I have always enjoyed old stories, tall tales, myths, and legends. So, I am creating a blog with stories and information about mythical creatures. If you are interested in this sort of thing, some good books are Dracula by Bram Stoker, Baltimore by Mike Mignola, and Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. I am open to more suggestions. This blog will take a while to complete as I will only be working on it in my spare time. I will probably try to organize stories and info categorically, but because Blogger arranges everything by date, things may look funny at first. If you have any suggestions or corrections to make to my posts let me know.
Right now I am just creating the legends. I want to add Ghosts, mummies, and maybe something else this week. If you have any requests or suggestions just comment under this post and I will see what I can do.
I enjoy writing my own stories as well as posting old legends. So you can tell the difference, my stories will always have the label "story" at the bottom and real legends will have the label "legend."
Disclaimer: Please note that the things on this site are meant to be entertaining and they are only legend. No forms of slaying should ever be attempted.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Beast of Gevaudan
I decided to write this story on the beast of Gevaudan after reading the info on http://labete.7hunters.net/bete1.htm.
It was 1765 and Marie and Jeanne, two sisters were headed home from church. Marie was 15 and Jeanne was a year younger. The sun had set and the hours between dog and wolf had passed. The path was well lit by the starlight reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. It was cold and the girls took turns trying to make shapes with their visible breath in the night air. Church had been boring again. But it was always their tradition to go on Sunday nights. Both sisters were anticipating the hot tea their mother would have on the stove when they got home. Marie began to whistle a hymn. Then, a twig snapped. Instantly both girls froze. Both knew that the beast had been seen in a town not far away. The legends told of a wolf like beast the size of a bear with a tale strong enough to knock a man to the ground and teeth like kitchen knives that dripped blood. Terrified the two girls snuck forward quickly and quietly. They tried not to remember what the peddler a had said about what remained of its last victim, little more than a hand and clothing. Again they heard something moving in the brush to their left. Snatching Jean's hand, Marie started to run. The exit to the forest was just ahead. From there they would be able to see their home. Their feet fell quickly upon the path. A growl sounded to their right. Casting her eyes about the path, expecting to see La Bete at any second. She thought she saw eyes in the shadow of a tree a few yards in front of her. A sudden tug jerked her from the path and forced her to release her sister's hand. Paniced, she looked back. Jeane was lying on the ground with eyes full of fear. Marie looked passed her and saw the root sticking out of the ground. Both got to their feet and dashed for the exit. Clearing the woods and dashing across a small bridge Marie glanced back to see a black blurr disappear into the weatfield. Horror gripped her heart, but the light from the windows of her cottage gave her hope and spurred her on. The wheat in the field to their left was swaying as the pursuer chased them. Suddenly Marie heard a stifled scream. Looking back, she screamed in terror. Jean was gone. All that remained were dots of crimson upon the snow where her tracks had suddenly disappeared, replaced by huge wolf like prints. Screaming for help and crying Marie stumbled to the cottage. She reached for the door and caught her last glimpse of the beast before her hand touched the latch. She didn't have time to scream. Only seconds passed before her father ripped open the door with enough power to nearly tear it from its hinges. All he found were her shoes and blood on the snow. The next morning, a search party turned up what was left of Jean and Marie. They were only recognizable by the terrified look they still had in their eyes.
This is too morbid for my style so here is the alternate and more awesome ending. Suddenly, Marie heard a stifled scream. She turned to look back and fell as Jeane crashed into her. Looking up she saw the beast standing over them jaws dripping, eyes smoldering like embers, and orangish fur standing on end. Its foul smell permated the air. The beast muscles tightened as it prepared to pounce. Crack! The silence was shattered by a gun shot as a hunter burst from the field and leapt onto the road between the beast and the girls. His wide brimmed hat flying from his sholders, as he jerked the ramrod from its hold and began to reload. The beast roared and came forward. The hunters greatcoat flew open as he dropped his gun and drew his sword. His slashing blow cut the beasts shoulder. Roaring in pain it jumped back into the wheatfield. With a quick glance at Marie and Jean, he scooped up his rifle and disappeared into the field into pursuit of the beast. Marie and Jean made it safely home that night, but the never forgot their run in with the Beast of Gevaudan.
It was 1765 and Marie and Jeanne, two sisters were headed home from church. Marie was 15 and Jeanne was a year younger. The sun had set and the hours between dog and wolf had passed. The path was well lit by the starlight reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. It was cold and the girls took turns trying to make shapes with their visible breath in the night air. Church had been boring again. But it was always their tradition to go on Sunday nights. Both sisters were anticipating the hot tea their mother would have on the stove when they got home. Marie began to whistle a hymn. Then, a twig snapped. Instantly both girls froze. Both knew that the beast had been seen in a town not far away. The legends told of a wolf like beast the size of a bear with a tale strong enough to knock a man to the ground and teeth like kitchen knives that dripped blood. Terrified the two girls snuck forward quickly and quietly. They tried not to remember what the peddler a had said about what remained of its last victim, little more than a hand and clothing. Again they heard something moving in the brush to their left. Snatching Jean's hand, Marie started to run. The exit to the forest was just ahead. From there they would be able to see their home. Their feet fell quickly upon the path. A growl sounded to their right. Casting her eyes about the path, expecting to see La Bete at any second. She thought she saw eyes in the shadow of a tree a few yards in front of her. A sudden tug jerked her from the path and forced her to release her sister's hand. Paniced, she looked back. Jeane was lying on the ground with eyes full of fear. Marie looked passed her and saw the root sticking out of the ground. Both got to their feet and dashed for the exit. Clearing the woods and dashing across a small bridge Marie glanced back to see a black blurr disappear into the weatfield. Horror gripped her heart, but the light from the windows of her cottage gave her hope and spurred her on. The wheat in the field to their left was swaying as the pursuer chased them. Suddenly Marie heard a stifled scream. Looking back, she screamed in terror. Jean was gone. All that remained were dots of crimson upon the snow where her tracks had suddenly disappeared, replaced by huge wolf like prints. Screaming for help and crying Marie stumbled to the cottage. She reached for the door and caught her last glimpse of the beast before her hand touched the latch. She didn't have time to scream. Only seconds passed before her father ripped open the door with enough power to nearly tear it from its hinges. All he found were her shoes and blood on the snow. The next morning, a search party turned up what was left of Jean and Marie. They were only recognizable by the terrified look they still had in their eyes.
