Here is something absolutely fascinating and freaky at the same time.
I just learned about these from watching a video and wanted to know more. Thought it'd be cool to share with you all.
The Aztec Death, Life, or Wind Resonators were used throughout Ancient Mexico. They are all wind Resonators (basically a really big or small and fancy whistle). Wind Resonators have been used throughout the world by different cultures -- mostly for the creation of various instruments. However, the Aztecs used them for a different reason.
The Aztec's made their Wind Resonators to copy the sound of animal calls, winds, and even storms!
Most of the Resonators were designed with images carved into them. Some were of skulls, others of animals. One found near the Gulf of Mexico was an owl -- in Aztec culture, a symbol associated with death.
It is highly likely that the Aztec's copied the designs of their whistles from former/nearby Empires, such as the Maya. Some of these Resonators were buried with corpses.
However, these whistles disappeared when the Spanish Conquistadors came, along with other special artifacts and objects belonging to Aztec culture. (MY OPINION -- it's likely that the Conquistadors stole/pillaged these objects to show them off in Spain or sold them to someone to show them off).
It is unknown if these whistles were used in battle. (I'd like to think so -- I'll explain that in a minute). However, it is believed by many Historians that these whistles were most likely used in Rituals, Festivals, or other related events within Aztec Culture.
Without further ado -- here is the crazy Aztec Death Whistle. For those who get freaked out by scary or creepy noises, here's your warning:
Well anyway. Maybe more creepy than scary, right? :) But I want you to imagine this --
Your long boat lands on the beaches of a brand new world. You put on your metal helmet as your commander mounts his horse. The flag of Spain flies above you.
You and your comrades follow that flag into the thick forest. Vines and brush are everywhere. Bugs buzz in your ear and you try to swat them away. Perhaps you see a jaguar in the distance or hear monkeys chattering in the trees.
You think to yourself, this is an entirely new world. Dangerous. Yet, so fascinating.
But then you hear this low howl. You think it's the wind. But there is something wrong. It can't be the wind. Soon, hundreds of these ominous sounds begin to screech across the forest. It seems it's coming from everywhere. Then you hear a thick rattling accompanying the howl.
The noise begins to unnerve the horses. They cry in terror as thick, bellowing drums boom across the unending forest. The Commander's horse rears as the drums grow closer, and closer. Your fellow soldier start to talk nervously among each other. Some ready their harquebus, while most unsheathe their swords. Eventually, war cries fill the air and the fight for your life begins.
Here's a video I made using those descriptions. Enjoy :)
---
Now granted. Most Conquistadors would draw Aztec soldiers out to a more open field -- so that their cavalry (horsemen) could be used efficiently -- cutting down many warriors. And now these Spanish Conquistadors weren't just wearing basic leather armor. The Conquistadors were basically encased from head to toe in a steel shell. They were well trained, European Soldiers who were seeking glory and gold from the New World. It was unlikely that the Aztecs stood a chance against the Spanish. Unless, they drew them into the thick forest. The Spanish could get lost, they could get ambushed. Nature could take its course, and wild beast could attack them. It's hard to say.
If you wanna know more about the Spanish Conquest of the New World let me know. There are plenty of first source documents written by people who lived during that time -- mostly Spanish accounts of course.
This is the main video from where I got my information, and an extra link if you wanna check 'em out:
A note: all songs are both Union and Confederate -- historically they were sang in camps or used in marching or used to boost moral.
Let me take you back to a time of division,
A time of pain and destruction,
Where families, friends and a nation was torn apart.
Welcome to the American Civil War.
So recently, I was watching the TV show called Turn.
Now yes, this was during the American Revolution.
But, it gave me a question.
"What was the Spy Networks like during the American Civil War?"
Well that question led to a long night of research -- which I thoroughly enjoyed 😀
Well I uncovered this amazing story about a Union Spy named Timothy Webster.
Well as you can see by the wiki page, there isn't much basic information about Mr. Webster.
So I went into a little more detail in my research:
Timothy Webster was born in Sussex County, England on March 12, 1822 to Timothy Webster Sr. and his mother (I cannot find his mother's name).
At the age of eight, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Princeton, New Jersey[1].
