Each item has its own fate, and sometimes it can be very mysterious and even sinister. Some things have been traced by inexplicable events for many years.
We have selected the most terrible objects that are considered cursed, and tried to provide a rational explanation for the events associated with them.
1. "Mermaids" by Ivan Kramskoy
According to Slavic mythology, mermaids are the souls of drowned girls, and Ivan Kramskoy undoubtedly knew about this. Nevertheless, the artist himself did not believe in the existence of supernatural spirits.
The Moscow merchant Tretyakov bought a painting by Kramskoy and exhibited it in his gallery. On the first night, Alexei Savrasov's painting "The Rooks Are Back" fell. This event immediately sparked speculation that the painting fell, as the "Mermaids" were placed next to it. Many ladies were even afraid to look at Kramskoy's painting in the evenings.
Explanation: The artist brilliantly created an eerie atmosphere around the painting, which seems to inspire superstitious fear.
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2. Koh-i-noor
One of the most famous and legendary diamonds in the world belonged to the Turkish-Mongolian military leaders, Persians and Indian Rajas. The history of the diamond is accompanied by many deaths. It is believed that he brings bad luck mainly to men.
The diamond is now in the crown of Queen Elizabeth. There is an assumption that it is the diamond that is the reason why the English throne belongs mainly to women.
Explanation: The diamond is hardly to blame for the deaths of its owners. It's probably all about the greed of the people who wanted to own it.
3. "Little Bastard" sports car
The Porsche 550 Spyder, also known as the Little Bastard, is a sports car that has gained a reputation as a serial killer. The first to suffer from it was actor James Dean, who had an accident on it.
After that, everyone who owned a car died under mysterious circumstances. One day after the exhibition, the car disappeared, and no one knows where it is now. Perhaps looking for another unfortunate owner?
Explanation: it is not, and this is very strange. Perhaps each car really has its own character, as motorists say.
4. Etzi
Etzi is the oldest mummy found in Europe, which is 5,000 years old. The mummy is so well preserved in the Ötztal Alps that scientists were able to conduct a thorough study. However, some of them died shortly after the discovery, and most of them died violently.
Explanation: Some people say the mummy cursed the scientists who made the discovery. Nevertheless, 7 deaths can be attributed to an accident, because hundreds of researchers worked with the mummy.
5. Painting by Pieter Bruegel "The Adoration of the Kings to the Child Jesus"
Many mysterious legends are associated with this famous work of the painter. It turns out that in every family that owned a painting, there were difficulties with the birth of children. She was sold four times, until she finally ended up in a family that already had many children, so her members were not afraid of the curse.
Explanation: Catholics were very skeptical about this painting, as Pieter Bruegel ironically approached the depiction of this religious theme. Perhaps that is why there were many rumors associated with this work.
6. Myrtles Plantation Mirror
Myrtles Plantation is considered one of the most visited places in the United States. It was built on the graves of the Indians.
According to legend, there is a mirror in the house, inside which the souls of the dead are kept. In the photographs taken by tourists, you can see mysterious figures.
Explanation: haunted houses attract many tourists, which means they are good business, but who knows what really happens in that house.
7. Cursed rocks
Uluru is a mysterious red mountain in Australia, also known as a place of great spiritual significance. Legends say that the spirits of the dead natives live in the mountain.
Despite warnings from local residents, tourists love to take small stones with them as souvenirs. However, some try to bring them back because of the misfortunes caused by the spirits of the mountain.
Explanation: This is more like self-hypnosis, although the story of Uluru's story is indeed full of secrets.
There is another natural phenomenon that is considered to be the cause of misfortune in Australia. The so-called blood tree growing in the desert has raspberry juice, which looks very similar to human blood. The remains of the cut down trees attract the attention of tourists, who take pieces of it with them as souvenirs. The seemingly innocent souvenir brings bad luck, which is why many tourists return the pieces of wood along with apology notes.
8. Phone number
Another interesting story happened in Bulgaria: for 10 years, the phone number 0888-888-888 belonged to three different people. The reason for this is the sudden death of the previous owner.
Explanation: This is most likely a coincidence. However, the Bulgarian mobile operator has blocked this number, and now it does not belong to anyone.
9. Annabelle is a possessed doll
In the Warren Occult Museum, there is an exhibit that is kept in a special cabinet with a "Warning: Do Not Open" sign. This is an Annabelle doll. According to legend, a doll can change its position when no one sees it, and commit various bad deeds. The Warrens are said to have performed a rite of exorcism on this doll.
Explanation: There is no consensus on this issue. Some people believe that the story of the doll is just a gimmick invented by the Warrens to attract tourists.
Annabelle's story has inspired various Hollywood filmmakers. For those of you who love creepy stories, Annabelle (2014) and Annabelle. Creation (2017). The story of how the Warrens got Annabelle for their museum was featured in the movie The Conjuring (2013).
10. Diamond "Eye of Brahma"
Another mysterious diamond was originally inserted into the eye of a statue of the Hindu god Brahma, which was located in an old Indian temple. After a while, the Europeans stole the diamond, but many misfortunes fell upon the new owners. Throughout its existence, the diamond has belonged to many people around the world, but it brought misfortune to all of them.
Explanation: Since ancient times, diamonds have been believed to have a strong energy, although scientists are very skeptical about these assumptions.
11. Curse of Tutankhamun's tomb
In 1922, Howard Carter opened the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Over the next 8 years, at least 11 people died that were somehow connected with the discovery. These deaths gave rise to the myth of the curse of the pharaoh.
Explanation: Some scientists believe that scientists may have died due to the influence of ancient toxins that were in the closed tomb. Or is it just a coincidence.
12. Box Dybbuk
It is believed that this is the most evil of the damned things in the world. Antiquity researchers Kevin Mannis bought this box from an unknown old lady. Legend claims that it contains an evil spirit. Mannis sold the box at an auction, and it is now in the Zak Baganov Ghost Museum.
Explanation: The only explanation for this story is that it is a good advertisement for the museum.
13. "Venus with a mirror" by Diego Velazquez
This famous painting by Velazquez makes many viewers feel uneasy. Once she was even cut by a frightened suffragette. The painting was restored and exhibited at the National Gallery in London.
Explanation: The mirror in this painting reflects an old woman, not a young girl. In addition, the mirror itself is placed incorrectly, because in this position the girl would not be able to see her reflection. Discussions continue as to whether the artist intentionally created this effect or not.
14. "Living stones"
In fact, these are not rocks, but motionless sea creatures known as ascidians. How would you feel if you saw something like this while walking along the beach? Sometimes you don't need any curses - living beings can scare you more than mystical ones.
Anna Pismenna