This is too morbid for my style so here is the alternate and more awesome ending. Suddenly, Marie heard a stifled scream. She turned to look back and fell as Jeane crashed into her. Looking up she saw the beast standing over them jaws dripping, eyes smoldering like embers, and orangish fur standing on end. Its foul smell permated the air. The beast muscles tightened as it prepared to pounce. Crack! The silence was shattered by a gun shot as a hunter burst from the field and leapt onto the road between the beast and the girls. His wide brimmed hat flying from his sholders, as he jerked the ramrod from its hold and began to reload. The beast roared and came forward. The hunters greatcoat flew open as he dropped his gun and drew his sword. His slashing blow cut the beasts shoulder. Roaring in pain it jumped back into the wheatfield. With a quick glance at Marie and Jean, he scooped up his rifle and disappeared into the field into pursuit of the beast. Marie and Jean made it safely home that night, but the never forgot their run in with the Beast of Gevaudan.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Beast of Gevaudan
Alright, I am excited to write about a real legend. Though many of my posts are just myths, the Beast of Gevaudan was a real "wolf-like creature" that terrorized the region of Gevaudan, France from 1764 to 1767. Eye witnesses describe it as having reddish fur, huge teeth, and a foul odor. Almost all witnesses describe the creature as being similar to a huge wolf. Some associate it with werewolves, but this was a real creature. There are actually several other very minor wolf stories such as "the wolf of Ansbach," and "the wolf of Soissons," and stories about wolf attacks in Benias and Vivarias (oddly all these attacks occurred over a period lasting roughly 4 years), but these cannot hold a candle to the shear terror and destruction inflicted by the beast of Gevaudan. One estimate claims that the beast attacked 210 people, killing 113 and wounding 49. It is said that 98 of these kills were found partially eaten. The conservative estimate says that 25 women, 68 children, and six men were killed while more than 30 people were injured. At very least, 60 can be confirmed, but most estimates are 100 or more killed. Some speculators say that it had to be more than one beast. Regardless an army of people were organized just to hunt it because it was so dangerous.
Perhaps the most horrifying thing about this beast was it almost always went for the kill, attacking the face and throat. The attacks of the beast were so vicious and devastating that they caught the attention of King Louis the XV, who took a personal interest in the matter sending hunters to kill the beast. The first hunters, spent three months killing wolves and yet...the attacks continued. After the failure of these hunters, King Louis sent his a man named Antoine and his own lieutenant of the hunt. In September 1765 these two killed a wolf almost 3 feet high and 6 feet long. It weighed 130 pounds and carried scars said to be made by its thrashing victims. Survivors claimed that this was indeed the beast. It was stuffed and sent to the Palace of Versailles.
Now this should be the end of the story, but in December of 1765, the beast struck again. It injured two children and as time continued many other deaths occurred. Rumor has it that the King wanted things kept quiet this time. He didn't want terror to spread or have people know that not even the king could stop it. This "second" beast was eventually slain by a man named Jean Chastel. Family legend said that he was in a hunting party and sat to read his Bible and pray when the beast approached him. He then finished his prayer before shooting and killing the beast. (note: this defies the normal behavior patterns of the beast as it always attacked immediately. not waiting for people to pray). Now, some of the villagers claim that it was actually Jean Chastel who trained the beast. No one really knows for sure whether or not that is true. However, upon cutting open the stomach of the last beast, they found human body parts. The highly exaggerated version of the Beast of Gevaudan can be seen in the movie Brotherhood of the Wolf.
Stats:
Easily as large as a lion and terribly vicious, the beast of Gevaudan was able to take down full grown men. It was known not only for its size, but also its extraordinarily long teeth and tail as well as its reddish fur. Many speculate it could have been a wolf crossbred with a dog or some odd subspecies. One speculation is that it was a prehistoric animal, a mesonychid or other wolf-like species, that survived in France. No one really knows what it was. Due to size and strength, it seems the beast was able to survive numerous wounds. Many of the villagers claimed to have shot it, cut it, or otherwise injured it. Some thought it was a demon because it was so tough. This is not unheard of. When Lewis and Clark traveled west they had to shoot grizzly bears dozens of times to kill them. Strong, fast, and apparently intelligent enough to avoid legions of hunters, the beast was a terrifying killing machine.
Transformation:
Uhh, its an animal. There is no transformation involved.
Alignment:
Normally animals are just animals, but I am going with evil on the Beast of Gevaudan. It seemed to specifically target humans and it caused many deaths. The thought occurs to me that it could have been trained or it could have been possessed, but it should be noted that these are simply possibilities that I thought up. Most likely it was just a very wild, particularly malevolent, beast.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Well it was only after Jean Chastel killed it that stories of him using a silver bullet sprang up. In the actual history, Chastel and Antoine killed both beasts with regular bullets. Like any bear or wolf, it would have been vulnerable to any conventional weapon be it gun, sword, or cannon. It was simply hard to kill, not supernaturally invincible.
