In a world of towering legends and larger-than-life characters, there was one colossal figure who stood tall, both literally and figuratively: Andre the Giant. Andrew was a wrestling icon and famed actor. He was a living spectacle of epic proportions. Both his immense size and his in-ring abilities left audiences awestruck. However, among his peers …
Andre the Giant and His Larger-Than-Life Drinking Habits Read More »
For centuries, the name Ragnar Lodbrok struck fear into the hearts of people across Europe. The name conjures images of fearsome Viking warriors, their longships cutting through the waves as they set out to conquer new lands. Ragnar was more than just a warrior, however; he was a figure of legendary proportions. One whose story …
The life of Ragnar Lodbrok, the legendary Viking leader Read More »
For centuries, the Mongols ruled an empire that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. It was the largest empire in the world, created through centuries of brutal warfare. Over time, the name Mongol became synonymous with the fearsome horsemen of the Eurasian steppe. Their exploits in battle – not to mention what came after – …
With a legacy of fierce battles, legendary expeditions, and a powerful lineage, Bjorn Ironside is easily one of the most captivating figures of the Viking Age. As the son of the great Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn was destined for greatness from birth. But it was his skill, courage, and cunning that made him a …
Bjorn Ironside: The Son of Viking King, Ragnar Lothbrok Read More »
Cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, is a fascinating window into the lives of our ancestors. Developed over 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, cuneiform was used to record everything – including everyday transactions, personal letters, and epic poems, like the Epic of Gilgamesh. Today, it leaves historians and archaeologists with an invaluable source of information …
Water. It can be refreshing, soothing, or even life-saving. We need water to survive. And yet, humans have found a way to turn this precious resource into a diabolical form of torture. Water may not sound as bad as other torture methods involving spikes, rods, electricity, or sharp or painful objects. The idea of dripping …
For those who think Mardi Gras is a weeks-long celebration of debauchery, drunkenness, and nudity–you’re right. But only half right. At the heart of it, Mardi Gras is also a Christian holiday traced to pagan spring and fertility rites dating back thousands of years that has become a popular cultural phenomenon worldwide. And although Mardi …
The Strange and Surprising History of Mardi Gras Read More »
It is said to be the finest sword ever made by the master swordsmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune. A blade whose cutting edge is so razor-thin that it’s no thicker than an atom. Created over 700 years ago, it was passed down from one shogun to the next for generations. Then came World War Two. The …
Hara-kiri translates to “belly cutting” or “stomach cutting.” As the name implies, it involves slicing your stomach with a knife. It’s a horrific, agonizing way to go. So why would anybody willingly do it to themselves? The answer concerns the strict samurai code of conduct, which placed honor above all else. For a samurai, death …
Most people know Sir Christopher Lee for his outstanding performances as Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, Count Dooku in Star Wars, Scaramanga in The Man with a Golden Gun, and his most iconic role as Dracula in ten Hammer Horror films. But Lee was more than an actor with a long list of roles and a …
Sir Christopher Lee: From WW2 spy to Hollywood legend Read More »
