, but it jumped over a hedge and escaped. In the 1870s he attacked sentries "with his icy hands". In 1877, people tried to shoot him, but just like in the cases of Mothman, the Jersey Devil, and other strange creatures, Springheeled Jack was not shot.
September 1904, was the last recorded sighting of Jack. He was seen jumping among the rooftops in Liverpool. He was cornered yet again but leaped away with ease.
What was this strange being? A century ago people believed him to be the Devil himself (especially since he was seen near and on top of churches) but nowadays many people believe Springheeled Jack to have been an extraterrestrial, judging by his "space traveler" attire and unusual abilities. Whether it was alien, Satan, or a prankster, the legend of Springheeled Jack lives on as one of the most terrifying paranormal events in British history.
P/S:Source: Anomalies Article: Springheeled Jack
Living Fossils
Although it is not exactly paranormal in nature, the phenomenon of entombed animals is completely unexplainable by modern science. Frequently reported throughout history, people have been startled to find living animals trapped in stones, tree trunks, or concrete, sometimes hundreds of feet below the earth’s surface. In every report, the animal (usually a frog or toad) is found as a rock was split open or a tree trunk was being sawed, with no possible way evident for the creature to end up inside the cavity of the stone or tree. The cavity is usually slightly larger than the animal, and often it is the same shape as the animal found inside. Animals that are suddenly freed from their stony prisons are often reported as turning darker in color, having difficulty breathing at first, and becoming full of life.
A toad estimated to be over 6000 years old was freed from it’s stony prison in 1865, by excavators in Durham, England. The live toad was found in a block of magnesian limestone 25 feet underground. Its eyes were reported to be especially bright, its hind claws were particularly long and the claws of its forefeet were turned in. It grew darker in colour, from a pale colour matching the stone it was found in to a darker olive brown. It appeared to have difficulty breathing as it made a barking sound from its nostrils.
There is no scientific explanation as to how a frog or toad could survive in a seemingly air tight stone without water or food. Some suggest they collect water and nutrients that seep through the stone, especially if it is porous like limestone. Air could get in the same way. However, many of these entrapped animals are found hundreds of feet underground in rock believed to be thousands of years old. Even if the animal survived being trapped in stone, it is extraordinary that it would have remained alive for so long. Ironically, many reports of freed animals claim the creature only lived a few hours or days after being released into "survivable" conditions.
It is interesting to note that many reports of such trapped animals suggest that they were a prehistoric species as descriptions often match those of animals that were extinct or have since evolved. Perhaps some animals survive fossilization.
In 1818, a geologist named Dr. Edward D. Clarke was looking for fossils in a chalk quarry 270 feet underground. Dr. Clarke found some fossilized sea urchins and newts. He dug three well-preserved newts out and placed them on paper in the sun. To his astonishment, they began to move around. Two of the newts died shortly, but the third remained lively and was released into a pond. Dr. Clarke claimed the newts were unlike any other living at the time and were an extinct species unknown to science.
Most scientists will hold firm to the opinion that cases in which 6000 year old frogs survive such a long period of time encased in stone are absolutely impossible. Skeptics suggest the frogs or other creatures were actually discovered near the recently split stone or tree trunk and were assumed to be trapped inside as the observer noticed the small cavity. However, the reports of trapped animals are very similar, and many notice the creature inside the cavity before it is freed. Although frogs are known to hibernate for months at a time in mud, it is hard to imagine so many hibernating so long that the mud turned to stone, then sat for unknown periods of time until split open.
Here are a few more reports:
In 1719, French lumbermen were astonished to find a living frog directly in the center of a solid elm trunk about 4 feet above the root.
In 1853, a live horned lizard was freed from a block of solid stone. It was sent to the Smithsonian Institution. The lizard only lived two days after being freed.
The most amazing case of living fossils is one of a pterodactyl in France during the winter of 1856. Workmen were digging a railway tunnel through a layer of Jurassic limestone. They were startled to find a large creature stumbling out of a recently split boulder, flapping what looked like wings and croaking. It died immediately. The creature was identified as a pterodactyl by a local paleontology student who recognized the characteristic features of the extinct reptile. The stone in which it was found was consistent with the time period in which pterodactyls lived and formed an exact mold of the creature’s body.
P/S:SOURCES: Mysteries of the Unexplained, Reader’s Digest
Strange & Unexplained Phenomena, Jerome Clark and Nancy Pear.
A toad estimated to be over 6000 years old was freed from it’s stony prison in 1865, by excavators in Durham, England. The live toad was found in a block of magnesian limestone 25 feet underground. Its eyes were reported to be especially bright, its hind claws were particularly long and the claws of its forefeet were turned in. It grew darker in colour, from a pale colour matching the stone it was found in to a darker olive brown. It appeared to have difficulty breathing as it made a barking sound from its nostrils.