Perhaps the most horrifying thing about this beast was it almost always went for the kill, attacking the face and throat. The attacks of the beast were so vicious and devastating that they caught the attention of King Louis the XV, who took a personal interest in the matter sending hunters to kill the beast. The first hunters, spent three months killing wolves and yet...the attacks continued. After the failure of these hunters, King Louis sent his a man named Antoine and his own lieutenant of the hunt. In September 1765 these two killed a wolf almost 3 feet high and 6 feet long. It weighed 130 pounds and carried scars said to be made by its thrashing victims. Survivors claimed that this was indeed the beast. It was stuffed and sent to the Palace of Versailles.
Now this should be the end of the story, but in December of 1765, the beast struck again. It injured two children and as time continued many other deaths occurred. Rumor has it that the King wanted things kept quiet this time. He didn't want terror to spread or have people know that not even the king could stop it. This "second" beast was eventually slain by a man named Jean Chastel. Family legend said that he was in a hunting party and sat to read his Bible and pray when the beast approached him. He then finished his prayer before shooting and killing the beast. (note: this defies the normal behavior patterns of the beast as it always attacked immediately. not waiting for people to pray). Now, some of the villagers claim that it was actually Jean Chastel who trained the beast. No one really knows for sure whether or not that is true. However, upon cutting open the stomach of the last beast, they found human body parts. The highly exaggerated version of the Beast of Gevaudan can be seen in the movie Brotherhood of the Wolf.
Stats:
Easily as large as a lion and terribly vicious, the beast of Gevaudan was able to take down full grown men. It was known not only for its size, but also its extraordinarily long teeth and tail as well as its reddish fur. Many speculate it could have been a wolf crossbred with a dog or some odd subspecies. One speculation is that it was a prehistoric animal, a mesonychid or other wolf-like species, that survived in France. No one really knows what it was. Due to size and strength, it seems the beast was able to survive numerous wounds. Many of the villagers claimed to have shot it, cut it, or otherwise injured it. Some thought it was a demon because it was so tough. This is not unheard of. When Lewis and Clark traveled west they had to shoot grizzly bears dozens of times to kill them. Strong, fast, and apparently intelligent enough to avoid legions of hunters, the beast was a terrifying killing machine.
Transformation:
Uhh, its an animal. There is no transformation involved.
Alignment:
Normally animals are just animals, but I am going with evil on the Beast of Gevaudan. It seemed to specifically target humans and it caused many deaths. The thought occurs to me that it could have been trained or it could have been possessed, but it should be noted that these are simply possibilities that I thought up. Most likely it was just a very wild, particularly malevolent, beast.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Well it was only after Jean Chastel killed it that stories of him using a silver bullet sprang up. In the actual history, Chastel and Antoine killed both beasts with regular bullets. Like any bear or wolf, it would have been vulnerable to any conventional weapon be it gun, sword, or cannon. It was simply hard to kill, not supernaturally invincible.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Muramasa and Masamune
Muramasa and Masamune were both real swordsmiths known for their legendary blades. They lived in Japan in the 13th and 14th century. According to legend, Masamune was the better smith because his blades were holy. Muramasa's blades were known for blood lust and often considered evil. Any of the swords made by either swordsmith would be effective against legendary creatures such as werewolves, vampires, etc.
The legend says that Muramasa challenged Masamune to a contest to see who could make a better sword. After they had both worked for many days and nights on their katanas, they were ready to compete. For the test, they decided to place the swords in a stream with the cutting edge facing up stream. Muramasa's blade was called Juuchi Fuyu, meaning 10,000 Winters. It cut everything that passed, fish, leaves, and the very air that passed over it. Masamune then placed his katana in the stream. Masamune's sword was called Yawaraka-Te, meaning Tender Hands. The blade cut no leaf that passed. The fish swam all around it. The air whistled passed it.
Muramasa laughed and mocked Masamune for creating a sword that could cut nothing. Despite Muramasa's mocking, Masamune grabbed the hilt and gently pulled the blade out of the water, wiped it off, and sheathed it. While Murasama was still laughing and mocking Masamune for his lack of swordsmithing skill and for creating such a poor katana, a monk walked over. The monk explained that he had watched the whole contest carefully. He bowed and humbly explained what he had seen.
"The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood thirsty, evil blade as it doesn't discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was by far the finer of the two, as it doesn't needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving"(Wikipedia).
There are several alternate legends. In some Masamune's sword heals the leaves cut by Muramasa's sword. In other legends both blades cut leaves but the leaves cut by Masamune's blade reform or they split evenly and drift away while Muramasa's sword causes the leaves to just split apart and not reform or the leaves stick to Muramasa's katana. In all accounts Masamune's blades are considered superior not in sharpness or durability, but in control. Masamune's blades are holy and do not cut that which is not evil, while Muramasa's blades will cut anything.
The legend says that Muramasa challenged Masamune to a contest to see who could make a better sword. After they had both worked for many days and nights on their katanas, they were ready to compete. For the test, they decided to place the swords in a stream with the cutting edge facing up stream. Muramasa's blade was called Juuchi Fuyu, meaning 10,000 Winters. It cut everything that passed, fish, leaves, and the very air that passed over it. Masamune then placed his katana in the stream. Masamune's sword was called Yawaraka-Te, meaning Tender Hands. The blade cut no leaf that passed. The fish swam all around it. The air whistled passed it.
