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Spotlight: driving out the demon of smallpox
Smallpox plagued medieval Japan, the disease was thought to be brought on by an Onryō (怨霊), a vengeful mythological spirit. This specific spirit or demon was eventually given the name Hōsōshin (疱瘡神). In the tale of Tametomo and Hōsōshin, the… Continue reading
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A Fortean encounter with a Merman
This Thursday (31st May), Ross MacFarlane (Research Engagement Officer, Wellcome Library) and Paolo Viscardi (Curator, Horniman Museum) will again sink beneath the waters to explore the murky worlds of mermen and mermaids. They’ll be speaking at the monthly meeting… Continue reading