Ominous Origins

The History of Demons: Paimon

In honour of the movie, Midsommar by director Ari Aster, I bring you the demon Paimon. What connection does that have to Midsommar? Well, if you saw Hereditary, then you would know that Paimon features quite prominently within that film. If you need more links, Hereditary was directed by Ari Aster. Boom, connections. Anyway, Paimon is a real demon, and not just a prop name used for plot devices, and if I remember correctly, the movie wasn’t too far off from the nature of the demon himself – of course with some artistic liberty taken.Paimon is a rather high ranking demon within Hell, and owns the domain to the West – one of only four demons to preside over the cardinal directions. When summoned, Paimon likes to have a rather grand entrance, with a chorus of men playing various instruments to announce him. If that doesn’t happen, or isn’t grand enough for him, he literally screams as loud as he can. That may not sound too special, but his roar is said to be the loudest, or one of the loudest, of any demon. Ear shatteringly loud. Maybe even head popping loud – though, I couldn’t find documentation of that (yet, there’s still hope).He’s said to be very loyal to Lucifer, and is often depicted as having a very feminine face, or even having the face of a woman on the body of a male. I also mentioned that he’s a pretty high ranking demon, well, he’s in charge of several hundred legions of demons as well. Lastly, he’s a smarty pants. It’s believed that he possesses knowledge that no living mortal should have, and he’ll share it as well. I’m talking secrets to the universe type stuff.To learn more, you’ll just have to listen to the cast! Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes! And Check out my YouTube channel, featuring some new Let's Plays very soon!This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.YouTube: Horror ShotsWebsite: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Nephilim

This week’s episode is all about the giants that once walked the Earth – the Nephilim, and boy did I open up a massive can of worms with this one. It seems that nobody can 100% agree on just what they were, or where they came from. Theories range from fallen angels, to angel offspring – to bloody aliens that created the human race. It’s been a pretty crazy trip, however the only aspect that is agreed upon is that these creatures were literal giants, massive beings that towered over man in early biblical times. Goliath, from David and Goliath was believed to be a descendant of one as well, giving credence to the angel involvement theory.One article I came across made it seem like the author was dead certain that not only did they exist as a sort of supernatural being, and that they weren’t borne of angels, but that they were in fact of the Earth and preceded man only to create them as we know it. That’s maybe my favourite theory for the boldness of claim if nothing else. It was also believed, though not by the same person, that these giant beings were the cause of the great flood mentioned in the bible as well.As I mentioned, while looking into these creatures, I came across a number of theories ranging from a little zany, to pretty well thought out. However, if there’s one thing I learned from doing this podcast over the years is that you can’t rule anything out when exploring the supernatural. Every theory always has a degree of merit to it, as it’s almost impossible to prove anything one way or another. What seems like it’s guaranteed to be a supernatural sighting or phenomenon often has a very valid scientific reasoning behind it – but it’s not always able to explain every last detail. That seems to be the case with the Nephilim. It seems to be agreed, even in science to a degree, that giants did walk the Earth at some point, but to what degree? And what are their true origins?Listen on, and maybe I’ll uncover some truth behind the goliaths!This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshots Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Succubus and Incubus

The lusty, alluring, sexy succubus is a legend as old as demonology itself, with some records even accounting that Lilith, the mother of demons was, in turn, a succubus herself. The story goes, or at least part of the story, is that the succubus is a demon that take the guise of a sensual female in order to seduce men and steal their essence, or soul, or ultimately to just cause disease of the mind, body, or just death.The legend, as I said, dates back to the earliest days of demonology, however various religions and cultures around the world have their own take on the concept as well, from Egypt to Rome, this lust demon makes her rounds. Of course, with any ancient entity, it has been reproduced in various forms of popular culture from Supernatural, to Lost Girl, each with their own unique take on the demon. Which brings up an interesting point; with not a lot of information available on the topic, a lot is left up for interpretation.This cast may be a little bit different in terms of tone – there will still be the facts, of course, but I’ll also be throwing in some personal thoughts (more than usual anyway) about why the myth or legend has been around so long, and why the devices used implemented the way they are in stories about said succubus.But what about the male counterpart? Yes, that’s right, the incubus is the male version of the succubus, yet not quite as prominent in folklore, or popular culture. However, it is believed that both the succubus and incubus are one in the same, and just take the form of whomever their victim desires. It’s a tricky little beast, and one that I can’t wait to explore with you further.This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fresh Kills Con - With Jesse Markowski

