To the Future!

  Hello! I appologize for my absence in the past few months, but I promise that I have not been idle! In the next year I hope to begin writing my supernatural letters at least once or twice a month! I find myself recently conflicted with a different schedual than when I first started this journey, hence the lack of time to write about my beloved supernatural superstitions and creatures. I hope to see many of you in the coming year and bring with me a fresh collection of oddities and traditions that might catch your interest. In the mean time, however, I must keep this letter short as time is of the essence (and the cost of postage is expensive). For this reason I bid you a Happy Holidays (most of which I realize I have already missed, I appologize most sincerely) and a Happy New Year!

       Until the new year,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Superstitions - Herbs

  Greetings, my dear friends! Much time has passed since I last wrote, and my what an adventure that time has been! One thing that I thought I would share with you was a peculiar book that I found in the back of an oddity shop near where I was staying last. "Cassell Dictionary of Superstitions" is its title, and it was collected and compiled rather smartly by a Mr. David Pickering. I was flicking through the pages when I found a fascinating entry on Opals, the birthstone of those born in October. Unfortunately, I plan to save what it has to say on the gem for a later letter, but I did find another intriguing handful of facts on superstitions which sealed my mind as to buying the book for myself. Later, when I had the time to read the pages more properly, I noticed that there were many plants and herbs of interest which I had not thought to consider before, therefore I will share some of these with you so as to be educational, as well as to memorize them myself (I have included page numbers incase should you ever come across the book yourself and wish to look up more about these herbs).

Mistletoe [173-174, Pickering] - Fortune or Fallen?

  I thought it would be appropriate to start with this peculiar plant because it will be much adorned during the upcoming Christmas season. The superstitions that surround this plant, as with any other superstitions, are quite various and bring to question modern behaviors associated with the evergreen. Quite unpopular with Christian churches throughout history for its pagan origins, mistletoe was actually barred from churches. Yet despite this it was allowed to be carried to the altar at York Minster in medieval times and was let to remain there throughout the Christmas season as a symbol of the general pardon that was then in force. And although kissing under the mistletoe is commonplace today, the tradition did not originate until Saxon times. During that era a man was believed to have the right to demand a kiss from any woman who passed beneath the branch, no matter how purposely or accidentally their path may have brought them there. Until recently, the men plucked a berry from the branch with each kiss. When the branch was bare no more kisses could be claimed.

  Once Christmas is over some people insist on burning the mistletoe on the grounds that if it is not burned on Twelfth Night the couples who kissed under its leafy branches are fated to quarrel before the year is out. Others, however, believe that keeping the bough carefully in place until the next Christmas can preserve its luck-giving traits.

Yarrow [292, Pickering] - The Judge of Hearts

  This herb comes by a variety of names throughout different regions of the world as well as throughout history, but the most commonplace for it today is yarrow. Yarrow, with its long stalky stems and clusters of flowers, is thought to safeguard one's luck and repel witches if carried on one's person. Yet sleeping with a portion of the herb underneath one's pillow is thought to bring the sleeper dreams of his or her future partner. To establish whether a current lover is true, a yarrow seed is pushed into the enquirer's nose in the hope that it will cause the nose to bleed - if it does not, the lover in question is unfaithful. And whilst carried at a wedding it will ensure that the newly-weds remain faithful to each other for at least seven years.

Birch [32, Pickering] - Witch Repellent

  Asides being among the more ideal of woods to stake a vampire, birch trees have their fair share of history with witches as well. Putting birch springs in places where witches are said to convene will oblige them to hold their covens elsewhere, and adorning this branch to livestock will similarly protect the animals from any baleful influences. As with vampires and millet seeds, planting a birch next to a front door will prevent the witch from entering until she has counted all of the tree's leaves (for a very determined witch, I myself would suggest the more trees the better). The tree must not be allowed to touch or overhang the house, however, as this will only bring sickness and bad luck to those within. To some people, the birch tree continues to be treated with healthy respect, and it is recommended that any persons passing beneath such trees should cross their fingers to be on the safe side.