Muramasa laughed and mocked Masamune for creating a sword that could cut nothing. Despite Muramasa's mocking, Masamune grabbed the hilt and gently pulled the blade out of the water, wiped it off, and sheathed it. While Murasama was still laughing and mocking Masamune for his lack of swordsmithing skill and for creating such a poor katana, a monk walked over. The monk explained that he had watched the whole contest carefully. He bowed and humbly explained what he had seen.
"The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood thirsty, evil blade as it doesn't discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was by far the finer of the two, as it doesn't needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving"(Wikipedia).
There are several alternate legends. In some Masamune's sword heals the leaves cut by Muramasa's sword. In other legends both blades cut leaves but the leaves cut by Masamune's blade reform or they split evenly and drift away while Muramasa's sword causes the leaves to just split apart and not reform or the leaves stick to Muramasa's katana. In all accounts Masamune's blades are considered superior not in sharpness or durability, but in control. Masamune's blades are holy and do not cut that which is not evil, while Muramasa's blades will cut anything.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Headless Horseman
Headless Horseman Origins:
The Headless Horseman is an interesting character, but there is very little information on him. Some of the information I will include is based on my analysis of headless horseman tales both past and modern day. The original Headless Horseman originates from the Dutch tale of Sleepy Hollow, which was eventually turned into a book by Washington Irving. He is the ghost of a Hessian soldier whose head was shot off by a cannon ball in the Revolutionary War. Hessians were German mercenaries hired during the war. Unlike most ghosts, he has a physical form and rides a great black horse, which also has a physical form. He may or may not be the origin of the ghost rider myths. Since the original tale, many adaptations have been made, and newer legends of the Headless Horseman have been created. In some latter adaptations he is an undead being controlled by a witch. In recent tales, the horseman had filed his teeth to points and was a very powerful and merciless soldier when he was alive. His enemies feared him because he was known to decapitate them.
Headless Horseman Stats:
The horse of the Headless Horseman is very fast, faster than most horses. The horseman himself seems to have some measure of superhuman strength. Although not as strong as a vampire or werewolf, he is strong enough to easily lift a 200 pound man with one arm. Most of the time he kills his victims by decapitation. His weapons are an ever glowing jack-o-lantern, a sword, and a single bladed ax. In some tales, the jack-o-lantern can breath fire and burn things that are close to it. The horseman can also throw the jack-o-lantern with incredible accuracy. The horseman exudes a powerful aura that causes animals to panic and drives terror into the hearts of humans. He is invulnerable to most weapons, including firearms. And, despite the lack of his head, he is a reasoning and somewhat intelligent being. He is more powerful on All Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween. As he was when he was alive, the headless horseman is very skilled at wielding ax and sword. He kills those that travel through his woods at night. Although he cannot find his head, he will not allow any others even the chance of accidentally stumbling upon it.
Transformation:
Conventionally, one cannot become the Headless Horseman, nor can the Headless Horseman make other headless horsemen. It may be possible that more headless horsemen could be created if they lost their head in battle and had a strong enough will to return, but this remains doubtful and unlikely. However, it is never mentioned how the Hessian soldier returned or continues to move without a head. It may be that his desire to be whole, extreme evil, or the amount of men he decapitated in battle keeps him from resting. In the case of some newer myths, it is a witch that has disturbed his rest and called him back.
Alignment:
Evil. He can coexist with other evil goblins and forest beings and will not go out of his way to kill them. Should another evil being cross his path he will most likely kill it regardless of its alignment. He will kill any humans he can. As a side note, he does not bother horses.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
The Headless Horseman must be back at his resting place, a church graveyard in Sleepy Hollow, by dawn. Unlike most creatures, he cannot be killed by beheading obviously. He is neither zombie nor ghost. Such things as holy water, crucifixes, and bibles would keep him away, but not kill him. He would also avoid bright areas and fire. Ichabod believed that the horseman could not cross the church bridge and that he would disappear in a cloud of fire and brimstone when he had given up the chase. Since the horseman is already dead, slaying him would be difficult. In more recent tales he could be stopped by killing the witch controlling him. If he should ever regain his head or have the opportunity, he will kill anyone who is or was controlling him and drag them to Hell before return to his rest. He is riding out at night in search of his lost head, which presumably remains intact somewhere in Sleepy Hollow. If his head is returned, he will rest. Presumably, if he is damaged enough he will have to return to his resting place and heal. Cannon, holy heavy weapons such as swords and broad axes would be the only things strong enough to damage him. Like most mythical creatures, he was created in a time period long ago and will probably not be affected by weapons from our time period. Do not bother looking for his body during the day because it will probably not be there. As suggested by the fire and brimstone disappearance, the headless horseman most likely rests in another realm, hell, or some untouchable part of Sleepy Hollow. So far, short of intervention from God or angels, the Headless Horseman cannot be killed, only returned to rest. However, unlike werewolves or vampires, he is limited in the amount of area he can cover. He must return to his grave by daybreak and his resting place cannot be changed. Also, although he is evil, he is looking for his head and knows it is in the area.
The Headless Horseman is an interesting character, but there is very little information on him. Some of the information I will include is based on my analysis of headless horseman tales both past and modern day. The original Headless Horseman originates from the Dutch tale of Sleepy Hollow, which was eventually turned into a book by Washington Irving. He is the ghost of a Hessian soldier whose head was shot off by a cannon ball in the Revolutionary War. Hessians were German mercenaries hired during the war. Unlike most ghosts, he has a physical form and rides a great black horse, which also has a physical form. He may or may not be the origin of the ghost rider myths. Since the original tale, many adaptations have been made, and newer legends of the Headless Horseman have been created. In some latter adaptations he is an undead being controlled by a witch. In recent tales, the horseman had filed his teeth to points and was a very powerful and merciless soldier when he was alive. His enemies feared him because he was known to decapitate them.