Around 1840, after finishing school, Timothy Webster moved to New York City. There, he met Charlotte Sprowls, who he married in 1841. He was 19 and she was 23. A year later, their first child was born[2]. Timothy Webster Jr.[1].
As their family grew (eventually to four children), Timothy's original work as a Machine Machinist was not enough to support them. But, in 1845 New York passed the Municipal Police Act, which set up a larger police organization (which actually became the foundation for the modern New York Police Department)[2]. Around 1853, Mr. Webster became a New York Policeman [1].
1853 was the first year that Timothy Webster came into contact with Allan Pinkerton - a self made detective who was kinda important 😀
Now, during this time in New York, nativism in the US began to grow. It caused a hindrance to all immigrants and their families. Most of the nativism policies were directed at Irish Immigrants who were fleeing Ireland due to the Potato Famine (1845-1849) and other reasons. This massive increase in the Irish population caused a ton of backlash from Americans who were nativists [3]
A feeling among some in New York City was that there were too many foreign-born police officers in the New York Police Force [3]. Webster was called to testify but refused to take the stand in all of the cases related to the xenophobia. The investigation led nowhere, and soon after, Webster left the NYPD [3].
Now, Timothy Webster was a good cop. He was recommended by one of his captains to Allan Pinkerton. Pinkerton approved of Webster as well, and soon after Webster joined Pinkerton's private detectives. After joining and going on several missions, Webster would soon be regarded as one of Pinkerton's best detectives [4].
A lot of the records in regard to Timothy Webster's work for Pinkerton's National Detective Agency were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. However, what survived has shown an impressive career as a private detective, demonstrating intelligence, cunning, and leadership skills over the first years of him joining [3].
One of his more noteworthy cases invloved him tracking down renowned forger Jules Imbert, even jumping from a moving train to keep up with the man. He also investigated grave robberies in a Chicago cemetery, and spent two years in Davenport, Iowa, working to find the culprits behind an attempt to burn down the Rock Island Bridge. Had he continued on this path he likely would have headed one of the many branches that Pinkerton’s agency would open in the coming years, but unfolding events changed his future [3].
In the 1850s another problem was about to explode. Slavery. Ever since it was told to be left alone during the Founding of the United States - in order to keep the original states unified - it had been an issue of debate. Many countries in Europe had already abolished Slavery. The British got rid of it in 1833 and the French truly abolished it in 1848. The United States Abolitionists became more and more violent - and the Slave Holders became more and more violent.
(OPINION!!!!)
It's not a "who started it thing." Slavery was a weed that was freely allowed to grow in the United States. Now it had stipulations and was trimmed every now and again. But it was never truly cut. The push back was to great. There was almost a civil war in the 1820s because someone rocked the boat in regard to slavery. During the 1850s, abolitionism was at the forefront. And Slaveholders refused to let their slaves go - claiming their slaves were happy.
Well, when people disagree about core issues, things can get violent.
*
From 1854-1861 violent confrontations occurred over the entrance of a non-slave or slave state (Kansas Territory). This was a mess - and would take a whole other post to explain it lol. It was called the Border War or better known as Bleeding Kansas.
Well tensions were high. And then the election of 1860 happened. Abraham Lincoln was elected [3]. And talk of breaking away from the union ran rampant. Secessionist groups had already formed. Violent attacks and riots began.
During this time, Pinkerton was asked to investigate threats to destroy railroad bridges from D.C. to New York. Pinkerton took a small group of operatives with him - including Timothy Webster - with him to Maryland. There, Timothy and his partner - Hattie Lewis (who posed as his wife) - infiltrated a Secessionist militia who called themselves the Sons of Liberty [2]. Webster soon learned of a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln, in what became known as the Baltimore Plot [1]. Webster alerted Pinkerton, and Lincoln's life was saved for the first time.
By the following month, the first states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. This forced Lincoln to raise troops to retake the states, which only infuriating other states who were thinking about seceding. The American Civil War had begun.
And Timothy Webster maintained his cover in the Baltimore area. Webster became a spy for the union when Union General George B. McClellan hired Pinkerton's Detective Agency to gather intelligence for him. In his guise as a southern sympathizer from Maryland, Webster and his partner Hattie, were sent west to Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky. There, Webster developed good relationships with Confederate Officers, ranking from low to high [2]. He was so successful that he was even offered a commission as a Colonel in the Confederate Army [2].