Basil [22, Pickering] - The Very Edible

  This tasty herb is one that I myself have found to be very popular with the more exotic birds that I have happened to come across, and I carry it on my person mostly for the purposes of being eaten. However, in superstition this plant has far more purpose than simply being eaten. To the Greeks the herb is a symbol of hatred and bad luck, whilst to the Italians it is considered a token of love. Hindus, meanwhile, believe that a leaf of Basil placed on a corpse will help the spirit of the person to reach Heaven. Yet still elsewhere the plant is said to give birth to scorpions.

  Ah, this will be a fascinating book to give a thorough read! Perhaps after I have read a little more I will share my findings once again. On a sadder note, however, I must conclude this correspondence as I have been called away from my pen and paper once again. The game is afoot!

       Until quieter times,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture

Credits to Sir David Pickering for the material from which this post was based on

Jure Grando

Jure Grando - The Prophet Magician

  Hello again my dear friends! I cannot believe that it has been so long since my last letter! This last year has taken me on a wild goose chase from Italy to the old Silk Road, China and back again. I had uncovered sufficient data to believe that something of supernatural importance was lost on that road all those years ago, and I am still searching as of yet. But I'm sure you'd be interested in that story at a later time. For now, I have another 'beastling' that I think you will find far more interesting. I will keep this letter as short and as informative as I can without losing too much detail for I am at the moment writing by the ever fading sunlight. No, I have been misfortunate enough to forget my lamp along with my luggage. Ah, the adventure of traveling...
  Jure Grando may seem quite an ordinary name to those who have not heard tale of this "sorcerer," yet I have found recently in my travels that it is quite a significant name when it comes to the supernatural world - the vampire end of the supernatural world, that is. Apart from Count Dracula himself, Grando is the oldest vampire that I have had the fortune to research, living from 1579 to roughly 1656. Yet for 16 more years he terrorized the people of his town.
  Originally from a village in Istra, a region of modern Croatia, Grando's post-1650s appearances earned him the name "štrigon" from his fellow townsfolk. Although the word may not exactly mean vampire when translated to English, it has a definition more similar to sorcerer, which brings me to one of the most intriguing characteristics of this particular legend. For the 16 years that Grando haunted the village, he was reported to be knocking at the doors of villagers. Within the next few days, someone from that house would die.
  The tale of how the villagers dealt with this entity and how Grando's 16 years came to an end are not stories to be listened to by the light-hearted or the children. They aren't, quite frankly, very pretty tales. It would be delicate enough to say that the man was quite literally relieved of his head. But, unless you really wish to hear the details, I think that will suffice. When steaking fails...
  Ah, enough of this darkness, I must find a place to stay. The sun disappears so quickly in the autumn, and I've not yet acquired lodgings. And my luggage... Bah! I've left my inks in my luggage! Just my luck, and when I am running out of pencil too!

       Until I retrieve my luggage,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture 

Domovye

 

The Grabdfather

  Well now, here is one abnormality of the supernatural world that begs explaining. Ranging in domain from Russia to as far as Poland, this creature is known by a variety of names. However, for the purpose of keeping this letter short, we shall only be exploring the Russian version of this creature, otherwise known as Domovoi.

  One thing that should first be recognized about the Domovoi is that it is rarely called by that name, either when spoken to or spoken about. More common titles used when addressing this peculiar spirit are "grandfather" or "fellow;" however, when speaking about and not to the Domovoi, people use such terms as "master," "well-wisher," "he," or "that one." This is due to the respect that Domovye [plural] comand due to their placement in people's everyday lives.

  Most Domovye are homebound creatures, enjoying treats from the humans who share their house and pranking its human inhabitants. Although, unlike the Kikimora (who is said to be his wife), the Domovoi is actually welcomed with open arms. To win a Domovye's favor, however, and to live with an unfriendly Domovoi are two entirely different circumstances. A Domovoi who favors his current family may bring good fortune and warnings to its family, as well as protection from some other spirits. On the other hand, a Domovoi who does not like you will cause you nothing but trouble and (occasionally serious) harm. Winning over a Domovoi or, rather, trying to win over a Domovoi, can sometimes make the difference between waking up to find simple chores done and waking up to find yourself black and blue with bruises.