Headless Horseman Stats:
The horse of the Headless Horseman is very fast, faster than most horses. The horseman himself seems to have some measure of superhuman strength. Although not as strong as a vampire or werewolf, he is strong enough to easily lift a 200 pound man with one arm. Most of the time he kills his victims by decapitation. His weapons are an ever glowing jack-o-lantern, a sword, and a single bladed ax. In some tales, the jack-o-lantern can breath fire and burn things that are close to it. The horseman can also throw the jack-o-lantern with incredible accuracy. The horseman exudes a powerful aura that causes animals to panic and drives terror into the hearts of humans. He is invulnerable to most weapons, including firearms. And, despite the lack of his head, he is a reasoning and somewhat intelligent being. He is more powerful on All Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween. As he was when he was alive, the headless horseman is very skilled at wielding ax and sword. He kills those that travel through his woods at night. Although he cannot find his head, he will not allow any others even the chance of accidentally stumbling upon it.
Transformation:
Conventionally, one cannot become the Headless Horseman, nor can the Headless Horseman make other headless horsemen. It may be possible that more headless horsemen could be created if they lost their head in battle and had a strong enough will to return, but this remains doubtful and unlikely. However, it is never mentioned how the Hessian soldier returned or continues to move without a head. It may be that his desire to be whole, extreme evil, or the amount of men he decapitated in battle keeps him from resting. In the case of some newer myths, it is a witch that has disturbed his rest and called him back.
Alignment:
Evil. He can coexist with other evil goblins and forest beings and will not go out of his way to kill them. Should another evil being cross his path he will most likely kill it regardless of its alignment. He will kill any humans he can. As a side note, he does not bother horses.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
The Headless Horseman must be back at his resting place, a church graveyard in Sleepy Hollow, by dawn. Unlike most creatures, he cannot be killed by beheading obviously. He is neither zombie nor ghost. Such things as holy water, crucifixes, and bibles would keep him away, but not kill him. He would also avoid bright areas and fire. Ichabod believed that the horseman could not cross the church bridge and that he would disappear in a cloud of fire and brimstone when he had given up the chase. Since the horseman is already dead, slaying him would be difficult. In more recent tales he could be stopped by killing the witch controlling him. If he should ever regain his head or have the opportunity, he will kill anyone who is or was controlling him and drag them to Hell before return to his rest. He is riding out at night in search of his lost head, which presumably remains intact somewhere in Sleepy Hollow. If his head is returned, he will rest. Presumably, if he is damaged enough he will have to return to his resting place and heal. Cannon, holy heavy weapons such as swords and broad axes would be the only things strong enough to damage him. Like most mythical creatures, he was created in a time period long ago and will probably not be affected by weapons from our time period. Do not bother looking for his body during the day because it will probably not be there. As suggested by the fire and brimstone disappearance, the headless horseman most likely rests in another realm, hell, or some untouchable part of Sleepy Hollow. So far, short of intervention from God or angels, the Headless Horseman cannot be killed, only returned to rest. However, unlike werewolves or vampires, he is limited in the amount of area he can cover. He must return to his grave by daybreak and his resting place cannot be changed. Also, although he is evil, he is looking for his head and knows it is in the area.
Vampires
Vampire Origins:
Folktales about vampires have been around since before the 1800's. The tales have their origins in Romania and Germany. In the 1800's vampires became a common legend and they were often depicted as thin and pale. They are known for drinking the blood of living beings. Vampires can live forever, but they must drink blood to continue to live. Vampires were brought to fame by Brahm Stoker, who wrote Dracula. Dracula was based on Vlad the impaler. Vlad was a violent, tyrannical emperor who had his enemies impaled and left their corpses hang from pikes and spears as a warning to all. Since the 1800's, stories of vampires have spread across the world and each culture has their own legends and descriptions of vampires. During the 1800's, people believed strongly in vampires and there are documented accounts of people digging up and staking corpses they believed to be vampires.
Vampire Stats:
Intelligence is a vampire's greatest strength. Because they live forever if not killed, they can continue learning and they will see much through the ages. The older a vampire is the more intelligent and dangerous he or she will be. Vampires can hypnotize their victims simply by looking them in the eyes. Most vampires have the ability to turn into bats. Some of the more ancient, pure blood vampires can become a large bat like monster. Vampires are stronger than most men because they have adrenaline flowing constantly and it never runs out. Some seem to have superhuman speed as well. Vampires become stronger and can even heal themselves by drinking the blood of the living. In fact, they must drink blood to sustain their immortality. If they stop drinking blood they will die. Human blood is best, but it is possible for them to survive on animal blood. Animal blood will weaken them though. They can go dormant for over a century, and during that time, they will not need blood, but when they awaken, they will be very week. Vampires never pass the age they were when they became vampires. The ultimate vampire is Dracula. He was the first, the greatest, and the most powerful of all the vampires. He could only have been defeated by one as intelligent as himself. Dr. Abraham Van Hellsing slew Dracula by driving a stake through his heart and cutting off his head while Dracula was resting in his coffin. More recent tales featuring Dracula have begun to surface. In these he is occasionally called Alucard, an anagram for Dracula. Like the Dracula of old, he is more powerful than any other vampire. Vampires do not have a shadow or a reflection.