For every fan of any genre, there’s something special that happens during the year, often several times. It’s a time where fans can go out and meet their favourite stars and characters; it’s a time where communities come together; it’s a time where everybody can geek out and not be afraid to be themselves. That special thing is the convention, and horror is known for its convention power, and no more so than Fresh Kills Con.Earlier this year I was lucky enough to interview Jesse from Fresh Kills Con, which is in its very first year of conning. While many horror conventions are massive multi-day affairs that can get a little claustrophobic and impersonal, Fresh Kills Con strives to do the opposite. Located in a very intimate venue, Fresh Kills aims to provide you with a very personal environment where the celebrity guests and vendors will be able to interact with fans on a level other than a simple handshake after standing in line. More than anything, Fresh Kills wants to give you an experience you’ll remember.Although it’s more intimate than some other cons out there, it’s not lacking in star power, with such names as Clu and John Gulager, as well as sit down dinner with Tommy Jarvis himself – Thom Mathews. The event itself will be held in Niagara Falls, on the famous Lundy’s Lane and will even have an after party with live music and other entertainment. If you’re a fan of horror, this is most definitely worth checking out.It’s taking place soon, July 13th/14th, and you’ll even save on the price if you buy online in advance. Of course, there will be tickets at the door as well.Find them online at www.freshkillscon.com or on Facebook where you can search for Fresh Kills Con.This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Devil Pacts

In this cast I'll be going over some deals with the Devil, as well as what's involved! As early as the 1400’s, it’s believed that people have been making deals with the Devil. Yes, as farfetched as it may sound, people have been known to sign away their immortal soul to the first of the fallen – or one of his cohorts. Of course, in this instance I’m talking about Faust, maybe the most famous individual to sell his soul. But how many others has there been, and did it all start with Faust, or where there others before him?If we’re going to start with Faust, there needs to be a little bit of back-story. While the figure has been featured in numerous fictional tales (including a comic-book villain), he was in fact based on a real person with the name Johann Faust who was a chemist and bit of a swindler in the fifteenth century. Peers and scholars around the time of Johann’s existence claim he dabbled in magick, science, and social engineering, but it wasn’t until after his death that an unknown biographer claimed he had made a deal with the devil to achieve all his uncanny abilities. After that, the rest is history.If we travel on through time to a slightly later point in history, we have Urbain Grandier, the Catholic priest who allegedly made a pact with the hierarchy of Hell. His case might just be the most high profile case of diabolical contracts within the church – well, that’s ever been found anyway. Urbain was accused of many things throughout his time with the clergy, such as sending demons after people, lies, and deceit.In more modern times we have events known as crossroads deals, where somebody, usually down on their luck, conjures up a demon at a crossroads to strike a deal. Usually it involves some kind of success, wealth, or happiness in return for their soul. Sometimes it was after death by natural causes, and sometimes it was after a specific time has passed, such as ten years. Many famous blues musicians of the early to mid 1900’s have thought to have done this.Deals with the devil are incredibly captivating, and that’s exactly why I’ve decided to look into them, their origins, and those who practice it.This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Exorcisms