  Enticing a Domovoi can be as simple as leaving out a piece of salted bread wrapped in a white cloth, or taking good care of your stove. The Domovoi loves breads, but even more he loves his stove. Although said to be fond of hallways and certain doorsteps, there is no Domovoi without a stove. The reason for this is not something that I have managed to research successfully, but there is reason to believe that Domovoi is as fond of his stove as he is fond of the element of fire. Legends say that Domovoi were cast from the heavens as a sort of "fallen angel" in mythology, and while some adapted to their new homes and each to their respective elements, the Domovoi that became what we know as our house spirits and retained most of their original characteristics and fiery elements.

  Ah, but I have forgotten to describe this creature! The Domovoi is a relatively shy creature and would rather not be seen, but those who have passed on accounts of their sightings describe these creatures as hairy and small in size, often with a resemblance of the master of the house, or deceased ancestors or relatives of the household's current family. One trick that the Domovoi is especially fond of playing, and is perhaps most appreciated for, is mimicking the master of the house while doing some of his chores. To many this may sound unincredible, but when you see someone doing their chores who otherwise leaves them to other people's hands, you too might not believe your eyes. Chances are this person doing their work is not the human operating under a bout of responsibility, but a Domovoi having fun.

  There are so many amazing facts that I could write about for a Domovoi, but first comes more research, and then a longer paper to fit everything on. Perhaps next time I can include a thicker letter, but I am afraid that for now I do not have the funds to be spending on lavish postings; the cost of stamps has risen again, and I have left most of my wallet at home. I'm currently writing form a northern part of the hemisphere, so you will have to excuse me if this letter arrives late. There are no other people - and no postal office! - except for a far walk from where I am making camp. What am I doing here? I'm on my way to ask a few friends about a special creature - but hush! Don't ask what it is. Save the questioning for a time when I can write without my pen freezing over.

       Until warmer days,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture 

Vampires in Literature

 

Vampires - Fiend or Fiction?

  Due to my current circumstance I have been unable to properly conduct research on the species of creature that I was hoping next to write about, so, for now, I have composed a short list of Vampire fiction that I hope will be of interest to all those who prefer the fictional beast over the more horrific reality of the creature. These vampires that I list have all contributed traits to our modern fictional vampires that make up the characters we know and love today. So, if you would like to learn more about the literary history of these beasts, or perhaps simply read a good book or two, I  strongly suggest reading the following books.

The Vampyre  - Dr. John Polidori (1819)

  The real author of this masterpiece (which, originally, was published anonymously) is credited with creating the first "Vampyre." Although thought to originally have been written for the purpose of good humor, this is the earliest written piece that is said to have helped shape the ragged and ill-dressed image of vampires.

Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood - James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest (1847)

  While this story's vampire may not, at first, seem to contribute much in the way of originality to the fictional creatures of this world, Sir Francis Varney is the first vampire noted to have possession of particularly sharp teeth.

Carmilla - Sheridan Le Fanu (1871)

  Perhaps most widely known as one of the more romantic vampire tales of earlier vampire literature, this work is also the first to add a stake through a vampire's heart. It's vampire Carmilla, however, will forever be remembered for her relationship with the narrator, Laura.

Count Dracula - Bram Stoker (1897)

  An absolute classic and must read, Count Dracula is said to be both prototypical and archetypal vampire in subsequent works of fiction. Depicted as mostly a beast in the novel, the vampire Count perfectly portrays the typical belief people held of vampires at the time: old relics that had no time, nor care, for the most of humanity, except to feed on them and their loved ones.

  Unfortunately I do not have much time to write lengthy and more detailed descriptions of the books I have mentioned, but I hope that they prove to be fascinating reads, should you chose to read any of them. But oh, the hour is late and I must put down my pen. I trust that we will meet again, sometime soon, perhaps. 

       Until time returns,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture 

Haunted Victorians

  Hello dear friends, and welcome! Tonight marks a year since I first started writing these letters! In the next few weeks to come I hope to bring you more facts and creatures, but for now I have this small bit of information to convey.