Vampire Transformation:
Vampires create other vampires by sucking all the blood from their victims or by mixing their own blood with the victims. Unlike other beings, vampires choose who they want to become other vampires. Vampires have long fangs, which have small holes in the tips to suck or inject blood, much like a venomous snake. They leave small bite marks on their victim's neck. If bitten, one does not become a vampire immediately. Should the vampire who bit or sucked the victim's blood be killed, the person bitten will not become a vampire. Most vampires will not drain all of one person's blood in a single sitting. If someone dies from the vampire drinking all of their blood, that person will become a vampire under the control of the first vampire. If the controlling vampire is killed, those under his control will rest in peace. When a vampire mixes his blood with another, that person will slowly become a vampire, but he or she will retain free will and will not be returned to death when the original vampire is killed.
Alignment:
Evil with a few exceptions. Once in a very long time there will be a good vampire. Good vampires are the result of someone with a will and intelligence stronger than the vampire that bit them. They most overcome the pain of becoming a vampire, the loneliness of being hated for all eternity by humans and vampires alike, and they must find a way to drink blood without compromising their morals. For the most part, vampires are evil. Once they begin drinking blood they come to think of humans as no more than animals. Vampires hate the living and will kill those they can. However, they are not adverse to letting other evil beings serve them. Unlike werewolves who will normally kill any none werewolf being, Vampires tend to become king like figures, forcing others to serve them.
Vampire Weaknesses and Slaying:
Vampires are unholy beings. Bibles, crucifixes, and holy water will all injure them. Although not as reactive as werewolves, vampires hate silver. They also hate garlic cloves, roses, and will not come near them. Like most undead, they cannot abide fire and it is possible to kill them buy burning them to ashes. In most cases beheading will kill vampires. This does not work on Dracula and a few other ancient vampires. Vampires, including Dracula, will be killed if they do not return to their grave by sun rise. One way to kill a vampire is to lay a cross on his grave so he cannot return. Driving a wooden (preferably ash or oak) stake, measuring three feet in length, through a vampire's heart and into the coffin will kill most vampires. However cutting off the head after driving the stake will ensure they cannot rise again. Vampires cannot enter a Church. Werewolf venom will kill them almost instantly. Even Dracula would be killed if bitten by a powerful enough werewolf. In one recent legend, Gabriel Van Hellsing, became a werewolf and killed Dracula by biting his throat out.
Folktales about vampires have been around since before the 1800's. The tales have their origins in Romania and Germany. In the 1800's vampires became a common legend and they were often depicted as thin and pale. They are known for drinking the blood of living beings. Vampires can live forever, but they must drink blood to continue to live. Vampires were brought to fame by Brahm Stoker, who wrote Dracula. Dracula was based on Vlad the impaler. Vlad was a violent, tyrannical emperor who had his enemies impaled and left their corpses hang from pikes and spears as a warning to all. Since the 1800's, stories of vampires have spread across the world and each culture has their own legends and descriptions of vampires. During the 1800's, people believed strongly in vampires and there are documented accounts of people digging up and staking corpses they believed to be vampires.
Vampire Stats:
Intelligence is a vampire's greatest strength. Because they live forever if not killed, they can continue learning and they will see much through the ages. The older a vampire is the more intelligent and dangerous he or she will be. Vampires can hypnotize their victims simply by looking them in the eyes. Most vampires have the ability to turn into bats. Some of the more ancient, pure blood vampires can become a large bat like monster. Vampires are stronger than most men because they have adrenaline flowing constantly and it never runs out. Some seem to have superhuman speed as well. Vampires become stronger and can even heal themselves by drinking the blood of the living. In fact, they must drink blood to sustain their immortality. If they stop drinking blood they will die. Human blood is best, but it is possible for them to survive on animal blood. Animal blood will weaken them though. They can go dormant for over a century, and during that time, they will not need blood, but when they awaken, they will be very week. Vampires never pass the age they were when they became vampires. The ultimate vampire is Dracula. He was the first, the greatest, and the most powerful of all the vampires. He could only have been defeated by one as intelligent as himself. Dr. Abraham Van Hellsing slew Dracula by driving a stake through his heart and cutting off his head while Dracula was resting in his coffin. More recent tales featuring Dracula have begun to surface. In these he is occasionally called Alucard, an anagram for Dracula. Like the Dracula of old, he is more powerful than any other vampire. Vampires do not have a shadow or a reflection.
Vampire Transformation:
Vampires create other vampires by sucking all the blood from their victims or by mixing their own blood with the victims. Unlike other beings, vampires choose who they want to become other vampires. Vampires have long fangs, which have small holes in the tips to suck or inject blood, much like a venomous snake. They leave small bite marks on their victim's neck. If bitten, one does not become a vampire immediately. Should the vampire who bit or sucked the victim's blood be killed, the person bitten will not become a vampire. Most vampires will not drain all of one person's blood in a single sitting. If someone dies from the vampire drinking all of their blood, that person will become a vampire under the control of the first vampire. If the controlling vampire is killed, those under his control will rest in peace. When a vampire mixes his blood with another, that person will slowly become a vampire, but he or she will retain free will and will not be returned to death when the original vampire is killed.
Alignment:
Evil with a few exceptions. Once in a very long time there will be a good vampire. Good vampires are the result of someone with a will and intelligence stronger than the vampire that bit them. They most overcome the pain of becoming a vampire, the loneliness of being hated for all eternity by humans and vampires alike, and they must find a way to drink blood without compromising their morals. For the most part, vampires are evil. Once they begin drinking blood they come to think of humans as no more than animals. Vampires hate the living and will kill those they can. However, they are not adverse to letting other evil beings serve them. Unlike werewolves who will normally kill any none werewolf being, Vampires tend to become king like figures, forcing others to serve them.