There is no scientific explanation as to how a frog or toad could survive in a seemingly air tight stone without water or food. Some suggest they collect water and nutrients that seep through the stone, especially if it is porous like limestone. Air could get in the same way. However, many of these entrapped animals are found hundreds of feet underground in rock believed to be thousands of years old. Even if the animal survived being trapped in stone, it is extraordinary that it would have remained alive for so long. Ironically, many reports of freed animals claim the creature only lived a few hours or days after being released into "survivable" conditions.
It is interesting to note that many reports of such trapped animals suggest that they were a prehistoric species as descriptions often match those of animals that were extinct or have since evolved. Perhaps some animals survive fossilization.
In 1818, a geologist named Dr. Edward D. Clarke was looking for fossils in a chalk quarry 270 feet underground. Dr. Clarke found some fossilized sea urchins and newts. He dug three well-preserved newts out and placed them on paper in the sun. To his astonishment, they began to move around. Two of the newts died shortly, but the third remained lively and was released into a pond. Dr. Clarke claimed the newts were unlike any other living at the time and were an extinct species unknown to science.
Most scientists will hold firm to the opinion that cases in which 6000 year old frogs survive such a long period of time encased in stone are absolutely impossible. Skeptics suggest the frogs or other creatures were actually discovered near the recently split stone or tree trunk and were assumed to be trapped inside as the observer noticed the small cavity. However, the reports of trapped animals are very similar, and many notice the creature inside the cavity before it is freed. Although frogs are known to hibernate for months at a time in mud, it is hard to imagine so many hibernating so long that the mud turned to stone, then sat for unknown periods of time until split open.
Here are a few more reports:
In 1719, French lumbermen were astonished to find a living frog directly in the center of a solid elm trunk about 4 feet above the root.
In 1853, a live horned lizard was freed from a block of solid stone. It was sent to the Smithsonian Institution. The lizard only lived two days after being freed.
The most amazing case of living fossils is one of a pterodactyl in France during the winter of 1856. Workmen were digging a railway tunnel through a layer of Jurassic limestone. They were startled to find a large creature stumbling out of a recently split boulder, flapping what looked like wings and croaking. It died immediately. The creature was identified as a pterodactyl by a local paleontology student who recognized the characteristic features of the extinct reptile. The stone in which it was found was consistent with the time period in which pterodactyls lived and formed an exact mold of the creature’s body.
P/S:SOURCES: Mysteries of the Unexplained, Reader’s Digest
Strange & Unexplained Phenomena, Jerome Clark and Nancy Pear.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Mara Experiences
A woman awakes in the middle of the night terrified. She attempts to sit up but is unable to move. As she glances at the foot of her bed, she thinks she sees a dark shadow; maybe a person in a dark robe, or perhaps only a shadow. In a few minutes, she is able to move and speak, and the "figure" is gone.
This woman experienced what is known as a Mara, which usually happens at night, either during sleep or during a lucid dream, but the experiencee is always wide awake. Paralysis is almost always reported, and the presence of a figure, which some interpret as an angel, a vampire, a ghost, a deceased loved one, an extraterrestrial, and a wide variety of "otherworldly" beings.
A scientifically baffling characteristic of mara's is the bodily changes that can take place to an experiencee. For example, if one experiences a vampire attack, they may discover puncture wounds on ones neck, which may also be bleeding. Those who interpret the event as an alien abduction, may find mysterious cuts, or particles of matter (implants) under their skin. It has been suggested that the power of suggestion was at work, as the mind can convince the body that it has been bitten, and in response, blood vessels may break, causing the effect of a vampire bite, or needle marks. The mara experience is directly influenced by the individuals beliefs. For example, a religious person may interpret such apparition as a heavenly being, while a UFO-believer may describe the figure as an alien entity.
An anonymous lady described a mara experience where she was woken up just after she had fallen asleep. She felt a presence in the room but could not move to confirm the strong sensation, nor could she make any sound. She began to panic and soon saw a dark shadow in the corner of her room approach her. She then felt a weight on her chest and a sharp pain on her neck. A few minutes later, the pain stopped, and she was able to move again. She rushed to the mirror, and found two red swollen spots on her neck but no puncture marks. In an interview, she said, "I don't believe some being visited me. I had seen a vampire movie a few days ago, and I think my mind simply worked that into some sort of realistic dream or something."
Another story was told by a man who said that he woke up in the middle of the night because he had a hard time breathing. When he opened his eyes, he saw a dark being sitting on him, choking him. When he tried to move, he realized that he was paralyzed. In his mind, he envisioned a cross, and immediately, the being vanished, leaving the man gasping for breath. He also does not fully believe that he had an evil visitor in the night. He believes that perhaps his cat laid on his chest or neck, and in his semi-asleep state, his mind created a hallucination of a dark shadow (which he adds, could have been his bunched up bed covers).
