Magazine of culture, traditional studies, anthropology of the sacred, history of religions, folklore, esotericism, literature of the fantastic. Curated by Marco Maculotti.
In many legends of Italian folklore the mandrake inhabits the waters and is interchangeably described in its triple plant, zoomorphic, anthropomorphic aspect. Here we will describe some particular convergences between the "monster-mandrake", some mythological and non-mythological reptiles (salamanders, basilisks, snakes, dragons, reptiles and amphibians in general, winged creatures) and some subterranean and liminal creatures of the [...]
Traditionally, since ancient times, the opium poppy has been used as a medicinal remedy, from the Eleusinian Mysteries to the so-called "papagna" of Salento women. Here we retrace its ritual use and the myths connected to it.
There are those who see in Laùro Salentino, even starting from the etymology, the descendant of the ancient Lare, the Roman domestic spirit. But more generally the points of contact with other supernatural entities of the Mediterranean tradition stand out, from the Nightmare to the Munaciello, from the Genius Cucullato to the Telesforo.
