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Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a deadly toxic member of the parsley and carrot family. It's used in ancient Greece to put condemned prisoners to death. Poison hemlock is a flowering plant, not to be confused with the hemlock tree, a non-poisonous conifer. Murder in the Cards from the Reiker For Hire series features poison hemlock. See also: Black Hellebore: Toxins, Health & Lore Veratrum album - Tragic Toxins Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Sylvia Rose Books Six to eight hemlock leaves are fatal for humans. Poison has higher concentration in seeds and roots. It's toxic to livestock and pets. There is no known antidote. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures On average 1.5 - 2.5 m (5-8 ft) tall, poison hemlock has fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers in umbrella patterns. The stem is smooth, green and hollow, often streaked or spotted red or purple at the top, and on the lower half. The plant is hairless. See also: Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Colchis - Bronze Age on the Black Sea Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Sylvia Rose Books Native to Europe and the North African Mediterranean, the hardy hemlock easily spreads to other regions. It's found wild in England and naturalized in Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In Greek mythology, poison hemlock is one of the plants sacred to Hecate (Hekate), goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy, night, the Underworld, ghosts and the moon. Another is yew. Hekate is often equated with Mesopotamian Ereshkigal. See also: Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books Poison hemlock can be confused with wild parsley (cow parsley) or wild carrot (Queen Anne's Lace), non-toxic relatives of C. maculatum. Cow parsley has no blotches on the stem. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Wild carrot also has an unspotted stem, with fine hairs, and grows up to 1.2 m (4 ft). It may have a small dark red or purple flower in the center of the white blossoms. The plant with the purple bud in the flower is safe. The bud doesn't appear in all wild carrot flowers. See also: Plant Lore: Stinking Nightshade, Henbane Witches' Night - Hexennacht Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sylvia Rose Books Medicinally, poison hemlock is not recommended. Socrates commits suicide with Conium maculatum after receiving the death penalty for corrupting the minds of Greek youth. Even a small amount can kill a person. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Poison hemlock is bitter and distasteful to animals. When the plant is crushed it sends a foul smell. Toxins in plants originally develop as self-defense mechanisms to deter insects and browsers like deer. Poisonous plants are often used as insecticides. See also: Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The unpleasant odor of poison hemlock when crushed contributes to chthonic associations with death and the Underworld. In Christian tradition hemlock grows on the hill where Jesus is crucified. When his blood touches the hemlock, the plant becomes poison. In folklore, because hemlock is toxic it's linked to evil spirits and witchcraft. Poison hemlock can be used in magic for purification, to maintain chastity or depress libidinous urges. See also: White Ladies in German Mythology Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Symptoms of hemlock poisoning can show up almost right away after consuming the plant. Hemlock poisoning symptoms include: Sweating Vomiting Dilated pupils (mydriasis) Excess salivation - drooling Dry mouth (xerostomia) Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) High blood pressure (hypertension) Restlessness or confusion Muscle weakness and muscle twitches (myoclonus) Tremors and seizures See also: Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Ḫulbazizi - Ancient Exorcism Ritual Shulpae (Šulpae): Demon Warrior God Sylvia Rose Books Symptoms can last 48 - 72 hours. Artificial respiration can help prevent death until the symptoms wear off. Some people have allergic reaction on skin contact with the plant. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In more severe cases, hemlock poisoning can cause delayed complications such as: Slow heartbeat (bradycardia) Low blood pressure (hypotension) Muscle paralysis Muscle breakdown and muscle death (rhabdomyolysis) Kidney failure (renal failure) Central nervous system depression Death See also: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons: German Myth Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Sylvia Rose Books Touching or handling the plant can cause allergic reactions, such as rash or difficulty breathing. There's no known antidote to wild hemlock poisoning. Doctors treat the symptoms and hope for the patient's recovery. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology German Myth & Folklore: Elves Wild Women and Winter Tales Back to Top

Veratrum album (white hellebore, false hellebore) is a poisonous plant in the family Melanthiaceae. Used in ancient natural medicine for nerve pain, in the Middle Ages it's also thought effective against evil magic. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Black Hellebore: Toxins, Health & Lore Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Nature Spirits of German Mythology Sylvia Rose Books Veratrum species are hardy herbaceous perennials with toxic black rhizomes or roots. Rhizomes are once used as pesticide. In North America, some early indigenous people use the toxins of Veratrum to make poisoned arrows. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Despite the name white hellebore and toxicity factor, V. album is not related to the hellebores. In ancient times it's used to induce vomiting, and to treat nerve pain, high blood pressure and heart problems. See also: Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures V. album can resemble harmless plants and flowers such as yellow gentain or wild garlic. Symptoms of Veratrum poisoning occur between 30 minutes and four hours after ingestion. They include: nausea vomiting abdominal pain, cramps excessively low blood pressure slow or irregular heartbeat drowsiness dizziness dilated pupils heart failure death See also: Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Sylvia Rose Books Veratrum album has over 50 active alkaloids causing symptoms from nausea to major birth defects. This plant as well as hellebore contains compounds such as jervine and cyclopamine, linked to the birth defect cyclopia. In cyclopia the infant is born without a nose or mouth or with badly deformed features. The eye sockets don't grow properly, resulting in a single or cyclopian eye in the middle of the face. The child lives only a few hours. See also: Destroying Angel: Nature's Deadly Poison Arsenic: Murderous Metal & Miracle Cure Orpiment - Painter's Golden Poison Sylvia Rose Books Many believe V. album poisoning causes the suspicious death of Alexander the Great at age 32. According to the Alexander Romance, an account of his life and deeds, his inner circle plans to assassinate him when he returns to Babylon. Alexander is sick for twelve days, with symptoms similar to those of Veratrum album poisoning. Some historians suspect poisoned wine. Accounts describe the king struck with pain after drinking a large vessel of unmixed wine to honor the hero Heracles. See also: Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Another version states Alexander spends two days drinking with high-ranking friends, then develops a fever and cannot speak. His soldiers march past him so he can wave at them. He dies within two weeks. See also: Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Great Women Artists - Käthe Kollwitz Back to Top

Black hellebore (Helleborus niger) or Christmas Rose is a plant of the Helleborus sub-family, used in folk medicine and lethal poisons. Ancient herbologists find it medicinal, and as a toxin it's an element of siege warfare in Greece. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures See also: Screaming Swiss Spirit: Pfaffenkellnerin Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Sylvia Rose Books Hellebore plants change color as they mature. White varieties transition to pink and greenish-pink. Lack of light makes the flower turn green. The petals are actually modified leaves, so in low-light situations they can transition. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Helleborus niger contains the toxins protoanemonin or ranunculin. All plant parts are poisonous. H niger has a bitter unpleasant taste to discourage browsing by animals. The natural plant compounds can burn eyes, mouth and throat. See also: Saffron - Most Precious Ancient Spice Apples: Myth, Nature & German Folklore Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore Sylvia Rose Books It can also cause mouth sores gastroenteritis (cramps, vomiting, diarrhea) hematemesis (internal bleeding, vomiting blood. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures White hellebore (Veratrum album) belongs to a different plant family, Melanthiaceae, distantly related to the lilies. It's also poisonous and may have caused the death of Alexander the Great. See also: Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Great Bear - Nature, Spirituality & Lore Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Sylvia Rose Books Toxic chemicals and compounds in black hellebore include veratrine, a neurotoxin causing birth defects and heart failure; and the teratogens cyclopamine and jervine, especially linked to malformations of the face such as cyclopia. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries An evergreen, black hellebore is used in ancient world as a remedy to treat such conditions as gout, paralysis and insanity. Until the 16th century it's easily available at the apothecary. It gets its name from the root, which is black or dark. See also: Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Primeval Deities: Goddess of the Dawn Sylvia Rose Books Melampus, an ancient mythological shepherd and healer, prescribes milk of a goat who has eaten hellebore as a remedy for madness of the daughters of King Proetus. Gallic men treat arrows with ellebore for hunting. In Ancient Egypt it's a cure for mental illness. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures In the 6th century BCE black hellebore is used to poison the water of besieged Kirrha, Greece, when a horse's hoof uncovers a water pipe. Kirrhans become so sick and weak with diarrhea, the besiegers easily sack the town and slaughter the entire population. See also: Zababa - Bronze Age War God of Kish Mythic Fire Gods - Vulkan of Germania Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Sylvia Rose Books In antiquity the root is used as a purgative drug and for maniacal disorders. It's said to remove black bile, one of the four humors of Greek medicine. According to humorists, black bile is a body liquid causing depression and gastric ailments. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure From the 1st century BCE its compounds are examined by alchemists seeking the Elixir of Life. In the Middle Ages, the Christmas Rose is considered an ingredient in the ointments and potions of witches. See also: Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Sylvia Rose Books According to English legend, the flower blooms at the abbey of St. Thomas, near the date of January 6. Before the Gregorian calendar in 1582 the flower blooms on Christmas Day. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries When Christmas Day arrives under the new Gregorian calendar the flower doesn't bloom. It's considered a bad omen. England refuses to adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1751. See also: White Ladies in German Mythology Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Sylvia Rose Books Black hellebore is one of the official drugs of the Habsburg Empire, Austria (1282 - 1918). Hellebore makes a good garden plant but can be fussy about soil, preferring humus, which forms from decay of dead plants and animals, and nutrient-rich alps. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Poisoning can occur with ingestion or handling of the plant. Alkaloids of this plant can cause rashes and dermatitis. Eating hellebore, especially in large quantities, causes the most severe reactions. See also: Edelweiss: Alpine Flower of True Love Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Sylvia Rose Books Symptoms include burning in mouth and throat drooling vomiting abdominal cramps diarrhea nervous tremors abnormal heartbeat depression death See also: Plant Lore: Stinking Nightshade, Henbane Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Sylvia Rose Books Toxins include cardiac glycosides in the roots, which slow down the heart and increase beat strength. For these compounds black hellebore has been tried in modern medicine, but the toxicity levels are too dangerous. Black hellebore is a sub-family of the buttercups. Ranunculin and protoanemonin, toxins in the leaves and sap, are found in members of the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Buttercups release the toxins if picked, crushed or chewed. See also: Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Folk Magic: Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Sylvia Rose Books Hellebore is also known for its resilience in cool climates and ability to bloom in winter. It flowers from midwinter on. The plant likes alpine slopes and meadows in parts of Europe including Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and northern Italy. Up to the 20th century H. niger in Europe is recommended to treat: bloating menstrual irregularity female obstructions hysteric and hypochondriac fits melancholy madness epilepsy leprosy See also: Poltergeist - Nastiest Noisy Spirit German Myth & Folklore: Elves Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Documented unwanted effects include inflammations of gastric or intestinal mucous membranes, skin eruptions and blisters in or under skin. Therapeutically used as sneezing powder it irritates nasal mucosa. It's also used as insecticide. See also: Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Lavender (Lavandula) Health and Nature Dragons: German Harvest & Nature Spirits Back to Top

Rudolf Diesel (1858 – 1913) invented the diesel engine. The powerful piece of machinery changes lives and engineering forever. What happened to Diesel on his ill-fated voyage September 1913 is one of the great mysteries of the 19th century. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries See also: Amazing Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt Steam & Coal in Victorian Germany Pioneering German Women - Anita Augspurg Sylvia Rose Books Mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel invents the Diesel engine in 1896 and it evolves rapidly. At first a replacement for stationary steam engines, Diesel demonstrates efficiency of 26.2%, twice as efficient as steam. The engine is an immediate success. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The Diesel is an internal combustion engine, generating power by burning fuel with air inside the engine. Hot gasses drive a piston and compress air. Fuel is injected into compressed air and elevated temperatures ignite the fuel. Diesels don't use spark plugs. See also: Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Easter Bunny, Prussian Blue & Penguins German Pioneers: Father of Aviation Sylvia Rose Books There are two types of internal combustion engine today: the spark ignition gasoline engine and the compression ignition Diesel engine. Diesel patents his first compression-ignition engine in 1898, and continues to make improvements. Diesel fuel is refined from crude oil and biomass materials. At first the engine is too heavy for land use. With adaptations it soon powers trains, tractors, machines and mining equipment; Under the pressures of rising demand, Diesel has a nervous breakdown. See also: Hotel of Horror - The Lady Detective Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Sylvia Rose Books Diesel experiments with different fuels. In his book titled Diesel Engines for Land and Marine Work, he writes, "In 1900 a small Diesel engine was exhibited by the Otto company which, on the suggestion of the French Government, was run on arachide [peanut] oil, and operated so well that very few people were aware of the fact. See also: Nimrod: Lord of Chaos & Creation Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Pistachio: Turpentine, Resin & Nuts "The motor was built for ordinary oils, and without any modification was run on vegetable oil. I have recently repeated these experiments on a large scale with full success and entire confirmation of the results formerly obtained." On September 29 1913 he embarks on a voyage on the steamship SS Dresden, a British passenger ship on the North Sea route between Harwich and the Hook of Holland. He dines on board and asks for a 6:15 early wake-up call. About 22:00 he retires for the evening. See also: Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Steam & Style - Agrippina of the Rhine Victorian Trends - Stripes to Taxidermy Sylvia Rose Books The next day it's clear the bed has not been slept in. His cabin is neat, nightshirt laid out on the bed. Ten days later a Dutch crew finds a floating corpse. The body is too decomposed to positively identify. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In the North Sea, according to forensics experts, a body decomposes beyond recognition in two days. Within a week, being nibbled by sea creatures it's almost completely returned to nature. This one is still floating. Its pockets contain items confirmed as Diesel's by his son. See also: Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Death Cruise - Vacation Gone Bad Sylvia Rose Books The New York Times follows the story with vigor. Headlines include “Dr. Diesel Vanishes From a Steamship” 1 October 1913; then “NO RAY OF LIGHT ON DIESEL MYSTERY: German Inventor Was a Millionaire and His Home Was Happy”(2 October). “DIESEL FAMILY IN STRAITS: Missing Inventor Said to Have Left Them in Extreme Need” blares from the pages October 13 followed by “DIESEL WAS BANKRUPT: He Owed $375,000 - Tangible Assets Only About $10,000” (October 15). See also: German Myth - Harvest Spirits 3 Screaming Swiss Spirit: Pfaffenkellnerin Lake Van: Fate of a Primeval Salt Lake The next spring, a speculative headline appears: “REPORTS DR. DIESEL LIVING IN CANADA: Munich Journal Hears Inventor, Supposedly Drowned, Has Begun Life Anew.” The story is never confirmed. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Before he left on his final voyage, Diesel gave his wife Martha a package with instructions to open it the next week. She finds 20,000 Marks in cash (120,000 USD today) and records confirming the company is bankrupt. See also: Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Heidelberg - Dueling Scars, Jail & Beer Great 19th Century German Woman Artists Sylvia Rose Books A known insomniac, he may have taken a late walk on the deck. An accident is unlikely. Due to the package he left his wife, Diesel is aware something might happen to him. Whether his death is suicide, murder or a cunning strategy to fake his own death is never known. One thing is certain. The success of the Diesel engine threatens a lot of interests making money from steam power and coal. See also: Jet Black - Ancient World Gemstones Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Sylvia Rose Books As Diesel’s patents expire, other companies take over his invention and develop it further. Still in wide use today, the Diesel engine is hard to replace. As environmental concern grows, one might eventually come up with a more earth-friendly fuel. See also: Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Germany: A Little 19th Century History The Anxious Victorian - Mental Health

Fänggen are fearsome female tree spirits who dwell in the alpine forests of Tyrol, Austria, between Germany and Italy. Giants as big as trees, Fänggen (sing. Fangga) are greatly protective of their woodlands. If a forest is cut down, the Fänggen die. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventure See also: Chamois - Alpine Wild Nature & Lore Nature Spirits of German Mythology Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Before that, however, they make life miserable for the invading species. Fänggen are bound to the vicinity of their trees. They can't easily leave to find new habitats, as can many nature spirits. They cause accidents, break machinery and may tip trees the wrong way. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Fänggen can be terrifying to behold. Their bodies are hairy and bristly. Their hair is filled with tree fibers, long strands of moss and gray lichens. The mouth of the giantess can reach from one ear to the other and her voice is deep and rumbling, like a storm approaching. See also: Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Fänggen and their brethren are related to tree witches such as Eschenfrau, the wicked ash tree woman; as well as the banshee-like Klagefrau and the reclusive Moss People. Fänggen usually remain deep in the forest. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Around habitations the giantess might appear an enormous shadow. She has a deep laugh, but it's rarely heard as her intentions are secretive. If she seeks to steal a mother or child, metal bells can frighten her away. The Drudenfuss is the traditional sign against evil magic. See also: Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice German Myth & Folklore: Moss People Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Some Fänggen have beards, protruding bellies or mannish qualities. Others are ethereal. They may wear skins of wildcats. Their aprons are wildcat pelts and their jackets are the bark of trees. The Fänggen are man-eaters but also love the taste of children. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventure Boys specifically they grate to dust on a tree trunk or snort like a pinch of snuff. They also steal children or women who have recently given birth. Faerie folk are also known to steal recent mothers as nursemaids to their offspring. See also: Hematite: Magnetic Iron Oxide Red Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books As tree spirits Fänggen are a type of Faerie folk, or may be seen as sprites, but in appearance they are enormous. Fänggen, Faerie and trolls are all known to steal human children and leave changelings. The Swiss canton of Prättigau has folk tales of the Fänggen, as well as a wild mountain man who tends cattle for no wage. He's called wildi Mannli or little wild man. The people need only let the cattle into the hills and he will watch over them. See also: Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore White Pigments of Ancient Artisans Creation, Cattle & the Cosmic Cow Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle He asks nothing for this, but the people think he deserves a reward. They make him some fine clothes and leave them out for him to find. He's delighted. The moment he tries on the clothes he becomes conceited. He runs off down the road and is never seen again. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Fänggen have husbands known as Waldriesen (Forest Giants) or wilde Männer (Wild Men). Part of the reason the Fänggen leave changelings is because their husbands are dangerous to their own offspring. See also: Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Fänggen may also give their daughters as maids to households, although the Fangga-maid isn't very dependable. If she hears bad news such as a death among her forest family, the Fangga will depart. READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Fänggen oversee the herds of the chamois as if they're cattle. Chamois herds number 15 - 30 animals. Male chamois tend to be solitary except at rutting time. See also: Goats in German Myth: Erntebock & Habergeiß Enuma Elish: Marduk & the Chaos Monsters Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books For hunters going after chamois, the Fänggen are an extra danger. Sheep-like antelopes chamois are quick and nimble in the mountains. It's easy for a hunter to fall. Fänggen can push or kick a person off a cliff or send the hunter rolling down the hill. As a sprite she can lure men into her maw with the illusion of beauty. Despite their demonic traits the Fänggen have healing powers and can be benevolent toward people. They can brew potions or help humans find medicinal plants. See also: Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Spelt Wheat - Bronze Age Grain Crops House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Forest spirits are often described as helpful in times of difficulty. In Saxony, little forest women emerge in during a plague to show people herbal cures and healing brews. Like many nature spirits of the Germanic lore Fänggen forest women have a bright and dark side. They especially love very large, old trees. See also: Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books People leave gifts and offerings in the roots or branches in hope of a blessing of good fortune. Even today one may see an outdoor tree covered in handmade ornaments, and know it is a Fänggenbaum or Fangga Tree. See also: Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Hags in German Myth & Folklore Germanic Mythology - Brook Horses Back to Top

Heimchen are house crickets (Acheta domesticus) in German folklore, said to bring luck or foretell disaster. Dwarfs might take the form of Heimchen if they enter a home. They're among the House Spirits of German folklore. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures See also: House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Great Bear - Nature, Spirituality & Lore Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Heimchen is a diminutive of home (Heim) in German. House crickets are gray / brown insects of the Gryllidae or "true cricket" family. They're usually found on the ground. House crickets can fly but prefer to walk. Many cricket species have wings developed for singing, but not flight. In some the wings are short or absent. Those without wings don't chirp. The wings are highly specialized. Although female crickets may have wings they lack the sound equipment of the male. See also: Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Lord Rodent (Ninkilim) Sumerian Pest God German Myth: Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Heimchen is the same word in singular and plural. The house cricket can also be called Herdschmiedl (hearth smith), Haimemüese (house muse/mouse) and Heunemänken. In old German Heune translates to giant, while Mänken means little man or dwarf. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures House crickets can be kept as pets or served as food. They're among the most popular prey animals for predators including spiders, snakes, lizards, toads, frogs, bats, rats, mice, scorpions and birds, as well as parasitic insects and their own cannibal kin. See also: Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore German Myth & Folklore: Dwarfs Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Crickets are a delicacy of for many palates. A good source of protein and other nutrients, crickets are eaten throughout the world. They can be munched whole, roasted or ground into powder as a food additive. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In the North and Western Palatinate if the German Rhineland, the house cricket is called Krikelmaus (krikel "to creak"; also colloquial: "cricket"; Maus is mouse). It functions as Kinderschreck to scare children into bed on time. Kinderschreck literally means "child fright". See also: Schrat: German Nightmare Forest Elf White Ladies in German Mythology Off to the Black Forest we go! Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Other notorious bedtime bogeys include Nachtkrapp, or Night Raven; and Butzemann, the German bogeyman. They lurk in dark shadows and are both fond of snatching small children who aren't in bed on time. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In Silesia, the chirping stridulations of the house cricket indicate a spirit of the dead nearby. Despite its tiny size the house cricket can chirp loudly, and the sound seems to come from everywhere at once. It sings by rubbing its wings together. See also: Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania German Myth - Harvest Spirits Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The wings are serrated, with rough patches to produce the sound. A female doesn't need to stridulate, just find the male. Once the crickets mate the female produces a hundred eggs a day, to c. 3,000 in her lifetime. Crickets live about 90 days. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures From the east Czechian and east central German border, or the Vogtland, comes a local legend. The Heimchen are little men about 2 ft (0.6 m) tall. They live on a meadow in a mountain cave lit up by a massive carbuncle or garnet gem. See also: German Myth & Folklore: Elves Wiedergänger - the Undead Walk Again Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Music plays and gemstones glitter everywhere. The cave entrance isn't always accessible. The Heimchen or Bergvolk (mountain folk) may be invisible to mortal eyes. They keep miniature golden sheep. The shepherdess, Ilsa, is a young woman under enchantment. Dressed in white, perhaps a White Lady, she carries a golden shepherd's staff and waits for redemption. Revenants are many in German lore including headless horsemen, Aufhöcker, Fire Men and werewolves. See also: Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root German Myth - Headless Horseman Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Heimchen are associated with German primal goddess Perchta (Berchte, Percht, Berchta), who lives in a well. Like her sister goddess Frau Holle in the north, Perchta receives the spirits of children who die in infancy. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries In later lore they're the spirits of unbaptized children, howling round her cart are she passes through the mortal realm. Perchta and Holle both have the epithet "dunkle Großmutter" or Dark Grandmother. When Perchta goes out, a Heimchen sits on her nose and stridulates. See also: Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess The Many Faces of Frau Holle Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books According to Leviticus 11 of the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh decrees: "All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you. There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper." The meaning of the first line is still debated; however, crickets as food have divine approval. Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Yahweh: Warrior Origins, Name & Lore Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In the form of small people, Heimchen can help a household or farmer to prosper. Like the domestic elves they don't like to be seen. In one story a group of Heimchen work diligently to help the town become wealthy. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures A man comes to the town and says Perchta can't be trusted, as Heimchen are the souls of unbaptized children. People avoid and vilify the Heimchen, and Perchta decides it's time to leave. She and her Heimchen cross the stream and never return. See also: Gnomes: Earth Spirits of Renaissance Mythology Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Periwinkle: Magic & Medicine of Europe Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The chthonic aspect of Heimchen emerges in their nocturnal habits, subterranean habitats and as the humanoid manifestation of Dwarfs. Perchta connects to the underworld and spirits of the dead. She's also a benevolent guide who taught humans to spin flax into linen. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Linked to earth and nature magic, harmony and prosperity, Heimchen relate to house and garden spirits like Kobolds and elves. Domestic elves include Heinzelmännchen (brownies) around Cologne, Germany; or Wichtelmänner in the story of the elves and the shoemaker. See also: Care and Feeding of Your Kobold Part 1 German Myth & Folklore: Imps Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Crickets have various songs. The loud calling song attracts females and discourages other males. An aggressive song is triggered by detection of another male cricket in the area. The courting song is produced to seduce a nearby female cricket. After mating the male cricket sings a triumphal song which may encourage the female to lay eggs instead of mating with someone else. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology The Sex Demons - Incubus & Succubus Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books House crickets can grow c. 21 mm (0.63 - 0.83 in) in length. In some areas crickets are kept as pets for luck. They're also used in cricket fighting. Crickets can be ferocious and kill each other in a fight for territory, especially in crowded conditions. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Crickets are a good source of essential fats and they will also eat each other. This behavior happens in a swarm or depletion such natural resources as salt and protein. In this case scientists find even in an environment with edible plants, the crickets kill and eat each other. See also: Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Figs - Food of the Ancient World Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Crickets are omnivores, eating lettuce and vegetables, plant shoots, grains such as wheat, fruit, potatoes and aphids. They also consume insect larvae, including that of their own species, as part of their normal diet. In the original Pinocchio, the talking cricket is an advisor without a name. When Pinocchio refuses to listen, the cricket says, "You are a puppet and what's worse, you have a head of wood". Pinocchio throws a mallet and kills the cricket. See also: Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore German Nature Folklore - Fruit Trees Plight of the Lutzelfrau: German Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Brazilian folklore, the chirp of crickets foretells an event, good or bad depending on the color of the cricket. In northern Brazil crickets portend death and are killed. In many cultures a cricket is a fortunate sign and it's bad luck to kill one. See also: Beer Goddess Siris of Mesopotamia Klabautermann - Germanic Sea Kobold Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Back to Top

When the gods come into being in Mesopotamia, they create the Igigi to act as their servants because they find work too exhausting. As strong and healthy demi-god beings, the Igigi can do the work the gods will not. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Shumugan - God of Donkeys & Mules Sylvia Rose Books It's not long before the Igigi tire of the inequality. They do all the work and the Gods sit back and relax. The Igigi have a meeting and decide to do the work of the Gods no longer. It all comes to brutality when the Gods instruct them to build a waterway and the Igigi rebel. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Gods see they've made the Igigi too intelligent. They let the Igigi go their own ways, and get to work making humans out of clay. At first their efforts are laughable, but they soon begin to produce working models. See also: Lord Rodent (Ninkilim) Sumerian Pest God Figs - Food of the Ancient World Ushumgallu: Dragon Lion Snake Sukkal Sylvia Rose Books They put the humans on the earth and give them a bounty of plants, animals and other resources. The humans will work the land, grow the crop or raise the chickens for the gods to eat. They will build great temples, the dwelling places of the gods on earth. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures The Gods don't make humans as intelligent as the Igigi, but they err on the side of caution. The humans know not what to do with the seeds of plenty and the untamed paradise given them. They sit around fires and scratch their flea bites. See also: Gatumdug: Sumerian Goddess of Lagash Ishum: Night Watchman & Fire God Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal If the Gods wait for humans to figure out the world and how it works for them, the Gods will wither away from starvation. They create the demi-gods Apkullu, the Seven Sages. They send the Sages among the people to teach them how to use the bounty they've been given. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Sages teach humans how to hunt, fish and raise crops. From the Apkullu the humans learn how to farm the fertile flood plains and raise livestock. They learn how to cross breed plants for hardier strains, and how to raise animals with desirable traits such as milk quality. See also: Mountain Gazelle: Wild Ancient World Kusarikku - Bull Men of Mesopotamia Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Humans learn how to cure and treat diseases, repel disease demons through spells and incantations, and which plants treat scorpion stings. The Apkullu teach them concepts of mathematics and engineering, irrigation, weaving, fishing and choosing the proper sacrifice. Some of the Apkullu are hybrid creatures of human and fish, or other fantastic creations. They have their own qualities and appearance, and specific skills to teach humans. See also: Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia Sylvia Rose Books The Apkullu or Seven Sages are: Uanna, half man, half fish, who finished the plans for heaven and earth Uannedugga who was endowed with comprehensive intelligence Enmedugga who was allotted a good fate - Enmedugga is the original name of ancient city Eridu (en = lord, god ie En-ki, En-lil; me = essence; dugga = city, settlement) Enmegalamma who was born in a house Enmebulugga who grew up on pasture land An-Enlilda the conjurer of the city of Eridu Utuabzu, primordial god who ascended to heaven There are two types of Sages, the human-headed and the animal-headed including fish and eagle. In some beliefs term Apkullu can also be applied to priests, exorcists and diviners of ancient Mesopotamia. In religion, humans understand their roles as providers for the Gods. See also: Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia In exchange for sacrificial meals, fine clothing and other offerings, the Gods give protection and abundance to their humans. Mortals who don't follow the proper tribute rites, or forget to revere a tutelary deity, may be stricken with disaster. See also: Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia

White Ladies (Weisse Frauen, Weiße Damen) appear in folk and pagan traditions of Germany and other parts of Europe. White ladies manifest as warnings, guides, helpful spirits or wailing women. They may be revenants, ghosts or the Goddess Frau Holle herself. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures See also: Wiedergänger - One Who Walks Again Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good German Myth - Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books White Ladies or Women in White may gather in groups but most often walk alone. Like the creatures of faerie, tree spirits, nixies, elves and imps, they're originally nature spirits. They can also manifest as Undead revenants or vengeful victims. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Other white-clad entities include forest elves who come into the meadow to dance, and may leave fairy rings of mushrooms. They can draw a passerby into their circle, and the person enters a dream state perhaps never to return. Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic German Myth & Folklore: Elves Perchta, Bright One: German Goddess Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle White Ladies are spirits of nature magic, Elfin origin, or spirits of Queens, peasants, nobles, lovers, brides, grieving mothers or wives. They're warriors of light or ancient goddesses like Frau Holle and Perchta. White Ladies manifest for various reasons. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Often a White Lady appears at night outdoors. She carries a lantern and may call or wail. She might appeal for help. This is common to Undead spirits and later "Woman in White" ghosts. As a White Elf the Weisse Frau may bring blessings of fortune or advice. See also: Heimchen - House Crickets of Folklore Hags in Germanic Myth & Folklore Klagefrau: Wailing Woman of German Folklore Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books If she's seen walking through a field or orchard she's a sign of good luck and fruitfulness of the earth. Although they're often protector entities, Women in White don't have wings like angels or Lamma spirits. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure White Ladies who number among the Wiedergänger as revenants or justice seekers are once-mortal women. As a warrior figure the White Woman can manifest as an vengeful spirit to destroy those who harmed her. See also: Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Amazons - Warrior Women History & Myth Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Women who do evil in life can rise as Undead spirits to do good deeds for redemption and freedom from torment. Other revenants include headless horsemen, fire men and some Aufhöcker, who jump on a person's back and get heavier. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Some White Ladies appearing as Wiedergänger are women who died a terrible death by murder, in childbirth, a fatal accident or suicide. These women manifest as spirits in pain. They might bleed or have hollow eyes, or join the Wild Hunt with others of the Undead. See also: Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Werewolf & Werewolves of Germany Drude: Germanic Demon of Darkness Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Despite a sometimes fearsome appearance, and apart from vengeance, White Ladies are not known to harm humans or other animals. An Undead White Lady can be helped, for example if a murderer is brought to justice, or a task or message left undone is completed. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Castles such as Düsseldorf are reputed to be haunted by Women in White. The same is said of Gothic cliffs in Quebec City, Canada, where a white-clad woman hurled herself to death for unrequited love. See also: Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Wiedergänger - the Undead Walk Again German Myth - Headless Horseman Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books White Ladies usually manifest outdoors, in a forest, near water, on a hill or natural feature. They're also seen in courtyards and at crossroads. A White Lady may appear at the door of one who is about to die. Conversely she may watch over sleeping children. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure She warns of mortal danger. If she says a person's name, that person will die within a year and a day. She can precede plagues or epidemics, or foretell death of any who see her. She wanders to different locations or may seem to appear in two places at once. See also: German Vampires - Nachzehrer Aufhöcker - Cursed Undead of German Myth Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The White Lady is often equated with ancient Germanic goddess Frau Holle, who also embodies a warrior aspect and is among the leaders of the Wild Hunt. Frau Holle is associated with infant mortality as she cares for the souls of children who die in infancy. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure A White Lady might appear in a photo or other media of a person who will soon die. In such predictions and warnings Frau Holle and the White Ladies are not seen as evil. They don't cause the death, just foretell it. Not surprisingly, people are afraid to see them nonetheless. See also: Wild Women and Winter Tales Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Pentagram: Drudenfuß, Five Point Star Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle At sea, a Woman in White appearing to sailors is a prophecy of danger, such as an oncoming storm, attack or sickness. She may seem to be standing a distance out to sea. If a White Lady appears to one about to embark on a journey, it can be a sign of danger. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Ilsa, an enchanted shepherdess of the Heimchen, has attributes of a White Lady revenant. She tends sheep in hopes of redemption for unknown evil deeds. White Ladies play key roles in the Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction series novel Poltergeist. See also: House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Nature Spirits of German Mythology Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books White Ladies often try to communicate with mortals, to give a warning or guidance. They help protect children lost in the woods. From origins as nature spirits connected to Elfin magic, today they're more often depicted as ghosts, and every castle has one. See also: Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Witches & Witchcraft: Ancient World Back to Top

White Ladies and Changelings exist in the pagan traditions of Germany and other parts of Europe. German folklore and mythology is rich with creatures of magic and mysticism, some helpful, some evil and some just trying to survive in an uncertain world. See also: Wiedergänger - One Who Walks Again Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good German Myth - Lindwyrm, Mare & Pig Demons 1. White Ladies White Ladies or Women in White often appear in the folk tales of Germany, England and other European countries. They exist before and after Christianity, later assuming religious characteristics. A White Lady most often appears alone. At night she carries a lantern and may call or wail. She can be a sign of luck or warning of doom. She might appeal for help, and reward the hero with wealth. She may bring blessings or advice for a journey or venture. Conversely the White Lady can warn of mortal danger, or foretell the death of one who beholds her. Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series In Germany, the White Lady is often equated with ancient Germanic goddess Frau Holle, who also embodies a warrior aspect. White Ladies play key roles in the Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction series novel Poltergeist. The White Lady can be a specter haunting the place of her entombment. Her appearance as a ghost is generally post-Christian. Germanic pagans didn't believe in an afterlife, but did believe in a spirit world strongly based in the natural world where White Ladies are equated with nature spirits. Those creatures who rise again are the tormented spirits of the Undead. As belief in an afterlife spreads, more ghosts appear in legend and myth. 2. Changelings Changelings are creatures of Faerie or non-mortal origin who are switched with mortal children, and sometimes adults. Denizens of the spirit world such as elves, fairies and trolls take a child, usually a baby, and leave their own offspring in the cradle. The child may be very beautiful but is often ugly, with misshapen head, body or features. Another name for a changeling is oaf, a word still in use today. A changeling might also seem wise beyond its earthly years. In some cases, a changeling is raised by the adopted family and will always be grateful and considerate. Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Often, the parent(s) attempt to drive out the changeling and force the return their child. This resulted in severe whipping of children and even burning them to death in hot ovens. It was thought when the changeling had enough torment, it would recall the original child. Sadly this belief led to abusive and tragic circumstances. Adults were not immune, as in the case of the Bavarian man who beat his wife to death because, he claimed, she was a changeling and he wanted his real wife back. In folklore the Faerie are known to steal human children, with or without leaving a substitute. Trolls might kidnap humans as slaves or to improve troll stock. Sometimes a human child is raised in the mystical realm and lives in harmony with the erstwhile captors, perhaps never knowing its changeling origin. See also: German Myth - Werewolves Beautiful Music Original Art Happy Friday! Tidbits & Trivia

The Syrian brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus) is a subspecies of Eurasian brown bear. Native to the Middle East, Caucasus Mountains and central Asia, in the Bronze Age the Syrian brown bear enjoys an extensive range, and is now endangered. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Great Bear - Nature, Spirituality & Lore Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Black Sea: Stone Age & Early History Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A light-colored large predatory mammal, during the Bronze Age the Syrian brown bear ranges in the Levant, ancient near East and Turkey to Turkmenistan east of the Caspian Sea. Today the brown bear is extremely rare and may be extinct in Syria. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures In Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and the Sinai Peninsula the bear has been hunted out. Syrian brown bears today live in the wild in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Syrian brown bears are slightly smaller than Eurasian brown bears. See also: Siris - Beer Goddess of Mesopotamia Lake Van: Fate of a Primeval Salt Lake Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Bears have sharp senses. They see in color and have excellent vision close-up. Their distance vision is over 182 m (600 ft). They can see under water. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Bears hear in all directions. They swivel their ears and depend on hearing more than sight. Their ears develop to full size faster than the rest of their body. Hearing is over twice the sensitivity of human hearing and goes beyond human frequency ranges. See also: Horses, Alps & Amazons: the Caucasus Chamois - Alpine Wild Nature & Lore Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The bear's sense of smell is excellent. The nasal mucosa or mucus membrane area is 100x as big as that of a human. A bear has a better sense of smell than a bloodhound. Bear / hiker encounters often happen if a person comes from downwind, surprising the bear. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures A bear has a large brain compared to body size and is among the most intelligent mammals. A bear can count to twelve. Bear intelligence makes captivity difficult as the bear needs a lot of mental and physical exercise. An adult bear can easily roam 32 km (20 mi) in a day. Fänggen (Fangga): Man-Eaters of Tyrol Mansur the Airfield Bear - Beautiful Rescue Bear (YouTube Live) Arcadia - Greek Lands of Ancient Gods Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Bears have a navigation ability superior to humans. Bears relocated from their home territories have been known to find their way back over a vast distance. A bear has an excellent long-term memory and will remember past harm, as well as past kindness. In 2004 Syria, brown bear tracks are recorded in snow for the first time in fifty years. In February 2011, bear tracks are again found in the area. See also: Bronze Age Europe - the Amber Roads Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Turkey, bear habitats include Mediterranean belt forests, deciduous and conifer forests in the Black Sea region and NE Turkey. The bears also favor secluded oak and pine forests of the Black Sea, and dry forests in East Anatolia. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure These habitats range in elevation from 500 - 2700 m (1600 - 8900 ft). Syrian brown bears at higher altitudes tend to have paler fur. In Iran the bear lives in the Central Alborz Protected Area the Zagros Mountains. See also: Mountain Gazelle: Wild Ancient World Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Zagros Mountains - the Way to Kur Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Syrian brown bears prefer high elevations and north slopes, near fresh water such as a lake or stream. Not all bears hibernate in winter. A mother wakes to give birth to her tiny 8oz cubs then dozes off and on. Male bears often don't hibernate if food and water are handy. When the bear hibernates its entire system changes. It consumes organic material including pebbles and dry skin from soles of paws to form a fecal plug to stop defecation. The kidneys become a different set of organs, recycling body fluids to keep the bear hydrated. See also: Obsidian: Ancient Volcanic Black Glass Inara & the Dragon - Purulliya Festival Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Body temperature lowers, and breathing slows. A hibernating bear who arises in winter is in "walking hibernation" for two weeks as the body returns to normal functions. This helps withstand false spring or return to regular body function. Never wake a hibernating bear. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In Turkey, the bear is threatened by forest fragmentation, deforestation, contamination and persecution due to the bear's love of raiding beehives for honey, and attacks on livestock. See also: Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Bears who take livestock as easy prey doom themselves as their behavior becomes more than dangerous to humans. Bears usually eat a combination of grains, grasses, fruit, nuts, meat or fish. They will take down elk calves and deer. They also eat carrion. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Perils to bears include Black Sea poachers killing bears for fat, thought to have medicinal value. Bears may be killed during wild boar hunts with dogs. They may be poisoned by bait set illegally for bears and other mammals such as red deer, roe deer, wolf or lynx. See also: Visigoths, King Alaric & the Ruin of Rome Hippomancy: Sacred Horse Divination Bear Worship: Sacrifice of the Gods Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Syrian brown bear appears three times in the Hebrew Bible denoting the protective nature of a mother bear to her cubs. Syrian brown bears are also described in 2 Kings 2:23-25 mauling 42 "small boys" who mock Elisha, a disciple of Elijah. 23 He [Elisha] went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” See also: Bosporus: Black Sea Nature & Greek Myth Yahweh: Warrior Origins, Name & Lore Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries So much for deific compassion. Bears in spirituality and symbolism often represent the primal powers, rage, destruction and destructive emotions. A mother bear is a fierce protector, especially as male bears try to kill the cubs. She must be strong and ferocious. Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Mt Nemrut Volcano: Nature & Lore Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Roman myth, Juno turns Callisto into a bear in jealousy over Jupiter's infatuation. When Callisto is almost killed by her son as he doesn't recognize her, Jupiter interferes and puts Callisto and her son in the sky as Ursa Major and Minor. In ancient Greece, Artemis the Huntress (Roman Diana) is sometimes represented as a bear. Her priestesses are called "little she-bears". In medieval times, mother bears are thought to create their young from clay, licking them into the shape of cubs. See also: Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Mugwort (Wormwood) Herbal Lore Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Syrian brown bears weigh up to 500 kg (1100 lb) and measure 101 - 140 cm (40 - 55 in) nose to tail. Like all bears, Syrian brown bears play a crucial role in maintaining their ecosystem. Bears are known to be self-aware, and can empathize with each other. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries For instance at a Montana zoo, one male grizzly helps another recover from abuse, although male bears are usually solitary. The same kind of behavior is seen at a bear sanctuary in Romania. Or visit delightful Mansur the Airfield Bear, live cam. See also: Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Owl - Death, Messages, Mystic Wisdom Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A Syrian brown bear can live 20 - 30 years, longer in captivity. It runs full out about 48 km (30 mph) and can catch fleeing prey with a burst of speed. Bears are naturally "programmed" to give chase when an animal runs away. See also: Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Giresun (Aretias): Isle of the Amazons Before the Viking Age - Gods of the Sámi Back to Top

Bears in nature, spirituality and myth or lore have astral qualities as well as strong earth connections. An apex predator and fierce protector, the bear is also intelligent, curious and playful. The Cave Bear, the European ancestor, dominates the lands until c. 24,000 BCE. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Animal Spirits - Bear, Stag & Eagle Lake Van: Fate of a Primeval Salt Lake Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In prehistoric North America, the short-faced bear (Arctodus simus) is the dominant species. One of the largest and most powerful predators of the world, A. simus weighs 900 kilograms and measures 2 m (6.6 ft) at the shoulder. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In South America the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) or Andean bear is the last remaining member of the short-faced bear family. It's a descendent of the North American bear, traveling south as the land bridge of Central America emerges from the primeval sea. See also: Chamois - Alpine Wild Nature & Lore Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Fossils and historical data indicate bear species lived throughout the world, except in Antarctica and Australia. Large bears like the mainly vegetarian European Cave Bear, and the giant short-faced bears, go extinct in the late Pleistocene, c. 129,000 - c. 11,700 ya. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures The Bear Cult is one of the earliest and most widespread forms of animal worship. Archaeological evidence for European Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) goes back to the Paleolithic era. The Cave Bear disappears by c. 24,000 BCE. See also: Neolithic Skull Cults & Ritual Skulls Bear Worship: Sacrifice of the Gods Horses, Alps & Amazons: the Caucasus Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Largest bear populations world-wide are in Russia (130,000), US (32,500) and Canada (25,000). Romania has the most bears in Europe, c. 6000 individuals. There are no bears in Africa. They're last seen in 1870, wiped out in the Victorian craze of big game hunting. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Eight major bear species exist in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Subspecies include the rare white Kermode or spirit bear of Canada and the endangered Syrian brown bear of the Middle East. See also: Syrian Brown Bear - Bronze Age Wild Kashka - Mountain Raiders of Anatolia Oldest Cattle Cult 6000 BCE - Arabia Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The eight bear species are: North American Black Bear - Ursus Americanus Brown Bear - Ursus Arctos Polar Bear - Ursus Maritimus Asiatic black bear, Himalayan black bear, moon bear - Ursus thibetanus Andean Bear or Spectacled Bear - Tremarctos ornatus Panda Bear - Ailuropoda melanoleuca Sloth bear - Melursus (Ursus) ursinus Sun Bear - Ursus malayanus The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is named for the golden crescent on its chest. The smallest of the bear species, it's also the most adapted to climbing trees. Sun bears live in tropical forests of SE Asia. See also: Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Elderberry Tree: Germanic Nature Lore Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and other bears have an irrepressible urge to chase fleeing creatures. This is why it's not wise to run if encountering a bear. Grizzlies can run up to 48 km/h (30 mph), uphill and downhill with equal agility. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries The bear is associated with the warrior spirit. King Arthur of England (c. 500 CE) is named for the bear (artos). The same root is in personal names world-wide. Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, is often represented as a bear and her priestesses called "little bears". See also: A Viking Christmas Yule Night Raven (Nachtkrapp) Germania Yarrow (Achillea) Magic & Medicine Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle A bear might travel 20 - 40 mi/day (32 - 64 km/day) and loves to roam. Bear energy brings fortune to travelers and warriors. The Bear asserts dominance, confidence and charisma. The zodiac sign associated with the bear is Virgo. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Bears have a strong desire to take things apart. Naturally curious, a bear might break up a dead tree to see what's inside. As omnivores they eat grubs, termites, ants and ant eggs and other insects found in dead trees. See also: Tannenbaum - About the Yule Fir Tree Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Destructive bear power infuses fighters such as Viking berserkers, who wear wolf or bear skins. Berserkers are warrior mercenaries. The name derives from Norse bjǫrn (bear) + serkr (shirt). They may use alcohol, fly agaric or henbane to incite killing frenzy. The bear is an intelligent mammal who uses tools. such as rocks to break apart ground formations. Bears also love to rub rocks on their faces. This behavior is observed in wild and zoo bears. It may be because the bear releases heat in summer through the facial skin. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology Folk Magic: Fly Agaric Plant Lore: Stinking Nightshade, Henbane Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Hibernation depends on various factors. Polar, sloth bears, spectacled and sun bears don't hibernate due to climate consistency. Moon bears may hibernate or seasonally migrate. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures Solitary male brown bears may not hibernate if open water and food sources are nearby. Part of the reason is territorial. If they sleep too long intruders might try to move in. See also: Mt Nemrut Volcano: Nature & Lore Owl - Death, Messages, Mystic Wisdom Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Unless the weather's extreme many male bears enjoy being out in the elements. A bear digs a hollow in the snow. Recycled body heat and two specialized layers of fur keep the bear warm even in a blustering snowstorm. He also roams, to oversee his domain. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Pregnant female bears hibernate, and female polar bears take to their dens if they've mated. Polar bears give birth Nov - Jan, brown bears closer to January and black bears up to mid-Feb. Mothers have 1 - 3 cubs, who remain with her for 2 - 3 years. See also: Horse in Dreams - Meaning of Horses Song of the Loreley - Lethal Beauty Great Cormorant: Wild Birds & Mythic Beasts Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Brown and black bear newborns are 227 g (8 oz) while polar bears are about 454 g (16 oz). Mother bear is awake for the birth. Brown bears doze off and on until April. At that time brown, black and polar bears, and cubs, emerge from their dens. Moon bears hibernate Nov - March. When a bear hibernates, it does more than sleep. The kidneys become recycling centers for body fluids. All the bear's natural systems are rewired. See also: Stymphalian Birds & Greek Heroics Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Rise of the Phoenicians - Early Years Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Through hibernation the bear doesn't eat or drink. Before hibernating it consumes organic matter such as dry paw skin, which it licks off, clay or pebbles which make an internal fecal plug, thus the bear doesn't defecate. Because of the sudden physical change, to wake a hibernating bear can be deadly - for the bear. Even in non-hibernation, bears need to arise in their own time. When they wake in the morning they tend to roll, stretch, yawn and go back to sleep. See also: Chamomile - Herbology & Folklore Black Pigments of Ancient Artisans Jimson Weed, Witches & Zombies Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books All bears love water and swimming. They play with each other or found objects such as sticks. A bear cleans itself by submerging to the chin and shaking its body underwater. Bears see well in water but, except polar bears, hate getting their ears wet. Bear senses are sharp. Bears see well close up and at a distance. They swivel their ears to hear in all directions, and are attuned to sounds humans can't hear. A bear's sense of smell is c. 2100x that of a human. See also: Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant Baal Cycle - Myths of Ba'al Hadad Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Giant Pandas, once thought unrelated, are back among the bear species. They live at high altitudes and their diet is almost exclusively bamboo shoots. The bear has biologically evolved to digest the heavy starches. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Kermode bears live in northwest British Columbia, Canada, occupying coastal islands and rain forest environments. Kermodes are black, with the white "spirit bear" population at 100 - 500 individuals. They aren't albinos. The white color is due to a genetic mutation. See also: Beer Goddess Siris of Mesopotamia Sträggele: Witch Hag of the Wild Hunt Mansur the Airfield Bear - Big Beautiful Rescue Bear (YouTube Live) Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle A bear has excellent memory and can recall events or people from the distant past. Bears remember harm, and also kindness. Their sense of navigation is unerring and relocated bears can turn up years later in the same spot they were captured. Bears can also hold grudges and are known to track humans who have hurt them. Other animals with grudge-holding behavior include elephants, dolphins, camels, tigers and Cape buffalo. See also: Tjeker Sea People in 12th Century BCE Cyprus: Prehistoric Humans & Pygmy Hippos Giresun (Aretias): Isle of the Amazons Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Compared to body size the bear has a large brain and is among the most intelligent mammals. Bears can count to twelve, show self-awareness and use tools. They understand geometric concepts. Even in similar environments, diets of bears vary. For many, salmon spawns are their only source of protein. Bears graze on shoots, grass, and eat grains, fruit, berries, cereals and nuts. They consume insects, meat and/or fish, and they love sweet honey. See also: Baba Yaga - Slavic Forest Witch Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Fishing during salmon spawn is the only time normally territorial grizzly bears gather together. Mothers teach their cubs the valuable skills of catching salmon, fatty fish packed with protein and nutrients. Bears also catch fish such as trout in shallow running streams at other times during the year. A grizzly bear needs a range up to 1300 sq km (500 sq mi). Black bears require 40 to 200 sq km (15 to 77 sq mi). Bears threatened by habitat loss include the sloth bear. See also: Zagros Mountains - the Way to Kur Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Pistachio: Turpentine, Resin & Nuts Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Also called Indian bear, it's a shaggy, lanky bear who eats ants, termites and fruit. Sloth bears emerge during the Pleistocene through divergent evolution from a common brown bear ancestor. Bears in general have a common doglike ancestor in the Eocene Epoch. A major Greek myth centers around the lovely nymph Callisto, a follower of goddess Artemis. Seduced by Zeus, she becomes pregnant. The entourage of Artemis throws her out, as she broke her vow of chastity. Callisto has a son. See also: Wild Women and Winter Tales Sailing - Bronze Age Sails & Sailcloth Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Hera, upset at Zeus's infidelity, turns Callisto into a bear. One day Callisto sees her son in the forest. Forgetting she's a bear she runs to him. Terrified, he nocks an arrow to kill her, but Zeus intervenes. He puts Callisto and her son into the sky as Ursa Major and Minor. See also: Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Lotan - Chaos Sea Dragon of Ugarit Back to Top

Siris or Siraš is a Mesopotamian beer goddess. In Ebla she's called Zilaš. Siris connects to both the good and bad aspects of beer. Goddess of beer Ninkasi is sometimes considered her sister. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia German House Spirits: Beer Donkey (Bieresel) Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle In Ugaritic and Hebrew her name is used in reference to varieties of beer. Her major cult centers are Ebla in Syria and the ancient Sumerian city Nippur. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Siris is associated with most elements of beer and beermaking. She oversees crafting, beer brewing and production, the flow of consumption and the effects of beer on humans. She's invoked in blessings of beer drinking. Rarely is she connected to the commercial aspects. See also: The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Sinope: Poison, Honey, Greeks & Clay Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Akkadian texts her name, Siris or Siraš, also means beer. If her name is preceded by the dingir symbol 𒀭or divine determinative it refers to the goddess. Without the symbol it indicates beer. READ: Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction - German Mythology Adventures The Eblaites associate her with wine and honey, possibly honeymead. Mead may be the oldest brew, made by people of the Neolithic. Earliest mention of a drink fermented from honey is 6500 BCE in northern China. See also: Mahaleb Cherry: Spice, Nature & Myth Mad Honey - What's the Buzz? Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Mead production is thought to predate agriculture and ceramic pottery in the Neolithic. Warming temperatures after the last Ice Age (c. 10,000 ya), natural fermentation and the spread of bees throughout the world creates easy supply. Beekeeping starts c. 7800 BCE. READ - Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries If Siris is connected to wine, there's no specific attestation. In Nippur, she's worshipped in the temple of medicine goddess Gula. She's given offerings at Isin, and has her own sanctuary at Assur, Assyria. Syrian Ugarit also honors the goddess. See also: Sugar Beets, Altbier & First Newspaper Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Ammurapi - The Last King of Ugarit Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Babylon, she's worshipped in the temple of Mandanu, a justice deity. There she has a seat named Ekurunna or "house of liquor." In ancient near East literature appears the blessing, "may Siraš rejoice over you!" READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure She has no spouse or consort. In the god list An=Anum she's in the courtly entourage of Enlil, supreme father god of Mesopotamia. In a Mesopotamia incantation later named The First Brick, Siris is one of the deities created by Ea (Enki) from clay of the Abzu. See also: Enki (Ea) God of Water & Creation Architect Gods & Building in Mesopotamia Care & Feeding of Ancient Gods - Enlil Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Considered a daughter of Enki, Siris has a tentative link to ancient Nisaba, goddess of grain. Nisaba was the deity of scribes and their skills such as surveying and architecture, before being replaced with scribe god Nabu. See also: Nabu (Nabû) - Ancient God of Scribes Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Goddess Nisaba - First Lady of Writing Back to Top