Mara experiences vary between cultures. Tales from Europe and Nova Scotia, Canada, describe a similar experience called "hagging", where an old, ugly witch sits on a man's chest. Other cultures describe dark figures, sometimes wearing capes and tall, pointed hats. Still others have feelings of being raped by succubi or the popobawa of Africa. The religious envision angels, while others interpret the "visitation" as that from alien beings or vampires. Skeptics use this fact to conclude that the maras are not real but merely a figment of an over-active imagination.
P/S:Through the research I've conducted, I find no actual proof of real visitations in the night. Most people who have experienced maras do not believe that they had encounters with the otherworldly. Instead, they are not entirely closed minded to the fact that it may have been the result of the subconscious fabricating a vision. Although I believe there is some kind of entity out there, I do not think that the majority of maras are real.
This woman experienced what is known as a Mara, which usually happens at night, either during sleep or during a lucid dream, but the experiencee is always wide awake. Paralysis is almost always reported, and the presence of a figure, which some interpret as an angel, a vampire, a ghost, a deceased loved one, an extraterrestrial, and a wide variety of "otherworldly" beings.
A scientifically baffling characteristic of mara's is the bodily changes that can take place to an experiencee. For example, if one experiences a vampire attack, they may discover puncture wounds on ones neck, which may also be bleeding. Those who interpret the event as an alien abduction, may find mysterious cuts, or particles of matter (implants) under their skin. It has been suggested that the power of suggestion was at work, as the mind can convince the body that it has been bitten, and in response, blood vessels may break, causing the effect of a vampire bite, or needle marks. The mara experience is directly influenced by the individuals beliefs. For example, a religious person may interpret such apparition as a heavenly being, while a UFO-believer may describe the figure as an alien entity.
An anonymous lady described a mara experience where she was woken up just after she had fallen asleep. She felt a presence in the room but could not move to confirm the strong sensation, nor could she make any sound. She began to panic and soon saw a dark shadow in the corner of her room approach her. She then felt a weight on her chest and a sharp pain on her neck. A few minutes later, the pain stopped, and she was able to move again. She rushed to the mirror, and found two red swollen spots on her neck but no puncture marks. In an interview, she said, "I don't believe some being visited me. I had seen a vampire movie a few days ago, and I think my mind simply worked that into some sort of realistic dream or something."
Another story was told by a man who said that he woke up in the middle of the night because he had a hard time breathing. When he opened his eyes, he saw a dark being sitting on him, choking him. When he tried to move, he realized that he was paralyzed. In his mind, he envisioned a cross, and immediately, the being vanished, leaving the man gasping for breath. He also does not fully believe that he had an evil visitor in the night. He believes that perhaps his cat laid on his chest or neck, and in his semi-asleep state, his mind created a hallucination of a dark shadow (which he adds, could have been his bunched up bed covers).
Mara experiences vary between cultures. Tales from Europe and Nova Scotia, Canada, describe a similar experience called "hagging", where an old, ugly witch sits on a man's chest. Other cultures describe dark figures, sometimes wearing capes and tall, pointed hats. Still others have feelings of being raped by succubi or the popobawa of Africa. The religious envision angels, while others interpret the "visitation" as that from alien beings or vampires. Skeptics use this fact to conclude that the maras are not real but merely a figment of an over-active imagination.
P/S:Through the research I've conducted, I find no actual proof of real visitations in the night. Most people who have experienced maras do not believe that they had encounters with the otherworldly. Instead, they are not entirely closed minded to the fact that it may have been the result of the subconscious fabricating a vision. Although I believe there is some kind of entity out there, I do not think that the majority of maras are real.
Psychic Vampyres
Although the word vampyre conjures up images of fanged, blood-thirsty monsters, their is another type of vampyre which is more realistically possible. The Psychic Vampyre is a being which "feeds" on another human-beings energy, or life force, instead of their blood. Unlike the traditional creatures, psychic vampyres are usually mortal. Their are two types of psychic vampyres, intentional and unintentional. Intentional psychic vampyres are predators who actively "hunt" for victims, without regard for their well being. This makes them monstrous, and closer to blood vampyres. Unintentional psychic vampyres are more of a victim, unable to produce enough life force for themselves. They must draw energy from others, often times friends or family, in order to feel well or even survive. This need for one's life force is usually caused by illness, but can be found among elderly people as well. The taking of psychic energy from ones astral body can be done unconsciously, and without the victim or the vampyre knowing.
Intentional psychic vampyres usually exist within an astral body after mortal death, and will feed on the force of living person's astral bodies in an attempt to escape the afterlife, or to live forever.