He declined saying he decided to go to Richmond (The Confederate Capital). He was provided with letters of recommendation from many of his Confederate Friends. But rather than heading straight to Richmond, he visited his friends that were members of the Sons of Liberty in Maryland, and got letters of recommendation from them as well [4].
(OPINION!!!)
Timothy must have been a man who could easily form relationships.
He and Hattie had to of been able to fit in well with Confederate leaders and Secessionists.
And when he and Hattie were sent to Richmond - all the letters of recommendation to prove his loyalty to the Confederacy - are just proof of his ability to form relationships.
*
With all his letters of recommendation, Timothy had no trouble fitting in to Richmond Society. At this point in the war, Stonewall Jackson was preventing Union General McClellan from sieging Richmond. Timothy was tasked by the Confederate Secretary of War to deliver messages to Jackson and other people who were along the Confederate Secret Line (their spy network stretching from Richmond to Baltimore to Washington D.C.). Timothy and Hattie would copy these messages - hand the copy off to a Pinkerton Agent and deliever the original to a confederate [4].
However, during the winter of 1862 - after crossing back and forth across the Potomac River and sleeping on the cold wet ground - the 32 year old Timothy Webster got sick. When he got sick, no reports were given to Allan Pinkerton. This worried him - two of his best agents (Hattie and Timothy) had disappeared [3].
In response, Allan Pinkerton sent two Pinkerton Agents - John Scully and Pryce Lewis [2].
(OPINION?!!)
Now here is where my information gets a little odd. Most of my sources say Rose O'Neal Greenhow did the following: John and Pryce stayed in a hotel after they found and made sure that Timothy and Hattie were alright. At this hotel, a recently released Confederate Spy, Rose Greenhow - who may have had some part in the Confederate victory at the first battle of bullrun - was present. She saw John and Pryce - recognizing them because they had interrogated her - and had them arrested by the Confederates [1,2,4]. Another source says that it may have been a man named Chase Morton, whose house was searched at one point by Pryce and John [3]. Regardless of what happened, John and Pryce were arrested by the Confederates.
*
John and Pryce - one of them at least - to save their life, revealed that Timothy Webster was a Pinkerton Spy. When both of them reported this, the Confederates were completely surprised and embarrassed. Needless to say, they were furious. They arrested Timothy Webster and Hattie Lawson - who they still believed was Timothy's wife Charlotte - and put them on trial. Hattie was sentenced to a year, but Timothy was sentenced to die; both were held in a place called Castle Thunder, Richmond, VA [2].
On April 29, 1862, Timothy's sentence was carried out. The noose was tied around his neck and the lever was pulled. Only, his rope was not secure. It either snapped or it wasn't tight enough, so his neck slipped through, making him fall to the ground below. He was quickly picked up by Confederate Soldiers and a new rope was readied [5]. Timothy reportedly exclaimed, "I suffer a double death." He was then hanged and died shortly after [4].
(FINISH!!)
And that is the story of the Machinist turned Cop turned Pinkerton Agent turned Union Spy. haha. Timothy Webster was an interesting man. And I've decided to right a novelette about him as a result.
Source 1 - "Timothy Webster Biography Page." Civil War Medical Care, Battle Wounds, and Disease. Accessed October 01, 2018. https://www.civilwarhome.com/timwebsterbio.html.
Source 2 - Thrilling Detective. “The Pinkerton Detective and the Civil War Spy” by Corey Recko. Accessed October 01, 2018. https://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/civilwar/articles/timothywebster.aspx.
Source 3 - ""Timothy Webster: The Pinkerton Detective and the Civil War Spy" by Corey Recko." Cody Allen, Nick Ryder and Boz Bozinsky (Riptide). Accessed October 01, 2018. http://www.thrillingdetective.com/non_fiction/e020.html.
Source 4 - "Timothy Webster." American Civil War Stories. Accessed October 01, 2018. http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/timothy-webster.html.
Source 5 - Lab, Digital Scholarship. "The History Engine." History Engine: Tools for Collaborative Education and Research | Episodes. Accessed October 03, 2018. https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/5345.
