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Study: DNA corroborates β€œWell-man” tale from Norse saga

25 October 2024 at 15:00

A 12th-century Norse saga tells of an invading army from the south razing a castle stronghold and throwing a dead body into the well to render the water undrinkable. Human remains believed to be those of this so-called "Well-man" were discovered in the 1930s, providing valuable potential outside confirmation of the tale. Scientists have now sequenced the DNA of those remains, and while they could not prove once and for all that the remains are those of the Well-man, their findings are consistent with that identification, according to a new paper published in the journal iScience.

Much of what we know about early Norse and Icelandic history comes from the sagas, many of which were written by scholars centuries after the events describedβ€”most likely based on oral traditions or earlier now-lost manuscripts. One notable exception is the Sverris Saga, which covers the reign of King Sverre Sigurdsson (1151–1240 CE), a tumultuous period marked by warring factions all vying to claim the throne. Norse scholars think that at least part of this saga was written contemporaneously at the king's request, and it contains detailed descriptions of many battles and speeches and a large cast of characters.

King Sverre's claim to the throne was that he was the son of King Sigurd Munn, killed in 1155 CE by his brother. Sverre's men were known as "Birkenbeiner" because their legwear and shoes were made of birch bark. Among the rival factions were the "Bagleres" from southern Norway. In 1197, King Sverre was spending the winter in Bergen in his stronghold, Sverresborg Castle. Bagler fighters snuck into the castle via a secret door and plundered the place, burning all the homes within the castle walls. That's when they threw a dead man down the local drinking well, subsequently filling the well with boulders.

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The mythical griffin was not inspired by a horned dinosaur, study concludes

Painting of a griffin, a lion-raptor chimaera

Enlarge / Painting of a gryphon, or griffin, a lion-raptor chimera from ancient folklore. (credit: Mark Witton)

The gryphon, or griffin, is a legendary creature dating back to classical antiquity, sporting the body, legs, and tail of a lion and the wings, head, and front talons of an eagle. Since the 1980s, a popular "geomyth" has spread that the griffin's unique appearance was inspired by the fossilized skeleton of a horned dinosaur known as Protoceratops. It's a fascinating and colorful story, but according to the authors of a new paper published in the journal Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, there is no hard evidence to support such a connection.

"Everything about griffin origins is consistent with their traditional interpretation as imaginary beasts, just as their appearance is entirely explained by them being [mythological] chimeras of big cats and raptorial birds," said co-author Mark Witton, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth. "Invoking a role for dinosaurs in griffin lore, especially species from distant lands like Protoceratops, not only introduces unnecessary complexity and inconsistencies to their origins, but also relies on interpretations and proposals that don’t withstand scrutiny.”

There are representations of griffin-like creatures in ancient Egyptian art dated to before 3000 BCE, while in ancient Greek and Roman texts the creatures were associated with gold deposits in Central Asia. By the Middle Ages, griffins were common figures in medieval iconography and in heraldry. The hippogriff named Buckbeak in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a related mythical creature, the product of a griffin and a mare.

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The Whispering Winds: A Tale of Forgotten Magic

16 March 2024 at 10:40

anime-style graphic capturing a pivotal moment from "The Whispering Winds: A Tale of Forgotten Magic," featuring Aiko, Ren, and Kaito against the backdrop of a revitalized land.

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In the secluded valley of Genshu, hidden away from the futuristic world, a secret society of mages lived in harmony with nature, guarding ancient magic that had been lost to the rest of the world. This serene existence was disrupted when Aiko, a young mage with a rebellious spirit and an insatiable curiosity about the outside world, stumbled upon an ancient prophecy foretelling the return of Narakami, a malevolent force that once threatened the very essence of life.

Raised by the village's wise elder, Misaki, Aiko had always felt a deep connection to the elemental forces that coursed through Genshu. She possessed a rare ability to communicate with the spirits of air and wind, making her an exceptional wind mage. However, Aiko's talent also made her the key to Narakami's resurgence, as only he r powers could unlock the seal that kept it at bay.