Death by psychic vampyrism is rare, but not impossible. If enough of a victim's life force is drawn out, it may cause physical affects which can lead to death. Symptoms of psychic vampyre attacks include fatigue, weakened immune system, dizziness, headaches, and in few cases, dimensia. Dimensia usually follows a severe attack, or multiple ones.
Since a psychic vampyre does not perform the act of "feeding" in a visible way with the physical body, it is nearly impossible to determine who is one and who is not. Psychics can sometimes read the deep purple auras which engulf the prey of the vampyre. People with heightened psychic ability can sense their energy being fed upon, and therefore prevent it.
Their is no easy method for protecting one's self from psychic vampyres. Because they continue on in their astral bodies, the death of the physical body does not affect them...it may even make them more powerful. Instead, the only way to protect against them is by casting spells to remove them from a home or one's self. But this only drives them to another person. Psychic vampyres are immortal in their mortality.
P/S:psychic vampyre...interesting!!
Intentional psychic vampyres usually exist within an astral body after mortal death, and will feed on the force of living person's astral bodies in an attempt to escape the afterlife, or to live forever.
Death by psychic vampyrism is rare, but not impossible. If enough of a victim's life force is drawn out, it may cause physical affects which can lead to death. Symptoms of psychic vampyre attacks include fatigue, weakened immune system, dizziness, headaches, and in few cases, dimensia. Dimensia usually follows a severe attack, or multiple ones.
Since a psychic vampyre does not perform the act of "feeding" in a visible way with the physical body, it is nearly impossible to determine who is one and who is not. Psychics can sometimes read the deep purple auras which engulf the prey of the vampyre. People with heightened psychic ability can sense their energy being fed upon, and therefore prevent it.
Their is no easy method for protecting one's self from psychic vampyres. Because they continue on in their astral bodies, the death of the physical body does not affect them...it may even make them more powerful. Instead, the only way to protect against them is by casting spells to remove them from a home or one's self. But this only drives them to another person. Psychic vampyres are immortal in their mortality.
P/S:psychic vampyre...interesting!!
Phantom Kangaroos
It’s hard to believe that Australian kangaroos could be hopping around all over the United States. But what’s even harder to imagine is that these out-of-place marsupials appear to posses supernatural abilities as they rummage through the backyards of bewildered people in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Indiana, to name a few. Phantom kangaroos have been spotted in a variety of urban and rural settings and are said to be particularly hostile. They are described to be 3.5 - 5.5 feet tall with glowing eyes and ghostly characteristics. They have been blamed for slaughtering numerous dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other small animals in areas with high kangaroo activity.
According to W. Haden Blackman’s Field Guide to North American Monsters, the first reported phantom kangaroo sighting was on June 12, 1899 in Richmond, Wisconsin.
Interestingly, the phantom kangaroo activity appears to occur in waves. Several witnesses in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, including a Reverend W. J. Hancock, spotted the creature in January of 1934. The sightings coincided with mysterious killings of a dog and several chickens. The Kangaroo was allegedly seen fleeing the scene carrying sheep.
From 1957 to 1967, phantom kangaroos haunted Coon Rapids, Minnesota and were spotted by numerous startled witnesses who dubbed it "Big Bunny".
Hundreds of people witnessed a phantom kangaroo in Chicago, Illinois, on October 18, 1974. It kept people away with viscous displays and vanished over a fence before police could capture it.
In 1980, a kangaroo was said to haunt San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Evidence of these phantom kangaroos is severely limited. One of the mysterious marsupials was allegedly hit by a car and killed on August 31, 1981. However, both the corpse and the anonymous driver disappeared before they could be investigated. And a fuzzy photograph taken on April 24, 1978, shows a slumping figure (which resembles a kangaroo) in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
So what are these phantom kangaroos? Are they ghostly apparitions of Australian wildlife? Or are they zoo escapees? The latter is the most likely explanation, but local zoos were contacted during a number of these mass sightings and none reported missing their kangaroos. Plus the zoo escapee theory does not explain the "intangible" quality these creatures appear to have. Whatever these ghostly apparitions are, they have caught the attention of many Fortean researchers, startled numerous eye-witnesses, and avoided police officials who attempt to capture them.
P/S:since when kangaroo also became a horrible animal??
According to W. Haden Blackman’s Field Guide to North American Monsters, the first reported phantom kangaroo sighting was on June 12, 1899 in Richmond, Wisconsin.
Interestingly, the phantom kangaroo activity appears to occur in waves. Several witnesses in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, including a Reverend W. J. Hancock, spotted the creature in January of 1934. The sightings coincided with mysterious killings of a dog and several chickens. The Kangaroo was allegedly seen fleeing the scene carrying sheep.
From 1957 to 1967, phantom kangaroos haunted Coon Rapids, Minnesota and were spotted by numerous startled witnesses who dubbed it "Big Bunny".
