The Fiji Mermaid — The Hoax That Fooled P.T. Barnum
A dried fish tail sewn onto a monkey torso became the most famous sideshow attraction in history. The Fiji Mermaid was a fake — but the story is real.
The Ultimate Guide to Cursed Artifacts
Diamonds that kill their owners, paintings that survive fires, and museum pieces that bring misfortune — the world's most cursed objects.
27 articles
Robert the Doll — The Friend That Won't Leave
A 100-year-old doll behind glass in Key West. He moves. He laughs. He causes accidents to people who disrespect him.
The Conjured Chest — A Dresser That Kills
An 18th-century chest of drawers linked to death and supernatural activity. Every owner has suffered. Some have died.
The Cursing Stone of Iona — A Scottish Curse
A stone with a Latin curse carved into it. The village suffered plague, famine, and death. The stone was removed. The suffering stopped.
The Hand of Glory — The Cursed Candle
A mummified human hand used as a candle by thieves. When lit, it allegedly put people to sleep. It is one of the most macabre cursed objects.
The Hope Diamond — The Cursed Blue Diamond
A 45-carat blue diamond that has allegedly cursed its owners for centuries. Poverty, madness, and death followed everyone who possessed it.
The Basano Vase — The Cursed Wedding Gift
A silver vase from 15th-century Italy that allegedly kills its owner. It was found in a coffin. It was re-interred. It was found again.
The King Tut Curse — Death Comes on Swift Wings
Lord Carnarvon died 5 months after opening King Tut's tomb. His dog howled and died at the same moment. Over 20 people connected to the dig died.
The Black Orlov Diamond — The Eye of Brahma
A 67.5-carat black diamond that allegedly killed three owners. One jumped from a building. Another threw herself from a window. The diamond was cut to break the curse.
The Crying Boy Painting — The Fire Starter
A mass-produced painting of a crying boy that allegedly caused fires. Over 50 houses burned. The paintings survived the flames unscathed.