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 Homunculus - Thale, Germany
N 51° 44.158 E 011° 01.817
32U E 640191 N 5733623
There was a time when people believed in growing little humans from roots.
Waymark Code: WMPYJW
Location: Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany
Date Posted: 11/11/2015
Views: 11
The Homunculus (Latin for little man) is a creature that has its origin in medieval alchemy. Inspired by the sometimes human-shaped roots of the Mandrake Plant, alchemists believed in the possibility of growing human-like creatures from roots.
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Although debunked as early as the 1600s, the creature continued to appear in German literature, most prominently in Goethe's Doctor Faust.
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In 1996, local artist Jochen Müller created a group of mythical sculptures called Hexenring (Witche's Circle), that soon became one of the most photographed objects in the Harz Mountains.
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The Witche's Circle consists of a group of boulders and three sculptures, features the Devil, his "assistant" Homunculus and Wadelinde, the grandmother of all witches. The Devil and Homunculus are sitting on boulders, inviting visitors to enter the circle. Witch Wadelinde is pushing the last remaining boulder to complete the circle and to capture all souls within it.
The whole ensemble is located at the Hexentanzplatz (German for Witche's Dance Floor), a place that is deeply embedded in German folklore. You can read more about the sculptures and about the place itself at our Hexentanzplatz and Hexenring waymarks.
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The legend experienced a Renaissance with the Harry Potter novels and movies, were Mandrake roots really look like little humans aka. Homunculi.
Pictures from goldenarmor.com
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Time Period: Middle Ages
Epic Type: Mythical
Exhibit Type: Figure, Statue, 3D Art
Approximate Date of Epic Period: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
To post a log for this waymark, take a picture of the location and tell at least 'a little' bit about your encounter, impression or experience.
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