Hundreds of people witnessed a phantom kangaroo in Chicago, Illinois, on October 18, 1974. It kept people away with viscous displays and vanished over a fence before police could capture it.
In 1980, a kangaroo was said to haunt San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Evidence of these phantom kangaroos is severely limited. One of the mysterious marsupials was allegedly hit by a car and killed on August 31, 1981. However, both the corpse and the anonymous driver disappeared before they could be investigated. And a fuzzy photograph taken on April 24, 1978, shows a slumping figure (which resembles a kangaroo) in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
So what are these phantom kangaroos? Are they ghostly apparitions of Australian wildlife? Or are they zoo escapees? The latter is the most likely explanation, but local zoos were contacted during a number of these mass sightings and none reported missing their kangaroos. Plus the zoo escapee theory does not explain the "intangible" quality these creatures appear to have. Whatever these ghostly apparitions are, they have caught the attention of many Fortean researchers, startled numerous eye-witnesses, and avoided police officials who attempt to capture them.
P/S:since when kangaroo also became a horrible animal??
Croglin Grange Vampyre
In the mid-1870's, three unnamed people rented a large house, called Croglin Grange, in Cumberland, England, and had a chilling awakening to the vampyre legend. During the first summer the young woman and her two older brothers spent in the house, they began leaving the window shutters open at night. One such night, the young woman noticed two strange lights coming from a belt of trees bordering their yard and the churchyard. She soon realized that the lights were actually the eyes of a dark, humanoid creature.
The woman lay in bed, terrified. She was too afraid to run to the door in case the creature should see her movement through the window. She couldn't scream as her voice was paralyzed with fear. When she thought the thing ran around the house, she bolted for the door; but as she tried to open it, she heard a scratching at the window. To her horror, the brown-faced, flaming-eyed creature was right outside her window, staring in at her. She screamed as she flung herself to her bed.
The thing began breaking the window; and, reaching its hand through a hole in the glass, it unlocked the window and entered the room. The thing came straight toward the woman and bit into her neck. Her brothers came running to her aid after hearing her screams. As one brother chased the thing out the window, the other tended to his unconcious, bleeding sister. The thing disappeared over the wall of the churchyard.
The three assumed the thing was an escaped lunatic; but, because the doctor who examined their sister said she had suffered an extreme shock, they decided to move to Switzerland, hoping that a change in surroundings would help her to recover. Acting on their sister's decision, they returned to the house in England in the autumn.
The woman returned to her room in the house only this time, she kept the shutters closed. Nothing happened until one night in March. That night the woman got ready for bed. She suddenly heard the familiar scratching. Seeing the same brown-faced, flaming-eyed creature, she screamed for her brothers. The two brothers ran out the front of the house armed with pistols. One of them shot the thing in the leg; but it still got over the churchyard wall and disappeared into an old, dilapidated vault.
The next morning the brothers, along with the others who lived in the house, went into the churchyard to investigate the vault. Upon opening it, they found all of the coffins had been opened and emptied, their contents strewn about. Only one coffin was untouched. They discovered a brown, shriveled, mummified corpse with a pistol wound in its leg. The group removed the thing and burned it.
After that incident the woman was not attacked again.
P/S:seem that a vampyre also have it's own mystery...
The woman lay in bed, terrified. She was too afraid to run to the door in case the creature should see her movement through the window. She couldn't scream as her voice was paralyzed with fear. When she thought the thing ran around the house, she bolted for the door; but as she tried to open it, she heard a scratching at the window. To her horror, the brown-faced, flaming-eyed creature was right outside her window, staring in at her. She screamed as she flung herself to her bed.
The thing began breaking the window; and, reaching its hand through a hole in the glass, it unlocked the window and entered the room. The thing came straight toward the woman and bit into her neck. Her brothers came running to her aid after hearing her screams. As one brother chased the thing out the window, the other tended to his unconcious, bleeding sister. The thing disappeared over the wall of the churchyard.
The three assumed the thing was an escaped lunatic; but, because the doctor who examined their sister said she had suffered an extreme shock, they decided to move to Switzerland, hoping that a change in surroundings would help her to recover. Acting on their sister's decision, they returned to the house in England in the autumn.
The woman returned to her room in the house only this time, she kept the shutters closed. Nothing happened until one night in March. That night the woman got ready for bed. She suddenly heard the familiar scratching. Seeing the same brown-faced, flaming-eyed creature, she screamed for her brothers. The two brothers ran out the front of the house armed with pistols. One of them shot the thing in the leg; but it still got over the churchyard wall and disappeared into an old, dilapidated vault.
The next morning the brothers, along with the others who lived in the house, went into the churchyard to investigate the vault. Upon opening it, they found all of the coffins had been opened and emptied, their contents strewn about. Only one coffin was untouched. They discovered a brown, shriveled, mummified corpse with a pistol wound in its leg. The group removed the thing and burned it.