So, I've been teaching myself piano recently and I love it!
I was playing around with some notes one day and created this tune. I fell in love with it for some reason. Now I plan to keep going and adding more to it. But I just thought this was cool 😀
And then I was playing with the pictures I drew for the main story I'm working on -- the Illum one. I threw them into a slideshow and added the music to the background :)
The following is the chronological order to read through the Fantasy World Building that I've done:
(Picture under link means that the post is ready to be read)
Terms and Conditions: The reader of this subject matter agrees to the condition that he/she shall in no way sell nor any take any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.
All Persons Fictitious Disclaimer: This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.
This is the beginning of my world, during the Mythical Era when Dragons ruled the Realm.
In 0 Mythical Era (MA), the God Viius descended to the realm. He formed it in all ways that are perfect. One by one, the four lands were created. They were inhabited by creatures. Various beasts roamed the plains, ruled only by the first of the creatures. The Dragons.
By 700 MA, the first created Dragon was named Eternal Queen of the Dragons. The Queen of the Dragons, Nogard, created her seat of power in the Far North, past the Fields of Ice and Snow (Iolfa) and the Great Northern Mountains -- within the tallest Mountain in the world, known as Dragon's Throat, was where she resided. Nogard created a system of ruling over the beasts of the world.
The Far North
The Dragons would be led by a council of three Dragons known as the Elder Dragons. They contained Queen Nogard, Lord Ni'Tsua (the second created Dragon), and Lord Ni'Anoropa (the third created Dragon). The Elder Dragons were given the power to travel to the Eternal Plane (Viius' Kingdom that exists outside of time and space) and back by Viius.
Symbol of the Elder Dragons
Viius left the Realm for a time, leaving the Elder Dragons to rule. For eight hundred years, the Elder Dragons ruled fairly. In 1500 MA, the Dragons split up their council's power even further. They created a class of Dragons known as the Ancient Dragons and a Council made up of them. The Ancient Dragons were given an increase in power and were referred to as Dragon Lords.
The Dragons Lords (which included the Elder Dragons as well), were given roles over specific species of animals. Some took to being caretakers of the sea, while others became caretakers of the air. But more Dragon Lords were needed. So, many became caretakers of the land: The forests, the deserts, the mountains, the caves, the lakes, the rivers, and many other places.
Each Dragon Lord had the ability to change their form into any living creature, in order to easily protect them. The Dragon Lords soon had their own followers and their own regions of control. But all remained loyal to the Council and the Elder Dragons, with Viius being their God.
For one thousand and five hundred years there was peace and prosperity. The creatures of the world were fruitful. They lived in harmony with one another. But in 3000 MA, a darkness plagued the Realm. This darkness had been slowly spreading across the universe - caused by the ancient Cursed One, Malekith.
Malekith was one of the original creations in the universe by the God Viius. Malekith however became filled with pride, greed, and doubt. He sang darkness into the universe at the beginning of time, along with the song of Viius and the other six Kandryls. His evil finally had reached the Realm. Many of the Dragons fell pray to the Curse of Malekith, becoming Dark Dragons, fueled by evil. This eventually led to a war, that tore the Realm apart.
In 3000 MA, the War of the Dragons began. The land in the Southwest was scorched. The main land was scared. The Dragons commanded armies of beasts and creatures to fight. Mountains were destroyed and valley's were made. Giant craters were the result of the destruction. These craters filled and became great lakes. Deserts formed and volcanoes erupted. The Realm was falling apart.
Incorruptible due to the power given to them by Viius, the Elder Dragons formed into one massive Dragon - named Norguel. Norguel, deep within Dragon's throat in the Far North, created an alternate dimension, and a portal to that dimension, by use of a massive Kide Crystal - a crystal that enhances Vikus (the energy that binds everything together and flows directly from Viius). This Alternate Realm (known as the Spirit Realm) was where Norguel went to lay three eggs, hidden away from the dangers of the Realm.
Norguel tended to the delicate eggs until they hatched. The three dragons were named Na'Muhel, Arenndel, and Roannel. These dragons have since been referred to as either the Protectors of the Realm or the Destroyers of the Realm. They were created to do one thing: Eliminate all major threats that could cause the destruction of the world, and only being unleashed by Norguel.