Halloween Victorian Style!

Traditions

  While many today consider Halloween a child's holiday, this was not so in the 1800s. This holiday, originally of Celtic design, was celebrated by many adults, as well as the children of the age. Parties were an occasion to dress in costumes, as well as indulge in some light games and some dark magic. Popular parlor games involved hiding a ring, coin, and a sewing item into baked cakes - the ring meant you would be married, the coin meant good fortune, and the sewing item (such as a button) meant you would have plenty of time for sewing. If you found one of the items in your slice of cake you would have the future that was associated with the item.

  Another tradition which some may find disturbing was the burning of "witches" by Queen Victoria before she would start her lavish Halloween parties. Since this is a more uncomfortable topic to write of, I shall not elaborate on it. Thankfully, however, the Queen did eventually stop these yearly burnings of "witches."

Superstitions

  As to be expected, many Victorians were superstitious; and superstitions were only enlivened by the festivities of Halloween nights. One commonplace superstition at the time was the belief that if a young maiden were to enter a dark room at midnight and look upon a mirror, she would see not only herself, but the face of her future beloved. However, not all mirror gazing was so successful. If the spirits were irked or aggravated, the maiden would see only a skeleton, meaning that she would die alone.

Decorations

  It is only natural to wonder what places looked like in the past, before they had been touched by time. What if you could visit a Victorian house in all its splendour on Halloween night, before the stair railings have rusted and the paint has faded away? You would find a mixed variety of decorations, both depending on location and exact year of the particular Halloween. Turnips and pumpkins were popular objects to carve faces into, and could be sent or used as party invitations or decorations. Harvest centerpieces adorned the insides of homes while hanging apples and horseshoes decorated (and kept spirits out) of doorways. Bats, cats, witches and devils were also becoming more commonly associated with Halloween during this time as party hosts used these images to decorate their homes.

  Ah, what I wouldn't give to celebrate the holiday all year round. Imagine dressing up as a clown or a creature from one of Mother Goose's rhymes everyday. The fun would never end. But, alas, everything comes to a close - this letter being no exception. Good night to all, and a happy [late] Halloween!

       Until we next meet,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture 

Changelings

Changelins - The Unwanted Children

  Hello hello, and welcome back my friends! I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting for me; I hope you did not wait long. For the past few months I have been (somewhat unsucessfully) trying to chase down more details of the creatures that so many like to party with with, or fae. (Although, with all due respects, time passes differently when you're that far into the forest.)

  Ah, but you want to hear of the creatures! Well, while we are on the subject of Fae, there is another little group of trouble makers that have caught my eye, and quite recently too recently. However, they are not a topic that many can stomach speaking of, since many alleged "changelings" were not actually of the fairy realm. Yes, I say "changelings" I will give warning, and only once, for those who are easily sickened by the slightest of violence. I will do my best to keep my words breif and to the point, but I will not omit facts simply beacuase they are created out of human kind's uncivil nature.

  A basic sumary of a changeling is a fairy that has been subsituted for a human child. But that is only a basic sumary, and barely scratches the surface of these troubleome beings. Situated in European folklore as early as the middle ages (as far as I have been able to tell), changelings have been known as replacement, or unwanted, children. It is said that fairy mothers subsitute their own sickly offsping for that of a healthy, robust human child. Sometimes they leave other objects in place of the human boy or girl, but more oft then naught they leave their own children in the human's place. And although this is the more common circumstance imagined when a person says "changeling", fairy folk will also let an elderly volunteer stay with the human family. These older counterparts would mirror the stolen child's appearance and stay far longer with their human families than the young fairy children.