After that incident the woman was not attacked again.
P/S:seem that a vampyre also have it's own mystery...
The Changing Vampyre Image
The vampyre image has changed over the years, shaped by literature and television media. Each author, filmmaker, and storyteller adds their own uniqueness to the mysterious, frightening stories of vampyres. The vampyre has been changed time and time again, and it may be hard to determine what the actual first vampyre would have been like, or thought to be.
According to Hebrew mythology, Adam (the first man on Earth) had a wife prior to Eve, named Lilith. It is said that she did not honor Adam by refusing to take the bottom position during sexual intercourse. Because of her rebellion, she was forced to flee, and lived the rest of her days as a monstrous demons, seducing men, stealing babies, and feeding on their blood. (We would not see the sexual side of vampyrism again until the early 20th century.)
Lilith was often portrayed as a female supernatural entity with bird-wings and feet.She is sometimes pictured with desert animals. Lilith is considered by some to be the first vampyre.
The vampyre or similar myths depicted the blood sucking monsters as hideous demons until a young novelist, Brahm Stoker, wrote his famous masterpiece, "Dracula". Although the book was based on Vlad Dracula, Stoker added some fantasy to the blood-thirsty ruler. The vampyre now became a mysterious undead human wearing a cape. I think this was also the first reference of a photophobic vampyre.
During the early 20th century, film directors added fangs, bringing back the monstrous characteristics, especially in "Nosferatu". However, the vampyre never fully returned to its hideous monster image. Instead, it became a seductive, romantic sexual being, biting women on the neck in an erotic, sexual way. (Earlier vampyres did not care who they attacked as long as it was something that could be eaten or destroyed.)
Modern day author, Anne Rice, combines the monster image with the sensual one. In her novel Interview with a Vampire, she stays consistent with the blood thirsty vampyre Lestat, but introduces a passionate vampyre, Louis. However, Rice reveals the "human" side of Lestat by giving him emotions. Another example of the sexual nature of vampyres is found in the hit TV series on the WB networks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The changing face of the human-like vampyres into an ugly, wrinkled face, and growling suggests a monster. However, Buffy falls for a "good" vampyre named Angel (Angeles) who is a young, attractive male, engaging in "human" romance with her. He then turns to the other side, and allows the demon to awake within him.
Although the imagery of the vampyre has changed, the legend stays consistent. The vampyre is killed or stayed by what is good. The cross, a wooden stake, silver bullets, and garlic would repel or kill a vampyre. Interestingly enough, the mirror was thought to be the gateway into Liliths web according to Jewish Mythology. The modern depiction of vampyres has it that they leave no reflection in mirrors
P/S;is that mean that we should be careful of a seductive woman??:P
According to Hebrew mythology, Adam (the first man on Earth) had a wife prior to Eve, named Lilith. It is said that she did not honor Adam by refusing to take the bottom position during sexual intercourse. Because of her rebellion, she was forced to flee, and lived the rest of her days as a monstrous demons, seducing men, stealing babies, and feeding on their blood. (We would not see the sexual side of vampyrism again until the early 20th century.)
Lilith was often portrayed as a female supernatural entity with bird-wings and feet.She is sometimes pictured with desert animals. Lilith is considered by some to be the first vampyre.
The vampyre or similar myths depicted the blood sucking monsters as hideous demons until a young novelist, Brahm Stoker, wrote his famous masterpiece, "Dracula". Although the book was based on Vlad Dracula, Stoker added some fantasy to the blood-thirsty ruler. The vampyre now became a mysterious undead human wearing a cape. I think this was also the first reference of a photophobic vampyre.
During the early 20th century, film directors added fangs, bringing back the monstrous characteristics, especially in "Nosferatu". However, the vampyre never fully returned to its hideous monster image. Instead, it became a seductive, romantic sexual being, biting women on the neck in an erotic, sexual way. (Earlier vampyres did not care who they attacked as long as it was something that could be eaten or destroyed.)
Modern day author, Anne Rice, combines the monster image with the sensual one. In her novel Interview with a Vampire, she stays consistent with the blood thirsty vampyre Lestat, but introduces a passionate vampyre, Louis. However, Rice reveals the "human" side of Lestat by giving him emotions. Another example of the sexual nature of vampyres is found in the hit TV series on the WB networks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The changing face of the human-like vampyres into an ugly, wrinkled face, and growling suggests a monster. However, Buffy falls for a "good" vampyre named Angel (Angeles) who is a young, attractive male, engaging in "human" romance with her. He then turns to the other side, and allows the demon to awake within him.