The discovery of her role in the prophecy set Aiko on a journey beyond the confines of Genshu, seeking a way to strengthen her powers and prevent Narakami's return. Accompanied by her best friend, Ren, a skilled swordsman and protector, and Kaito, a mysterious traveler with knowledge of the ancient arts, Aiko explored the forgotten corners of the world. Their quest led them to recover lost relics, confront ancient guardians, and unravel the mysteries of the elemental magic that governed the balance of their world.

As Narakami's influence began to seep into the world, corrupting both land and beast, Aiko and her companions faced trials that tested their bonds, courage, and understanding of magic. In their darkest hour, they encountered the Last Dragon, a guardian of the old world's most powerful secrets. The dragon saw in Aiko the potential to not only stop Narakami but to usher in a new era of harmony between humanity and the natural world.

The climax of their adventure took them to the heart of Narakami's prison, where Aiko faced the entity in an epic battle of wills. Harnessing the full extent of her wind magic, guided by the wisdom of Misaki, the courage of Ren, and the secrets unveiled by Kaito, Aiko challenged Narakami, not with force, but with an understanding of the fragile balance between creation and destruction.

In a powerful display of her abilities, Aiko didn't destroy Narakami but instead restored its connection to the cycle of nature, transforming its malevolence into a force that revitalized the land. The battle's aftermath saw the reawakening of magic throughout the world, no longer a secret of Genshu but a gift to all, promising a future where magic and nature lived in harmony.

"The Whispering Winds: A Tale of Forgotten Magic" became a legend, a story of growth, adventure, and the eternal dance between light and shadow. Aiko's journey from a curious mage to a guardian of balance inspired a new generation to explore the mysteries of magic and the natural world, ensuring that the wonders of Genshu would never again be forgotten.

The Celestial Blade: Quest of the Shattered Realm

13 March 2024 at 11:39
an anime-style graphic depicting Hiroto wielding the Celestial Blade, with Yuki, Taro, and Sora by his side, standing against the backdrop of Yomi's shattered realm, capturing the essence of their epic journey


In an era where myths walked the earth and the veil between the spiritual and the mortal was thin, the island realm of Yomi stood as a beacon of harmony, protected by four divine beasts. But peace was shattered when the dark deity Izanami escaped her ethereal prison, unleashing hordes of yokai upon the land, fracturing the realm into warring states.

Amidst this chaos, a young warrior named Hiroto emerged, bearing the mark of the phoenixβ€”a sign of his destiny to wield the Celestial Blade, a weapon said to possess the power to seal away darkness. Raised by the wise monk Kenshin in the secluded mountains of Hakurei, Hiroto was unaware of his lineage as the last scion of the Shogunate guardians until fate intervened.

A chance encounter with a kitsune, Yuki, disguised as a wandering minstrel, revealed to Hiroto the truth of his heritage and the peril facing Yomi. Together, they embarked on a quest to restore the Celestial Blade, shattered in the last great battle against Izanami.

Their journey led them across the shattered realm, from the frozen peaks guarded by the dragon of the north to the scorched lands of the south, where the tortoise reigns. Along the way, Hiroto and Yuki gathered allies: Taro, a samurai haunted by his past but noble of heart; and Sora, a shrine maiden with the ability to commune with spirits.

The quest was fraught with challenges, as Izanami's forces sought to thwart them at every turn. Hiroto and his companions faced trials of courage, wisdom, and heart, proving their worth to the divine beasts who guarded the fragments of the Celestial Blade. With each trial, Hiroto's connection to the phoenix deepened, granting him powers that echoed the legends of old.

The climax of their quest took them to the forsaken island of Yomi, where Izanami's fortress loomed. It was here, amidst the ruins of the once-mighty Shogunate castle, that Hiroto faced Izanami. The battle was epic, a clash of celestial magic and dark power, with the fate of the realm hanging in the balance.

In the final moments, Hiroto, wielding the restored Celestial Blade, channeled the combined might of the divine beasts, sealing Izanami away and restoring balance to the realm. The victory was bittersweet, as Hiroto realized that his destiny would forever tie him to the role of guardian between the spiritual and mortal worlds.

"The Celestial Blade: Quest of the Shattered Realm" became a legend passed down through generations, a tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between light and darkness in the heart of ancient Japan.

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