Vampire Weaknesses and Slaying:
Vampires are unholy beings. Bibles, crucifixes, and holy water will all injure them. Although not as reactive as werewolves, vampires hate silver. They also hate garlic cloves, roses, and will not come near them. Like most undead, they cannot abide fire and it is possible to kill them buy burning them to ashes. In most cases beheading will kill vampires. This does not work on Dracula and a few other ancient vampires. Vampires, including Dracula, will be killed if they do not return to their grave by sun rise. One way to kill a vampire is to lay a cross on his grave so he cannot return. Driving a wooden (preferably ash or oak) stake, measuring three feet in length, through a vampire's heart and into the coffin will kill most vampires. However cutting off the head after driving the stake will ensure they cannot rise again. Vampires cannot enter a Church. Werewolf venom will kill them almost instantly. Even Dracula would be killed if bitten by a powerful enough werewolf. In one recent legend, Gabriel Van Hellsing, became a werewolf and killed Dracula by biting his throat out.
Werewolves
Werewolf Origins:
Werewolf legends are some of my favorite stories. There are were-beast legends in almost every culture. For example, in India there are weretiger legends. Though they are world renowned, werewolf legends probably originated in Germanic lands, called Gaul by the Romans and Greeks. There are many origin stories, but in my opinion the best one is the vikings. Vikings were always known as great warriors and sea raiders. However, among them were warriors known as berserkers. These warriors got their name from the bearskins they often wore in battle. Berserkers would also wear wolf skins. Before battle, berserkers would gnash their teeth, bite their shields, and work themselves into a fit of rage. This gave them more strength and allowed them to ignore more pain. However, in blind rage, they would often attack allies. These berserkers would often remain savage and live away from the other vikings after battle. Thus, the legends of werewolves probably originated from these fierce wolf skin wearing men. Also, they would have been difficult to kill because the wolf or bear hides protected them to some extent, and their fits of rage allowed them to ignore pain.
Almost all werewolf origins point to killers and outlaws as being associated with werewolves. Lycanthrops or werewolves can be traced back as far as Greek literature. Werewolves are mentioned or known in some form in almost every country and culture. Their form varies from men changing completely into wolves to wolfmen that walk on two legs and simply have furry faces and long teeth. Most werewolves are somewhere in between.
Werewolf Stats:
Werewolves are known for extreme toughness. They have great strength, agility, and senses. Their strength is much greater than that of vampires. They can bend iron and steal easily. Their claws and teeth are both very sharp, and their teeth contain werewolf venom. They Can run extremely fast, jump very high, and land on their feet after a long fall without taking any damage. Legends of intelligence vary a lot. While they are always cunning hunters, most of the time they are considered violent and somewhat unintelligent. However, there are legends of intelligent werewolves as well. Werewolves can see very well at night and seem to be able to climb and swim quickly. Werewolves can be injured, but they heal very quickly. The scars and even minor injuries will remain when they return to human form, in most cases. However, even in human form they will heal from grievous injuries in only a few days. Some werewolves are said to have very thick tough hide that protects them. There are two variations of werewolf lifespan. One says werewolves will live the normal length of life. The other says that werewolfism (new word made just for this sentence) slows aging and werewolves can live to be 300 years old. However, all legends agree that werewolves are not ever living beings like vampires.
Transformation:
There are an amazing number of werewolf transformation legends that have been passed down through the ages. The most common one is werewolf venom. According to this legend, anyone bitten by a werewolf will become a werewolf at midnight of the next full moon. It is also said that one can become a werewolf by stripping naked and putting on a belt of wolf skin or a wolf skin cloak. Some legends involve drinking from certain streams or saying an incantation. One legend mentions dancing around a bronze knife stuck in a log seven times while singing an incantation. Each culture seems to have its own variation. Some cultures, like Argentina, say that the seventh son is born a werewolf. Normally transformation takes place under the full moon. Some legends say that it takes place at night. Others say that werewolves can transform at will, even during the day.Occasionally, it is said that werewolves form packs. These are often led by a single, alfa wolf, which is often white. Brown and gray are the most common werewolf colors. Black and white werewolves are often considered strong and more intelligent although this is not really true.
Alignment:
Mostly evil with some exceptions. Almost all legends agree that werewolves are violent, vicious, berserker type creatures. There are a very few that claim werewolves can maintain rationality. According to one of Wikipedia's sources, a man named Thiess, werewolves are the hounds of God sent to fight demons and witches. And, some say that werewolves are sent to punish the wicked. Most of the time, however, werewolves are dangerous to everyone as they hunt for blood. The biggest exception is vampires and other mythical beasts. There is great enmity between vampires and werewolves, so werewolves will attack vampires or other creatures, such as zombies or witches, before humans. Vampires and werewolves are eternal enemies. Although a werewolf is not affected by a vampire bite, werewolf venom is highly toxic to vampires. Werewolf venom will kill vampires almost immediately. One cannot be both werewolf and vampire.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Silver. Silver has always been a werewolf weakness. Silver bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and so on can be used to kill a werewolf. Werewolves also hate fire and can be burned to death, although it would take a while. Like most mythical creatures, cutting off a werewolf's head will also kill it. Sunlight will burn a werewolf and cause it pain, but it will NOT kill it. Due to the fact that werewolves are usually beastly and not unholy creatures, crucifixes and holy water would have little or no effect on werewolves. It is said that werewolves hate wolf's bane. According to some legends, removing the wolf skin or wolf skin belt will also change a werewolf back to a human. Some odd ways mentioned to get rid of being a werewolf include kneeling in the same place for 100 years, and being struck in the head three times with an iron knife. When a werewolf is killed, it will revert to human form. Hunting a werewolf is extremely dangerous and should never be done in the woods. The only good way to hunt a werewolf is to lure it into an area that you have already set your ambush. Always have an escape plan ready though.
If you are being chased by a werewolf, wolf's bane and fire are your best bets. Any kind of silver, even silver table wear, will keep a werewolf at bay. Werewolves can run very fast and climb well, but they only swim as good as an average human, if not slightly worse. So you may be able to out swim a werewolf or escape on a boat. But remember, werewolves are persistent and have an incredible amount of stamina so make sure that if you are going to swim away you get to a vehicle before you tire out.
Werewolf legends are some of my favorite stories. There are were-beast legends in almost every culture. For example, in India there are weretiger legends. Though they are world renowned, werewolf legends probably originated in Germanic lands, called Gaul by the Romans and Greeks. There are many origin stories, but in my opinion the best one is the vikings. Vikings were always known as great warriors and sea raiders. However, among them were warriors known as berserkers. These warriors got their name from the bearskins they often wore in battle. Berserkers would also wear wolf skins. Before battle, berserkers would gnash their teeth, bite their shields, and work themselves into a fit of rage. This gave them more strength and allowed them to ignore more pain. However, in blind rage, they would often attack allies. These berserkers would often remain savage and live away from the other vikings after battle. Thus, the legends of werewolves probably originated from these fierce wolf skin wearing men. Also, they would have been difficult to kill because the wolf or bear hides protected them to some extent, and their fits of rage allowed them to ignore pain.
Almost all werewolf origins point to killers and outlaws as being associated with werewolves. Lycanthrops or werewolves can be traced back as far as Greek literature. Werewolves are mentioned or known in some form in almost every country and culture. Their form varies from men changing completely into wolves to wolfmen that walk on two legs and simply have furry faces and long teeth. Most werewolves are somewhere in between.
Werewolf Stats:
Werewolves are known for extreme toughness. They have great strength, agility, and senses. Their strength is much greater than that of vampires. They can bend iron and steal easily. Their claws and teeth are both very sharp, and their teeth contain werewolf venom. They Can run extremely fast, jump very high, and land on their feet after a long fall without taking any damage. Legends of intelligence vary a lot. While they are always cunning hunters, most of the time they are considered violent and somewhat unintelligent. However, there are legends of intelligent werewolves as well. Werewolves can see very well at night and seem to be able to climb and swim quickly. Werewolves can be injured, but they heal very quickly. The scars and even minor injuries will remain when they return to human form, in most cases. However, even in human form they will heal from grievous injuries in only a few days. Some werewolves are said to have very thick tough hide that protects them. There are two variations of werewolf lifespan. One says werewolves will live the normal length of life. The other says that werewolfism (new word made just for this sentence) slows aging and werewolves can live to be 300 years old. However, all legends agree that werewolves are not ever living beings like vampires.
Transformation:
There are an amazing number of werewolf transformation legends that have been passed down through the ages. The most common one is werewolf venom. According to this legend, anyone bitten by a werewolf will become a werewolf at midnight of the next full moon. It is also said that one can become a werewolf by stripping naked and putting on a belt of wolf skin or a wolf skin cloak. Some legends involve drinking from certain streams or saying an incantation. One legend mentions dancing around a bronze knife stuck in a log seven times while singing an incantation. Each culture seems to have its own variation. Some cultures, like Argentina, say that the seventh son is born a werewolf. Normally transformation takes place under the full moon. Some legends say that it takes place at night. Others say that werewolves can transform at will, even during the day.Occasionally, it is said that werewolves form packs. These are often led by a single, alfa wolf, which is often white. Brown and gray are the most common werewolf colors. Black and white werewolves are often considered strong and more intelligent although this is not really true.
Alignment:
Mostly evil with some exceptions. Almost all legends agree that werewolves are violent, vicious, berserker type creatures. There are a very few that claim werewolves can maintain rationality. According to one of Wikipedia's sources, a man named Thiess, werewolves are the hounds of God sent to fight demons and witches. And, some say that werewolves are sent to punish the wicked. Most of the time, however, werewolves are dangerous to everyone as they hunt for blood. The biggest exception is vampires and other mythical beasts. There is great enmity between vampires and werewolves, so werewolves will attack vampires or other creatures, such as zombies or witches, before humans. Vampires and werewolves are eternal enemies. Although a werewolf is not affected by a vampire bite, werewolf venom is highly toxic to vampires. Werewolf venom will kill vampires almost immediately. One cannot be both werewolf and vampire.
Weaknesses and Slaying:
Silver. Silver has always been a werewolf weakness. Silver bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and so on can be used to kill a werewolf. Werewolves also hate fire and can be burned to death, although it would take a while. Like most mythical creatures, cutting off a werewolf's head will also kill it. Sunlight will burn a werewolf and cause it pain, but it will NOT kill it. Due to the fact that werewolves are usually beastly and not unholy creatures, crucifixes and holy water would have little or no effect on werewolves. It is said that werewolves hate wolf's bane. According to some legends, removing the wolf skin or wolf skin belt will also change a werewolf back to a human. Some odd ways mentioned to get rid of being a werewolf include kneeling in the same place for 100 years, and being struck in the head three times with an iron knife. When a werewolf is killed, it will revert to human form. Hunting a werewolf is extremely dangerous and should never be done in the woods. The only good way to hunt a werewolf is to lure it into an area that you have already set your ambush. Always have an escape plan ready though.
If you are being chased by a werewolf, wolf's bane and fire are your best bets. Any kind of silver, even silver table wear, will keep a werewolf at bay. Werewolves can run very fast and climb well, but they only swim as good as an average human, if not slightly worse. So you may be able to out swim a werewolf or escape on a boat. But remember, werewolves are persistent and have an incredible amount of stamina so make sure that if you are going to swim away you get to a vehicle before you tire out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)