Although the imagery of the vampyre has changed, the legend stays consistent. The vampyre is killed or stayed by what is good. The cross, a wooden stake, silver bullets, and garlic would repel or kill a vampyre. Interestingly enough, the mirror was thought to be the gateway into Liliths web according to Jewish Mythology. The modern depiction of vampyres has it that they leave no reflection in mirrors
P/S;is that mean that we should be careful of a seductive woman??:P
Investigating the Vampyre Legend
When people think of vampyres, many images come to mind - Bela Legosi's famous portrayal of Dracula, Max Schreck's old, hideous impression of a Nosferatu, and the modern day kids who claim they are vampyres. We think of vampyres generally as male villains who steal life savagely by sucking their blood. But now, there are such things called Psychic vampyres and Energy vampires. Once can easily become confused as to what exactly a vampyre is.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a vampyre is a reanimated corpse that rises from the grave in the form of a male, also called a "inkubus", or a female seductress, a "sukkubus". This definition mentions nothing of psychic or energy vampyres. However, many people feel that these different kinds of vampyres are just names given to the special powers that vampyres have. They are said to be able to transform into animals such as wolves, bats, rats, black cats, owls, ravens, and spiders. A vampyre may also turn into a mist or dust. Another power ascribed to vampyres is superhuman strength, speed and sensory perception. A vampyre is said to be able to move faster than a human eye can follow. Vampyres can also control the minds of animals or humans by hypnosis or telepathy. Through mental control, the vampyre obtains some of the energy from their victim.
But where did the vampyre image come from? Is there any truth behind it? Any facts? Though the belief of people who rise from the dead has been traced back to Babylonian times, the most prominent shaping of the vampyre myth came from a city in Romania called Transylvania. It was there that Vlad Dracul was born. From his birth in 1431, he was raised by the Roman Catholic Church. At age 11, Vlad and his brother, Radu, were taken hostage by the Turks until 1448. During this time, he adopted a very pessimistic view of life. While still a captive, the Turks informed him of his father's death, and his brother's brutal death by torture. Vlad was freed after hearing this news.
In the summer of 1456, Vlad became Prince of Wallachia, and reigned for 6 years. During this time, he revenged his father's death, and proceeded to kill people, both guilty and innocent. His favourite form of death was by impailment. This earned him the name commonly known today, Vlad the Impailer. He was said to have dismembered children and fed them to their parents. He would throw a feast for the peasants, and then lock the doors and burn the building with them still inside. Historians have said that Vlad is the first documented blood thirsty man and has so been named the first vampyre.
At the same time that Vlad was terrorizing Romania, there was another blood-thirsty person living in the same country. Her name was Elizabeth Bathory, also known as The Blood Countess. She would order her young servant and peasant girls to join her for tea or a small meal. Then she would bind and hang the girls to the ceiling, and pierce them with a spike while still alive. When blood splattered on her face during one of her murders, she thought it made her skin look younger. From then on, she'd save the blood of her victims and spread it on her face or bathe in it. She would even stand under the dying girls and let their blood trickle down her own body. In 1610, she was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment for her vampyric crimes. She died three years later.
Since Vlad and Bathory, other supposed vampyres have been discovered. In a village called Medvegia, a military man named Arnold Paole died from a tragic fall. Five years after his death, reports started arising from people who claimed to see him in their homes or around town. After these visitations, the people started dying, and permission was given for his body to be exhumed. Once out of the grave, the village people opened the coffin and found that his body was still warm and decay had not set in. They noticed blood coming from his mouth, and they panicked, and labeled him a vampyre. A wooden steak was driven through his heart and it is said that the corpse let out a moan.
Another incident occurred in a small town called Croglin Grange. A young woman had been attacked by a vampyre and her brother wounded it by a shot in the leg. The vampyre escaped to a nearby crypt. In the morning, the brother summoned the townspeople, and the vault was opened. Inside lay a bunch of broken coffins. One remained intact, and upon opening, they found a mummified corpse with a fresh bullet wound. The corpse was then burned.
Throughout history, the vampyre image has changed from Vlad Dracul to the modern image. Part of this is due to the famous novel by Bram Stoker, Dracula. But despite the many changes to the myth, one aspect has seemingly stayed the same - how to kill the vampyre. The most commonly used way was a wooden steak through the heart, though beheading and incineration were also used. For female vampyres, cutting out the heart appeared to be the favoured way to kill a vampyre, though wooden steaks were used often too.
Folklorists have presented some possible explanations for vampyres, using historical and medical facts. For example, during the Black Plague, it was thought that if a family member died, it would come back for the rest of the family, killing them. This can easily be explained by the fact that the plague was contagious and it spread among family members and people living in close areas. As for incidents such as Arnold Paole's, when they dug up the body, this is a natural part of the decaying process. The gumline recedes, making the teeth appear longer. The fingernails continues to grow, as does the hair. Blood vessels in the mouth break, causing blood to leak out. Blood inside the body makes the body bloated, which could keep the corpse warm for a while. Air remains in the cavity of the lungs for a long period of time. Therefore, if a wooden steak punctures the cavity, the corpse would let out a groan, but it is only because the air is escaping.