Norguel then led the three from the Spirit Realm. The four massive dragons fought against the forces of Malekith in 3500 MA. Arenndel, the most powerful of Norguel's children, took back the mainland. Roannel retook the land in the East. Na'Muhel avenged the scorched lands of the west. The last of the Dark Dragons fled to the Northeast, near a large Volcano. Before the four dragons and their armies could reach them, they used their powers to embed themselves within the Volcano. The Volcano became known as Death's Peak, and was declared unsafe for any to go near. Norguel feared that if something went near Death's Peak they would be cursed by dark magic.
The War of the Dragons ended in 3700 MA. However, the Realm had been ravaged by war. Dragon Magic, second only to Pure Light Magic (Viius Magic), was meant to protect and bring life. Instead, it had caused mayhem and destruction. Norguel, along with every living Dragon, was deeply saddened by this. She sent out the Dragon Lords, commanded by Na'Muhel, Arenndel, and Roannel. They were ordered to restore the lands. After three hundred years they succeeded. The Dragons swore that they would never fight among themselves again. They would strive to bring peace to the land. And they became wiser for it.
Symbol of the Dragon Lords -- Ancient Dragons
In the year 4000 MA, Viius returned. He was worshiped and all of creation sang out praises to Viius. Viius wanted to share the gift of sentience not only to the Dragons but with a new creation as well. He started small, and saw the goodness inside of Na'Muhel. On Na'Muhel's continent, Viius picked up a pile of dirt. He filled it with water, making mud. With the mud he formed a man and woman. He placed his lips on each, and gave them a part of his essence -- breathing life into them and making them more a part of Viius than the Dragons could ever be. Viius named the man Muh and the Woman Muhha. Telling them to be fruitful and ordering Na'Muhel to watch over them, Viius traveled the Realm with Norguel, finally ending up in the Spirit Realm.
Viius blessed the Spirit Realm with Pure Light Magic. He also made it so that when any creature died, that they would awaken here. These were just creatures however. Animals. Muh and Muhha could not enter as they were immortal, meaning they were unable to die from old age. Viius then made it so that all Dragon Lords could at will enter into the Spirit World and could take others with them. Viius gave the Dragons one final command. To watch over and protect the descendants of Muh and Muhha as they were precious to him as well as a part of him. Viius then created a symbol so that the whole world would remember Norguel, Na'Muhel, Arenndel, and Roannel.
The Dragon represents Norguel.
The three knots represent Na'Muhel, Arenndel, and Roannel.
The swirl in the chest represents Vikus and the Dragons connection to Viius.
Norguel then diffused, separating into Nogard, Ni'Tsua, and Ni'Anoropa. The Elder Dragons returned to their duties, and began collecting all the stories about the War of the Dragons.
Viius then returned to Muh and Muhha, helping them and their children to create their own society, thus ending the Mythical Age and Beginning the Age of the Na'Muh.
The dot at the center near the lake is where
Muh and Muhha, along with their descendants, begin to settle.
Terms and Conditions: The reader of this subject matter agrees to the condition that he/she shall in no way sell nor any take any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.
All Persons Fictitious Disclaimer: This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental. Video 1 Video 2
So after rereading my
last post, I’m gonna change what I'm doing.I think I’m just gonna review the movies in the MCU first.Then, once I’m caught up, I’ll go back and do
character reviews.
So movie reviews are the following:
Captain
America: The First Avenger (Done)
Iron Man
Iron Man 2
The
Incredible Hulk
Thor
The
Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor 2: The
Dark World
Captain
America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians
of the Galaxy: Volume I
Guardians
of the Galaxy: Volume II
The
Avengers 2:Age of Ultron
Ant-Man
Captain America: Civil War
Black
Panther
Spider-Man:
Homecoming
Doctor
Strange
Thor 3: Ragnarok
Avengers
Infinity War
And after, I will review the following characters:
Steve
Rogers – Captain America
Tony Stark
– Iron Man
Bruce
Banner – Hulk
Thor – Thor
T’Challa –
Black Panther
Peter Quill
– Star Lord
Peter
Parker – Spider-Man
Steven
Strange – Dr. Strange
And probably eventually do the following support characters:
