Stories
In the annals of the uncanny, few cases are as chillingly detailed or influential as that of Arnold Paole. His name, recorded as "Arnont Paule" in original German documents, likely represented the Serbian Арнаут Павле (Arnaut Pavle). This naming is significant: "Pavle" is a common Serbian
Stories
Alessandro Cagliostro remains one of the most baffling and controversial figures of the 18th century. Born Giuseppe Balsamo in Sicily, he rose from obscurity to mingle with nobles and royals across Europe as an alchemist, healer, and occultist. For generations, he was dismissed as nothing more than a shameless imposter
Stories
Fairy tales have an everlasting charm, weaving fantasy and profound truths together in ways that captivate readers of all ages. One such forgotten gem, recently translated into English for modern audiences, is Fairy Tales by Friedrich Wilhelm Hackländer. Originally published in 1843 in Stuttgart, Germany, Hackländer's collection blends
Stories
Literature has long been fascinated with the figure of Satan, not just as a villain but as a narrator and observer of human affairs. From the epic poetry of the 17th century to the graphic novels and subcultures of the 21st, authors have explored the world through the Devil’s
Stories
The Serbian fairy tales of the 19th century, collected by researchers such as Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, Đorđe Kojanov Stefanović, and S. Novaković, provide insight into Slavic folk mythology. Particularly fascinating are the figures of sorcerers – old men and women with supernatural abilities, depicted as wise, powerful, or divine. This analysis
Stories
Mithraism—better called “the mysteries of Mithras,” the name ancient initiates themselves used—was a private cult that flourished across the Roman Empire from the late first century to the late fourth century CE. Because Mithraists left almost no theology in writing, we reconstruct their religion mainly from temples (mithraea)
Stories
Zurvanism, a distinctive offshoot of Zoroastrianism, emerged and flourished during the Sassanian Empire (224-651 CE). This ancient philosophy is often viewed as heretical by Zoroastrian orthodoxy, largely because it redefines the fundamental structure of the cosmos and its deities. By placing Zurvan, the hypostasis of infinite time and space, as
Stories about dark history.
Lilith, a figure shrouded in controversy, is one of the most fascinating characters in Jewish folklore, and her story continues to resonate in modern culture. Despite not appearing in the Torah's official creation narrative, Lilith has been brought to life through midrashic texts, Sumerian mythology, and even modern
Nosferatu, the unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, has captivated audiences for over a century. This eerie silent film is a foundational work in the horror genre, with an intriguing production history that only adds to its mystique. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts and behind-the-scenes
The story of Count Johann Ferdinand von Kuefstein and the spirits he allegedly captured in glass jars is one of the most intriguing tales from the 18th century. This story, first published in 1873 in "Phoenix: The Freemasonry Pocketbook," takes us deep into the mysterious practices of the
I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Crazy Alchemist podcast! For those who have followed the website and are fascinated by stories of alchemy, mythology, the occult, and eerie folklore, this podcast is an extension of our journey into the mystical and the mysterious. The first episode dives
Verena Baumann, a young servant girl from the rural canton of Appenzell in Switzerland, found herself drawn to the teachings of the Anabaptists during the early 16th century. The Anabaptists believed in adult baptism, rejecting the practice of infant baptism common in the Catholic and Lutheran churches. They held that
Nestled in the picturesque city of St. Gallen, where history and modernity intertwine, my fascination with alchemy finds a perfect muse. Living and working in St. Gallen, I am constantly reminded of its rich historical tapestry, particularly in alchemy. One figure in this historical landscape stands out: Bartholomäus Schobinger, a
Kaspar Hauser's life story is a labyrinth of unanswered questions and theories. Emerging from obscurity in 1828 Nuremberg, his tale of lifelong captivity and sudden societal appearance captivated the public imagination. Was he a lost prince or a tragic victim of cruel circumstances? His death, as mysterious as
In the picturesque town of Pleternica, Croatia, an intriguing story has been passed down through generations. It originates from the autumn of 1888 and was shared by Toma Milinković, a local farmer, with the mother of Friedrich S. Krauss. This story, filled with mystique and wonder, speaks of a peculiar
In the picturesque landscapes of Serbia, especially in the winter idyll of Divcibare, hides a small village called Tometino Polje. Known for its ski resorts, Divcibare attracts numerous tourists in winter. But away from the groomed slopes and the everyday hustle and bustle, a world full of mystical tales and
Hidden deep within the pages of Friedrich S. Krauss's 1908 masterpiece Slavic Folk Research lies a story that is rarely talked about today, but stands apart from the traditional vampire tales we know. The charming coastal city of Split in the heart of Dalmatia is home to a
Greetings and welcome to Crazy Alchemist! Our site is the perfect place for those who are intrigued by the enigmatic and magical realm of alchemy. Today, we are focusing on a legendary figure who played a pivotal role in the history of alchemy—Zosimos of Panopolis. Zosimos was a Greco-Egyptian
In the labyrinthine annals of the alchemical past, few figures stand as prominently as the enigmatic Nicolas Flamel. Born around 1330 and having passed away on 22 March 1418, Flamel's life and, more importantly, the legends surrounding him posthumously make him a figure of intrigue and speculation even