Ever since 1973 North America, and most of the western world became a little obsessed with The Exorcist, a film depicting a young girl who’s body and mind are taken over by a demon. It’s a simple, yet terrifying premise, and the film left people reeling in fear and disgust – Hell, even today with all the horror options we have, still holds up and is recognized as not only one of the best horror films of all time, but one of the best movies ever made. A true masterclass in film making.Nevertheless, I’m not here to talk about the movie itself (that’s why we have the rest of the lovely Morbidly Beautiful website), but rather the real life events that inspire such films. Of course the film was based off a novel released in 1971, and that story was based off a 1949 event in which a young man was believed to have been possessed, and ultimately exorcised with success.The of course we have one of the more famous rites in recent history in that of Anneliese Michell, who again, had a movie made about her. Things didn’t quite go as well as they did in the 1949 case, however multiple exorcisms did occur, and there is even recorded audio available for your listening… uh, pleasure?Of course those are just two of the potential thousands of possessions that occur yearly, in fact some reports have it as a near epidemic, with the archdiocese of Indianapolis receiving 1700 requests for an exorcist by October 2018. Other reports have the Catholic church recruiting and training new exorcists as well, with between 70-100 active – up from just 15 in 2011. Now, these numbers are unverified, even by the research I’ve found. Most seem to just be word-of-mouth from people within certain churches. Nevertheless, if those numbers are correct, that is just plain staggering.Furthermore, it’s not just Catholicism that believes in possession, or exorcism as well. Many religions around the world have a similar belief system in place, dating back hundreds and thousands of years – some of which I’ve covered in the past. It wasn’t uncommon for people to believe illness, bad luck, and any number of ailments were caused by a demon or an evil entity either possessing an individual, or cursing the land and peoples.This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pride Month!

June is pride month, and I wanted to explore this time of inclusion, acceptance, and support by looking at some myths and historical characters that either identified as LGBTQ or were suggested as such before terms and titles were placed upon people based on their sexual orientation. With that said, I just wanted to throw my support out there to the community. While not being able to identify as a member of the LGBTQ group, I do very much respect those who do. Their courage and the struggles that have been overcome are nothing short of extraordinary. Love who you want, how you want.As for this cast in particular, I wanted to look into what myths and legends surround the LGBTQ ideology and lifestyle, and I was surprised at how far and deep it went; which is perhaps my own biases and predisposed notions coming out - not something I’m proud of. Nevertheless, that is why we read, learn, and research. I found out a whole slew of things I didn’t know about, such as the Native American Two-Spiritism, which is how they described having a third gender, or another spirit inhabit their body. People who identified as such weren’t scrutinized, but rather given an important role to play in their society, and was used to give first nations peoples their own term as well, allowing them to keep their heritage and identity.Furthermore, it seems every culture around the world, dating back to the ancient Greeks and beyond, has their own stories, myths, and legends surrounding what they considered LGBTQ. In the episode I’ll run down a handful of stories and different cultures. I’m quite excited to share with you what I’ve found. Of course, not every culture or society of the past (or present) is accepting of the idea, but the fact that so many did (and do), is very encouraging. Sadly, I won’t be able to cover every story or every culture, but this is something I highly encourage you to look up and research on your own.Happy Pride!This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Irish Werewolf

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about the Irish Werewolf. Werewolves have been a part of both popular culture and folklore for centuries, with writings dating back as early as 60 AD. Now, most of us are familiar with the generic, or general werewolf, but did you know that there are cultural variations to said creature? Well, there are – and today I’m looking at the werewolves of Ossory – or Ireland. The reason I’ve decided to look at this one in particular is due to the unique features and attributes of the creature.Werewolves are often depicted as snarling beasts turned from an ordinary man under the light of a full moon, but not the Irish werewolf, which has been depicted as more of a guardian or protector to lost travellers, the injured, and children. It’s whole transformation varies greatly from the tradition North American or European werewolf as well.The folklore surrounding this creature is pretty in depth, and I’ve found a few really great stories to share with you, including the couple and the priest. I’ll also share with you the different variations on the origin of this particular brand of werewolf, and the fascinating history surrounding a particular family as well.I don’t want to spoil anything within these blurbs, so you’ll just have to listen for yourself, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it in the comments below.This podcast is brought to you by Morbidly Beautiful, so make sure you check them out at www.morbidlybeautiful.comAs always, I'd love to hear from you, and you can contact me at any of the places below. Also, don't forget to leave a review. They will be read out on the cast, so feel free to drop one on your favorite podcast listening site.Website: www.horrorshots.comInstagram: horrorshotsphotographyTwitter: @horrorshotspodFacebook: HorrorshotsPatreon: www.patreon.com/horrorshotsBonfire campaign: www.bonfire.com/horror-shotsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/Ominous-Origins-1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.