Buzz
As a child, you may have idolized Indiana Jones, purchased a fedora, and dreamed of discovering ancient, mystical treasures lost to humanity. Mythology is filled with enigmatic objects of power that grant their possessors extraordinary abilities. So, with fedora in hand, let’s explore the realm of mysterious and fantastical powers.
10. The Cintamani Stone
While many know of the Philosopher’s Stone, fewer are aware of the Cintamani Stone. Believed to be hidden somewhere in Southeast Asia, this stone is often regarded as the Eastern counterpart to the Philosopher’s Stone. Considered a sacred relic of Buddha, it is said to have the power to fulfill wishes. Beyond its supernatural abilities, the stone embodies Buddhist principles and wisdom. It remains undiscovered (unsurprisingly), with no concrete evidence to prove its existence.
9. The Seven-League Boots
A staple in many European fairy tales, the Seven-League Boots enable the wearer to cover seven leagues (approximately five kilometers or three miles) with each stride. Though not widely recognized, these boots play a prominent role in the French fairy tale Hop-o’-My-Thumb.
In the tale, Hop-o’-My-Thumb is a clever and resourceful young boy. After being abandoned by his parents along with his brothers, he takes on the role of the family’s protector. When an ogre threatens to devour the siblings, Hop-o’-My-Thumb cleverly steals the ogre’s enchanted boots to ensure their escape and secure a prosperous future for his family.
8. The Ring of Gyges
Many of us have watched the Lord of the Rings films and know about the One Ring, a cursed artifact that bestows invisibility but ultimately corrupts its wearer. Fortunately, mythology offers a ring that provides invisibility without the dark consequences. The
Inside the cave, Gyges finds the ring on the finger of a mysterious, non-human corpse. When he slips it on, he realizes he can turn invisible by twisting the ring. Using this power, Gyges infiltrates the royal palace, seduces the queen, murders the king, and seizes the throne of Lydia. So . . . perhaps the soul-corrupting aspect isn’t entirely absent after all.
7. The Hand of Glory
This is an artifact you’d hope no thief ever acquires. The Hand of Glory was crafted from the severed hand of an executed murderer. A candle made of wax was attached to one of its fingers, with the dead man’s hair serving as the wick. It possessed the ability to unlock any door and immobilize anyone in its vicinity. Only the thief who wielded it could extinguish its flame, making it a potentially invaluable tool for criminals—if it had ever existed. In its time, the Hand of Glory was regarded as a creation of the darkest magic.
6. Skatert-Samobranka
Imagine you’re on a picnic and realize you’ve forgotten the food. No problem—just unfold your Skatert-Samobranka. This enchanted tablecloth could conjure up a feast when spread out and tidy itself when folded. However, like many magical items, it came with rules. The Skatert-Samobranka was sentient and demanded respect and care. If mistreated, it could spoil the food, and any damage, like tears or holes, would gradually strip it of its magical abilities. A truly high-maintenance tablecloth.
5. The Book of Thoth
The Book of Thoth, a tome of ancient magic, was wielded by Thoth, the Egyptian deity of wisdom and magic. The Book of Thoth was believed to hold two powerful spells—one granting the ability to comprehend animals and the other to understand the thoughts of the gods. In an Egyptian legend, a prince discovered the book after navigating a series of deadly traps. As retribution for his discovery, his family was slain, and the prince ultimately took his own life.
Years afterward, another prince stumbled upon the book but was cautioned by the ghost of the first prince not to take it. Ignoring the warning, he was manipulated by a captivating woman into humiliating himself and killing his children. However, he later realized it was all an illusion conjured by the ghost as a lesson. He returned the book to the original prince’s tomb and departed.
4. Helmet of Invisibility
Another tale from Greek mythology, the Helmet of Invisibility, was a magical artifact once used by the hero Perseus. As the name suggests, it granted the wearer the power of invisibility. Perseus donned this helmet during his mission to defeat Medusa, shielding himself from her petrifying gaze. His quest was successful, and he returned triumphant with Medusa’s head.
3. Dragon’s Teeth
Dragons are iconic creatures in European folklore—enormous, fire-breathing reptiles that might have been the medieval interpretation of dinosaur bones. In the Greek myth of Cadmus, he slew Ares’ sacred dragon. Athena, Ares’ sister, instructed Cadmus to plant the dragon’s teeth, which sprouted into an army of warriors. Cadmus then tossed a precious gem among them, causing the soldiers to fight until only five remained. These survivors later established the city of Thebes. Today, the phrase “sowing dragon’s teeth” symbolizes actions that lead to conflict.
2. The Argo
Those versed in classical mythology likely know The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes, the epic of Jason and his band of heroes, the Argonauts. They embarked on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis, enabling Jason to reclaim his throne. The ship, protected by the goddess Hera, was crafted from the prophetic timber of Dodona’s forests. After the Golden Fleece was secured, the Argo was immortalized as a constellation in the night sky.
1. The Spear of Destiny
The Spear of Destiny is a revered artifact in Christian tradition. Legend holds that the spear used to pierce Christ’s side possessed extraordinary powers. It was believed that whoever owned the spear could dominate the world. Conspiracy theorists often claim that Hitler, during his occult pursuits, seized the spear and used it to conquer much of Europe. When General Patton recovered the spear in Nuremberg, Hitler’s reign swiftly crumbled.
