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Deji Akomolafe
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Stories (192/0)
The Curious History of Mortsafes: Guarding the Dead from Body Snatchers
Wandering through old cemeteries, you might stumble upon graves with eerie, cage-like structures surrounding them. These are not relics of a bygone era meant to keep zombies from rising from their graves. Instead, they are known as mortsafes, and they have a very different purpose rooted in the macabre history of the 18th and 19th centuries.
By Deji Akomolafe2 days ago in History
The Unyielding Spirit of Navy SEAL Mike Day: A Tale of Survival and Service
In the book of military history, stories of extraordinary bravery and resilience abound, but few are as astonishing as that of U.S. Navy SEAL Mike Day. In 2007, Day faced an unimaginable ordeal that would test the limits of human endurance and fortitude. Shot 27 times by al-Qaeda militants and hit by a grenade, Day not only survived but emerged victorious, defeating all four attackers and walking away from the scene without assistance. His journey of survival, recovery, and dedication to supporting fellow veterans is a testament to his unyielding spirit and commitment to service.
By Deji Akomolafe3 days ago in Serve
Le Passe-muraille: The Man Who Walked Through Walls
In the heart of Paris, amidst the post-war recovery of the 1940s, there arose a story that captured the imagination of many—a tale blending the ordinary with the fantastical, creating a narrative that resonated with both young and old. This story, "Le Passe-muraille" or "The Passer Through Walls," was penned by the celebrated French author Marcel Aymé in 1943. It tells the whimsical yet cautionary tale of a man who discovers he has the extraordinary ability to pass through walls.
By Deji Akomolafe3 days ago in Horror
The Mummies of Venzone: A Village's Unique Relationship with Death
In the picturesque village of Venzone, Italy, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, an extraordinary and macabre tradition has persisted for centuries. Here, residents have a unique relationship with their deceased relatives, going beyond the boundaries of typical mourning practices. In Venzone, it is not uncommon for families to walk around with the mummified remains of their loved ones, integrating them into their daily lives in ways that might seem surreal to outsiders. This custom, deeply rooted in history and shaped by the Great Plague, provides a fascinating glimpse into how cultural practices around death and remembrance can vary dramatically across the world.
By Deji Akomolafe4 days ago in Humans
The Woman Who Was Struck by a Meteorite
On November 30, 1954, in the quiet town of Sylacauga, Alabama, a truly extraordinary event occurred that would place Ann Hodges in the annals of history as the only confirmed person to have been struck by a meteorite. This bizarre and unprecedented incident not only captured the attention of the nation but also highlighted the random and unpredictable nature of our universe. Ann Hodges' story is a fascinating blend of cosmic chance and human endurance, illustrating how an ordinary day can transform into a moment of historical significance.
By Deji Akomolafe4 days ago in Humans
Joan Murray’s Miraculous Survival: The Skydiver Who Lived Through a 14,500-Foot Fall
In 1999, skydiver Joan Murray experienced a terrifying and near-fatal accident that would become one of the most extraordinary survival stories in the history of skydiving. While free-falling from 14,500 feet above North Carolina, both of Murray’s parachutes malfunctioned, leaving her in a dire and seemingly hopeless situation. However, in a miraculous twist of fate, Murray survived the fall, thanks to an unexpected and painful ally: a mound of fire ants. This incredible story of survival is a testament to human resilience, the unpredictable nature of life, and the mysterious ways in which nature can both harm and heal.
By Deji Akomolafe4 days ago in Humans
The "Soyjack" Torture Mask: A Chilling Relic from 19th Century Germany
In the book of history, few artifacts convey the darker side of human ingenuity as powerfully as torture devices. Among these grim tools, the "Soyjack" torture mask stands out as a particularly haunting relic. Originating from 19th century Germany, this bronze mask not only symbolizes the cruelty of the past but also serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which societies have gone to enforce conformity and punish dissent. This blog post delves into the history, design, and significance of the Soyjack torture mask, exploring its context within the broader framework of historical punishment and control.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in History
The Hinterkaifeck Murders: An Unsolved Mystery in Rural Germany
In the early spring of 1922, a gruesome crime occurred on a small Bavarian farmstead called Hinterkaifeck that would go down in history as one of Germany's most baffling unsolved mysteries. The story of the Hinterkaifeck murders, where six members of the Gruber family were brutally killed, is a chilling tale that continues to intrigue and haunt true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in Criminal
The Great Stink of London: A Noxious Chapter in Victorian History
In the summer of 1858, the city of London experienced a crisis so severe that it brought the British Parliament to a standstill and highlighted the urgent need for modern sanitation. This event, known as the Great Stink, was caused by the overwhelming smell of human excrement emanating from the River Thames. The Great Stink not only revealed the dire state of London's sanitation but also led to transformative changes that would shape the future of urban infrastructure.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in History
The Bennington Triangle: A Chilling Mystery in Vermont
The Bennington Triangle, a region in southwestern Vermont, has become infamous for a series of mysterious disappearances that occurred between 1945 and 1950. The term "Bennington Triangle" was coined by paranormal author Joseph A. Citro, who noted the eerie similarities between these cases and the inexplicable nature of the Bermuda Triangle. The area's sinister reputation has led to numerous theories, ranging from natural accidents to paranormal phenomena, as people try to make sense of the unsettling events.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in Horror
The Ghost Ship Mary Celeste: An Enduring Maritime Mystery
The Mary Celeste has captivated imaginations and puzzled historians since it was discovered adrift in the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. This maritime mystery is characterized by its eerie circumstances: the ship was found in pristine condition, with no sign of its crew or passengers. Despite a six-month supply of food and water being untouched, the fate of those aboard remains a mystery.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in History
The Voynich Manuscript: The World's Most Mysterious Book
The Voynich Manuscript is perhaps the most enigmatic book ever discovered. Named after the Polish-American antiquarian Wilfrid Voynich, who purchased it in 1912, this mysterious manuscript has baffled scholars, cryptographers, and historians for over a century. Written in an unknown script and adorned with bizarre illustrations, the Voynich Manuscript seems to defy all attempts at decipherment, making it a tantalizing puzzle for anyone intrigued by the unknown.
By Deji Akomolafe5 days ago in History