P/S:vampyres are the most interesting legend i ever fall in love to!
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a vampyre is a reanimated corpse that rises from the grave in the form of a male, also called a "inkubus", or a female seductress, a "sukkubus". This definition mentions nothing of psychic or energy vampyres. However, many people feel that these different kinds of vampyres are just names given to the special powers that vampyres have. They are said to be able to transform into animals such as wolves, bats, rats, black cats, owls, ravens, and spiders. A vampyre may also turn into a mist or dust. Another power ascribed to vampyres is superhuman strength, speed and sensory perception. A vampyre is said to be able to move faster than a human eye can follow. Vampyres can also control the minds of animals or humans by hypnosis or telepathy. Through mental control, the vampyre obtains some of the energy from their victim.
But where did the vampyre image come from? Is there any truth behind it? Any facts? Though the belief of people who rise from the dead has been traced back to Babylonian times, the most prominent shaping of the vampyre myth came from a city in Romania called Transylvania. It was there that Vlad Dracul was born. From his birth in 1431, he was raised by the Roman Catholic Church. At age 11, Vlad and his brother, Radu, were taken hostage by the Turks until 1448. During this time, he adopted a very pessimistic view of life. While still a captive, the Turks informed him of his father's death, and his brother's brutal death by torture. Vlad was freed after hearing this news.
In the summer of 1456, Vlad became Prince of Wallachia, and reigned for 6 years. During this time, he revenged his father's death, and proceeded to kill people, both guilty and innocent. His favourite form of death was by impailment. This earned him the name commonly known today, Vlad the Impailer. He was said to have dismembered children and fed them to their parents. He would throw a feast for the peasants, and then lock the doors and burn the building with them still inside. Historians have said that Vlad is the first documented blood thirsty man and has so been named the first vampyre.
At the same time that Vlad was terrorizing Romania, there was another blood-thirsty person living in the same country. Her name was Elizabeth Bathory, also known as The Blood Countess. She would order her young servant and peasant girls to join her for tea or a small meal. Then she would bind and hang the girls to the ceiling, and pierce them with a spike while still alive. When blood splattered on her face during one of her murders, she thought it made her skin look younger. From then on, she'd save the blood of her victims and spread it on her face or bathe in it. She would even stand under the dying girls and let their blood trickle down her own body. In 1610, she was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment for her vampyric crimes. She died three years later.
Since Vlad and Bathory, other supposed vampyres have been discovered. In a village called Medvegia, a military man named Arnold Paole died from a tragic fall. Five years after his death, reports started arising from people who claimed to see him in their homes or around town. After these visitations, the people started dying, and permission was given for his body to be exhumed. Once out of the grave, the village people opened the coffin and found that his body was still warm and decay had not set in. They noticed blood coming from his mouth, and they panicked, and labeled him a vampyre. A wooden steak was driven through his heart and it is said that the corpse let out a moan.
Another incident occurred in a small town called Croglin Grange. A young woman had been attacked by a vampyre and her brother wounded it by a shot in the leg. The vampyre escaped to a nearby crypt. In the morning, the brother summoned the townspeople, and the vault was opened. Inside lay a bunch of broken coffins. One remained intact, and upon opening, they found a mummified corpse with a fresh bullet wound. The corpse was then burned.
Throughout history, the vampyre image has changed from Vlad Dracul to the modern image. Part of this is due to the famous novel by Bram Stoker, Dracula. But despite the many changes to the myth, one aspect has seemingly stayed the same - how to kill the vampyre. The most commonly used way was a wooden steak through the heart, though beheading and incineration were also used. For female vampyres, cutting out the heart appeared to be the favoured way to kill a vampyre, though wooden steaks were used often too.
Folklorists have presented some possible explanations for vampyres, using historical and medical facts. For example, during the Black Plague, it was thought that if a family member died, it would come back for the rest of the family, killing them. This can easily be explained by the fact that the plague was contagious and it spread among family members and people living in close areas. As for incidents such as Arnold Paole's, when they dug up the body, this is a natural part of the decaying process. The gumline recedes, making the teeth appear longer. The fingernails continues to grow, as does the hair. Blood vessels in the mouth break, causing blood to leak out. Blood inside the body makes the body bloated, which could keep the corpse warm for a while. Air remains in the cavity of the lungs for a long period of time. Therefore, if a wooden steak punctures the cavity, the corpse would let out a groan, but it is only because the air is escaping.
P/S:vampyres are the most interesting legend i ever fall in love to!
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