  I have attatched no picture of this type of creature for the sole purpose that any one may imitate many faces. And, with all due respects, would have the courage to ask a fairy to stand still long enough for them to have their picture taken? And when these creatures are so well addapted in changing their faces at will, when will you know which face to take a picture of? And how? Thankfully, there is an easier way to identify a changeling than its appearance. These particular beings are very fond of food. They may, quite literally, eat you out of house and home. No no, I do not mean that they eat humans, I mean that no matter how much the fairy eats it will always seem to be hungry. There is a story of a child who went and asked a neighbor for money to go to the market while his parents were out. When the mother of the child came home she went to ask the neighbor for money to buy food from the market. The neighbor naturally thought the woman was mad, and explained that she had already given her boy the money. The mother claimed this was not true, since the boy could hardly speak - let alone walk. Yet both she and the neighbor drew up a plan to watch the boy over the next few days. When the mother faked going out to work one morning the child stood, walked over to the table where the mother had earlier left out a large sum of food, and ate every single thing down to the very last crumb! Both the mother and neighbor (both of whom had been watching) were struck speachless. So remember, if you're younger brother eats too much, he's just a growing boy.

  Ah, but on to the more serious matter of these creatures! Many were not quite so pleasantly discovered as the changeling mentioned in the story above. Fire was a very common tool in "detecting" changelings for what they truely were. Either submersing the suspected changelling in fire, or burning it with a hot mealt, were both practices that were believed to exorcised the fairy and bring back the human child. Other inhumane methods of either getting rid of, or exposing, the changelings are (but are not limited to) leaving the suspected fairy exposed on a hillside or dungheap, and pelting the suspected with iron nails. As I said, I will not leave out the facts, no matter how uncivil they are. There is, however, a method or two to "test" the suspected changeling without actually physically harming the fairy. In some instances the mothers whose children had been stolen were advised to be kind to the changelings in return for their child. And, happily, in most cases the kindness of the mother was repayed with the return of their child.

  Due to the age of the children that were typically stolen, it was said that babies left unattended before they had been baptized were the more common targets of these theiving fairies. It should therefor not be so surprising when I tell you that one of the less brutal ways of discovering a changeling involves a cross. Whether made of silver or wood (although wood was far less likely), a cross was placed on a shovel, along with salt, and baked over a fire. Once again, fire was belived to have helped in the exorcism of the fairy.

  The oil that fuels my lamp is quickly running low, so I shall leave you with one more fact of these fairy creatures. This, happier by far, is another test that people believed in. To make a changeling laugh was believed to be the cure and end to the false child. One clever mother took an egg, broke it in half, threw away the contents of the egg, filled the shells with water, and set them in front of the fire to boil. This made the changeling howl with laughter and cry, "In my thousand years I have never seen such madness!" Then, in the next instant, the changeling was gone. Most accounts of this event say that the human child was returned to its proper mother, hance giving the tale a happy ending.

  Changelings and children; a pairing that never seems to become old. Let us hope, however, that both are treated with kindness that is due to them. I'll write again once I have refuled this dratted lamp. Until then; gooday, and goodnight.

       Until the next adventure,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture 

Manticore

 

The Man-eater

  The manticore is a mythological creature of great reputation and great courage. Finding its earliest home in Persia, this beasty has since moved on. From literature to coats of arms and from Persia to most of Europe the manticore has traveled.
  Like any other mythological or supernatural creature the manticore is not exempt from having many different tales and many different appearances. However, reported sightings mainly describe manticores as large animals with the face of a man, body of a lion and a poisonous tail. Though tails may vary, the most common seems to be one that is capable of shooting venomous porcupine-like quills at the manticore's prey. 
  If you are easily disturbed by the slightest of gruesome facts then I suggest you turn back now. If you aren't then by all means read on.
  Manticores preyed on humans. Not on the lonesome traveler that frequently became lost, but on groups of men. Two or three at the least. And though these creatures can be weakened, there is no mention of a manticore ever being killed (to the best of my knowledge that is). So if you plan to try and fight one here's a piece of advice: don't. Once stung by a manticore the fight for the prey is over; paralysis will overcome the prey and leave it an easy snack for the manticore. And after the manticore finishes eating there is nothing left - bones included.

  If you ever hear the sound of a trumpet yet find no cause for it, be careful. Manticores are rumored to have voices that sound like trumpets combined with the lower notes played on a flute, making for a strange melodious sound. Most other animals know to flee on hearing this song-like dialect, yet humans are captivated by its beauty. Hence another example of when beauty is a deadly weapon.

