Haunted artifacts, items or objects have fascinated people for centuries. These mysterious possessions, often wrapped in enigma and superstition, are thought to harbor spirits or curses that can bring trouble to those who possess them. Haunt Scout explores the backgrounds of some of the notorious haunted artifacts. Let’s delve into their beginnings and the myths that envelop them.
The Haunted Mirror of Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana is famous for its reputation as one of the haunted houses in America. Among the artifacts within the plantation the haunted mirror stands out as the most well known. Legend has it that this mirror is imbued with the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children, who met an end after being poisoned by a slave named Chloe during the 19th century.
As per the tale Chloe suffered a punishment from Clark Woodruff, the plantation owner for listening in on private conversations. Her ear was cruelly severed. Seeking revenge Chloe tainted a birthday cake that resulted in the demise of Sara and her two children. Following their passing it was customary to cover mirrors after a death to prevent spirits from being trapped. However this particular mirror remained uncovered. It is believed that Sara and her childrens spirits linger within it.
Numerous visitors to Myrtles Plantation have shared accounts of seeing handprints on the mirror and witnessing ghostly apparitions within its reflective surface. Some even claim to have glimpsed the haunting images of Sara and her children gazing back at them. This haunted mirror continues to be a point of supernatural occurrences, at the plantation drawing both ghost enthusiasts and curious sightseers alike.
The Curse of the Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond stands as one of the renowned haunted items globally. This sizable blue diamond weighing 45.52 carats has a lineage tracing back to the century. Originating from India the diamond was transported to Europe by a trader named Jean Baptiste Tavernier. Legend has it that the diamond was pilfered from a Hindu goddess statue and consequently cursed.
It is believed that owning the Hope Diamond brings about misfortune and death. King Louis XIV of France acquired the diamond in 1668 incorporating it into the crown jewels. However amid the turbulence of the French Revolution thieves stole away with it leading to demises for many subsequent possessors. Among them were Princess de Lamballe who perished during the revolution. Then King Louis XVI along with Marie Antoinette who faced execution.
In the century the famous Hope Diamond changed hands among many affluent owners with Evalyn Walsh McLean being one of them. She faced hardships, including the loss of her son and financial struggles. Nowadays the Hope Diamond is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. where it continues to fascinate visitors.
The Zak Bagans’ Museum Dybbuk Box
The Dybbuk Box, a wine cabinet that gained fame in the 2000s after being sold on eBay by Kevin Mannis, has an intriguing backstory. Mannis stated that he obtained the box at an estate sale in Oregon and discovered items inside such as locks of hair dried flowers and a goblet. After acquiring it Mannis and his family encountered unsettling incidents like odd odors, nightmares and unexplained illnesses.
Legend has it that the Dybbuk Box is haunted by a dybbuk (a spirit from Jewish folklore known for possessing and tormenting people). Subsequent owners of the box shared eerie encounters. Such as terrifying dreams, shadowy figures lurking around and overwhelming feelings of fear. The box gained attention when it appeared on “Paranormal Witness” TV show and was featured in Jason Haxtons book “The Dybbuk Box ” where he recounted his own strange experiences with the mysterious object.
Zak Bagans, a known paranormal investigator and host of the TV series “Ghost Adventures ” currently owns the Dybbuk Box. This eerie artifact is on display at his Haunted Museum in Las Vegas where it captivates the curiosity of visitors.
The Eerie Story of Robert the Doll
Robert the Doll is an object with a haunting past. A life sized doll dressed as a sailor was gifted to a boy named Robert Eugene Otto in the 1900s. Young Robert grew fond of the doll, naming it after himself and often attributing incidents in their home to it.
Legend has it that in Key West, Florida, where the Otto family resided, the doll was cursed by a servant skilled in voodoo. Strange events unfolded once the doll entered their household. Neighbors claimed seeing it move between windows when no one was around. Ottos parents insisted they heard giggles and whispers emanating from it.
Robert Eugene Otto kept hold of this doll throughout his adulthood until his passing in 1974.
After the previous owner passed away the new owners of the Otto residence also noticed occurrences and linked them to Robert the Doll. Nowadays Robert is exhibited at the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, where visitors claim to feel uneasy and witness events in its presence.
The Legacy of the Busby Stoop Chair
The Busby Stoop Chair, also known as the “Dead Mans Chair”, is a seat rumored to carry a curse from its original owner, Thomas Busby. In 1702 Busby was found guilty of murdering his father in law. Was sentenced to death by hanging. On his execution day Busby supposedly placed a curse on the chair stating that anyone who dared to sit in it would meet their demise.
Throughout the years several deaths have been associated with the Busby Stoop Chair. During World War II multiple airmen who occupied the chair at a pub met their end in battle soon after. In the 1970s various individuals faced accidents after sitting in this ill fated chair.
In an effort to prevent tragedies the chair was eventually given to the Thirsk Museum, in North Yorkshire, England. The museum has taken precautions by suspending the chair from the ceiling to prohibit anyone from sitting on it. This preserving its reputation and shielding potential victims from its malevolent influence.
The Unsettling History of Annabelle the Doll
Annabelle the Doll has gained notoriety as a haunted object thanks to its portrayal in the popular “Conjuring” movie series. The actual Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll given to Donna, a nursing student in the 1970s. Strange events began unfolding shortly after Donna received the doll, including changes in its position and mysterious handwritten messages.
As these bizarre occurrences intensified Donna and her roommate turned to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for assistance. The Warrens concluded that a malevolent spirit had possessed the doll with intentions. To prevent disturbances they placed Annabelle in a secure glass case at their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut.
Visitors to the museum have recounted feeling unsettled near Annabelles presence with some attributing misfortune to their encounters with this eerie doll.
Annabelles tale has sparked the creation of horror movies cementing its status as one of the most famous haunted objects in contemporary times.
Summary
Objects imbued with hauntings, such as relics, eerie dolls and mysterious artifacts have captivated people for ages. From the Hope Diamond to the unsettling Robert the Doll these items are steeped in enigma and superstition. They stand as testaments to the occurrences that have intrigued humanity for centuries. Each tale, deeply rooted in history mirrors our enduring fascination with the paranormal.
Delving into these haunted objects offers more than chilling narratives; it grants us a peek into our cultural and psychological heritage. Whether one is skeptical or a believer these accounts encourage contemplation of the enigmas that lie beyond our comprehension. The allure of haunted items persists in capturing our imagination stirring curiosity and awe, about forces that may impact our world.
