Category: Forteana

The Speed Wolf

From medieval wolf hunters to modern roadside encounters, the strange story of the creature said to haunt the roads around Buxton.

Star Jelly

For centuries, strange translucent jelly found on fields and hillsides was said to be the remains of fallen stars. In Wales it acquired the magnificent name pwdre sêr – “the rot of the stars”. But what if star jelly isn’t one mysterious substance at all, but several very earthly things sharing one extraordinary piece of folklore?

When the Sky Turns Red – Blood Rain

For centuries, red rain was recorded as a warning of war, plague and divine displeasure. But sometimes the explanation was travelling towards Europe from thousands of miles away. From ancient omens and medieval chronicles to Saharan dust carried across continents, what happens when the sky appears to bleed?

When It Rains Frogs and Fish

Fish falling over Wales. Frogs appearing after downpours. For centuries, people have reported animals apparently raining from the sky. Waterspouts and powerful winds offer a surprisingly plausible explanation – but explaining how it could happen isn’t quite the same as proving how a particular shower occurred.

The Kentucky Meat Shower

A clear Kentucky sky. A woman quietly making soap. And then pieces of flesh began falling from above. The Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876 sounds like folklore, but contemporary reports, preserved samples and microscopic examinations make the truth considerably stranger – and possibly much more disgusting.

The Man Who Was Buried Twice

There are certain graves that seem determined to tell you their story.

The Dragon of South Yorkshire – Hero, Hoax or Hidden History?

Iron scales, fiery eyes and a vulnerable spot beneath its tail. The Wantley Wyrm is one of Yorkshire’s greatest dragon legends, but was it ever meant to be taken seriously?

Fata Morgana.

The world is filled with optical illusions that captivate the human eye and mind, and among them, the Fata Morgana phenomenon stands as one of the most mesmerizing. From ghostly ships on the horizon to cities in the sky, Fata Morgana has fueled myths, legends, and illusions across diverse cultures.

The Loch Ness Monster.

In the heart of Scotland, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie, has woven a tapestry of mystery and intrigue that […]

Gef the Talking Mongoose: Oddness in the Isle of Man

The tale of Gef the talking mongoose remains one of the most puzzling and intriguing mysteries of the paranormal world. Whether he was a genuine supernatural entity or a clever fabrication, Gef’s story continues to spark fascination and debate among believers and sceptics alike.

Mike the Headless Chicken – A Curious Tale of Resilience.

In my vast collection of strange and extraordinary tales, few stories rival the legend of Mike the Headless Chicken. Born in Fruita, Colorado, in 1945, […]

Religion’s obsession with Relics

  • SiAx
  • March 19, 2024
  • 0

Why do millions of religious people travel around the world every year, to look at and pray to severed toes, old pieces of cloth and pieces of old thorn?

Getting a Grip on The Hairy Hands Horror.

In Dartmoor, England, the B3212 road is infamous for the “Hairy Hands” incidents, where unseen forces grab steering wheels, causing accidents. With roots in early 20th century folklore, encounters persisted into modern times, sparking debate between supernatural and rational explanations. This enduring mystery continues to captivate and fuel speculation about the unknown forces at play.

The Devil’s Hoofprints of 1855.

The Devil’s Hoofprints of 1855 stand as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the enigmatic nature of unexplained phenomena, leaving a legacy that transcends time and beckons us to explore the mysteries that still await unravelling.

Spring Heeled Jack.

In the heart of Victorian London’s dimly lit streets, a figure emerged, striking terror into the hearts of its residents. Spring Heeled Jack, a phantom-like […]

The Unearthly Tale of Hannah Beswick: Fear, Embalming and Oldham’s Intriguing Past.

Hannah Beswick, born in 1688, inherited a substantial estate in an era marked by the Industrial Revolution. Her fear of being buried alive reflected the uncertainties of medical knowledge. After her passing in 1758, her body was embalmed and displayed above ground, offering insights into medical practices. Her unique story embodies the complexities of 18th-century England.

Swedish Folklore : From Ghostly Legends to Extraterrestrial Mysteries.

Sweden’s rich folklore, rooted in Norse mythology, intertwines ancient tales with modern life. From ghostly legends of “Grey Man” and Gripsholm Castle to “Ghost Rockets” sightings, Swedish folklore bridges the gap between reality and fantasy. This captivating heritage continues to inspire contemporary art, creating a timeless cultural identity.

The Green Children of Woolpit.

In 12th century Woolpit, England, villagers discovered two peculiar, green-skinned children who spoke an unknown language. The boy died, but the girl adapted, shedding her green skin. The children’s origins remain a mystery, inspiring theories of distant lands, supernatural beings, and more. The legend endures, reflecting humanity’s enduring fascination with the inexplicable.

British Bigfoot Sightings and the Folklore Connection

The intertwining of modern Bigfoot sightings with British folklore raises scepticism about the authenticity of reported encounters. The parallels drawn between mythical creatures and contemporary accounts blur the lines between fact and fiction, challenging perceptions and inviting contemplation on the complexities of human storytelling.

How Come Some People Believe in the Paranormal?

I loved magic shows when I was a kid. I remember being absolutely fascinated by mysterious events and the possibility that some of us might […]

Today In History: May 2, 1933: Loch Ness Monster sighted

Although accounts of an aquatic beast living in Scotland’s Loch Ness date back 1,500 years, the modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster is born […]

Dwarf-like creature seen in Ewell, according to Fairy Investigation Society

A misshapen dwarf-like fairy with a conical hat was once seen running across a road in Ewell, according to a newly unearthed account. Jeremy Harte, […]

The 9 Greatest Monsters in North America

Frankly, we’re a little weary of Bigfoot and Nessie. What about those mysterious critters that don’t have dedicated reality shows … but are still integral, […]

Retro-Forteana: Frog Falls, Dragons and the Universe

On a trip to the local supermarket a couple of weeks ago I discovered an antiques shop I’d never noticed before even though it’s been […]

The Red Devil of Virginia – strange sightings around Horntown

The story begins in the small town of Crewe, Virginia in May or June 1968. Bob was only a young child but remembers the incident […]