  Ah, the beautiful things are always the downfall of the best of people. The songs of the sirens and the beauty of  a samodiva, as well as the more natural creatures of this world - all are beautiful yet deadly. Perhaps next time I shall share a story with you instead of facts. It would be a pleasant change to be sharing some of my adventures, as unexciting that they may be. But I'm afraid I've started to be a bore with my tediously dull words so for now I shall put my pen down.

         Until we meet again,

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture

Friendly House Spirits

 From near and far

  I'm sorry for not posting a letter last week, but I do intend to make up for my lack of attention next week. I will be writing another letter on the supernatural to be sent over the weekend, and hopefully it will not disappoint. In the mean time however...

  Now, straight to the point - I do not know and have never met a household spirit (to the best of my knowledge), and do not intend to let that bias my judgement. If you know these anomalies by different names than the ones that I have listed them by then, by all means, feel free to let me know. I do not speak some of these languages so please don't criticize me if I write the wrong names. I only know what I have read.

Zashiki Warashi - Japanese

  This small spirit may have different names depending on the region of Japan it is found in, but I know it by the name zashiki warashi. Japanese in origin, this friendly yokai (or supernatural monster/spirit) takes on the looks of a ghost-like child, sometimes with the appearance of only five to six years of age. Girl zashiki can be found wearing child-sized flowered kimonos, while the boys are dressed in small warrior costumes.

  Though they love mischief and are known for their childlike pranks, zashiki are actually good spirits. If treated with the proper respects, zashiki have been known to bring good fortunes and great wealth. On the other hand, when treated poorly, these friendly spirits may become fiendly, taking your good luck with them as they leave to find another residence.

Smok - Slavic

  Though the above picture might not be an accurate representation, a smok (or smotzi in the plural) is a fairly simple house spirits that come in the form of a snake. Usually the guardian of a house, smok only appear to children and those who own the home.

  Very similar to the zashiki, smok are able to bring tidings of both good luck and bad luck depending on how they are treated. But instead of candies, this spirit prefers to drink the milk that working parents leave out for their children.

  Stories say that when parents leave home to work in the fields they left some food out where their children could reach it - usually milk and bread - so that the children have something to eat. In many cases the food would disappear, but the child or children would grow thinner. When the parents find out that a smok has been drinking and eating the food instead, reactions become somewhat mixed. But, (since I'd like to look on the bright side), we'll see this to a positive end. If the parents see that the smok is not harming the child or children, they will leave it be; otherwise, on the rare occasion that the circumstances should differ for the worse, the parents would chase away the smok, driving it out of the house and all the good luck with it.

  Ah, but now I feel that I've been rambling a bit...

  It's a late hour and I haven't much more time before my eyes see only smeared blurs (I spent too long chasing a vampire around X St. last night. Before I knew what had happened, moonlight had become sunlight) so I'll say goodnight for now. I promise I'll write soon in a few short days.

        Sincerely for the sake of everything nonsensical,

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the pictures

Gargoyles

 The guardians

  Gargoyles come in many different shapes and sizes, but the classic image is a humanoid with a stony skin and leathery wings (though this was not always the case). Historical origins place the earliest forms of this creature as far back as ancient Egypt, but gargoyles are far more famous for their appearances in medieval and gothic times.

  Architectural origins of gargoyles are very simple. They were originally created to drain the rain water of parapet gutters during storms and then divert the water away from the buildings. It was only later, during the boom of the gothic era, that gargoyles really developed their role as 'guardians'.

  Gargoyles developed such hideous looks as a means of protection, in addition to their natural stony defenses. With looks so terrifying that demons themselves will turn tail and flee at first sight, gargoyles are said to protect the buildings and fountains that they occupy. And, when treated with respect, gargoyles may bond and protect humans as well.

  If you ever pass by an old granite statue with patiently folded wings and an overly fierce expression, be sure to take a moment and say hello. You never know when it might come to life and save you.

  Ah, my ink is smudging; please excuse the smears. I have yet to find a brand that I can write comfortably with. And, until I do, I'm afraid that this is good bye for now.

       Until next week,

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture