After Lovecraft introduced The Necronomicon (1927), it traveled far and wide within horror-lore and culture. This book has now been used in horror franchises over the last forty years; in the very spirit in which it was created, it has appeared with the interest of expanding upon a universe that develops something truly ancient and terrifying. Less than a week ago we discussed … [Read more...] about The Necronomicon in The Evil Dead Franchise
demonic possession
History of Demons, Possessions, Exorcisms, and the Films They Inspire
History of Possession and the Church On the topic of possessions, it is widely believed that a person’s mind and soul can be possessed by spirits, whether by man, demon, or god. Prior to the biblical explanation of possession, in ancient Greece, the pagans put an emphasis on the belief that the gods would interfere with their daily lives. Their idea of possession was when a … [Read more...] about History of Demons, Possessions, Exorcisms, and the Films They Inspire
Telling the Difference Between Demonic Entities
Possession movies, even when they are highly religious in context, bring in huge crowds of fans, starting with The Exorcist (1973) and continuing on throughout the years, we never really get down to the brass tacks of demonic entities, who they are—or might be—and the people they have affected. Demon lore is complex in every religion and affiliated culture, there are elaborate … [Read more...] about Telling the Difference Between Demonic Entities
Ghost, Demon, or Poltergeist?
Photography by MontyLov Haunted by Ghosts As was discussed in our article Ghosts Can Be More Than Just Dead People, ghosts are generally the spirits of humans and animals that have passed away. What people assume or claim are ghosts are not necessarily fitting of their description, but it’s easy to understand why the whole thing might be a little bit confusing. The truth … [Read more...] about Ghost, Demon, or Poltergeist?
Unknown Origins of the Ouija Board: From the Civil War to The Exorcist
Photo by Josh Olalde Horror Culture Photo by Daniel Jensen Most of popular horror culture will convince the easily misled that talking boards, specifically Ouija boards, are tools of evil. Movies like The Exorcist (1973) and Witchboard (1986) have painted a fairly devious portrait of talking boards, which previously held a sociable reputation. Prior to its debut in … [Read more...] about Unknown Origins of the Ouija Board: From the Civil War to The Exorcist