The Curse of the Living Mirror is a chilling and mysterious phenomenon that haunts those who dare to seek out forbidden knowledge. Legend has it that the curse began long ago when a powerful sorcerer discovered a way to harness the energy of the cosmos to create a magical mirror. This mirror possessed the ability to reflect not only the physical appearance of a person but also their deepest desires and fears. As the story goes, anyone who looked into the mirror would become captivated by its power. They would see themselves as they truly were, stripped of all pretense and masks. Inevitably, the mirror would also reveal the dark secrets hidden within their souls.
The tour began in mid-September in Detroit, Michigan. It was like we had entered the stratosphere: private planes, police escorts, packed stadiums every night. And everywhere we went there’d be a Genesis song or a Genesis video playing. For the next eleven months it was like being royalty. People would often say, don’t you get tired on tour? Perhaps what they don’t understand is the connection you have with a crowd on stage: the energy you get from 50,000 people in a sold-out stadium is incredible. You’re standing there and the noise is just a roar: it’s like a battle cry but everybody’s on your side. 1
When I stood there playing Mama , hoping that I was showing my father how my life had been shaped by what he d taught me duty, honour, commitment I was aware that I had not always demonstrated those values towards him when he was alive. The pair met up for three days worth of jam sessions, but the collaboration would come to an early end due to the two being on radically different work schedules.
Inevitably, the mirror would also reveal the dark secrets hidden within their souls. It is said that the mirror had the power to manipulate reality, bringing to life the innermost desires of those who dared to look into it. However, the mirror's power came at a great cost.
Nan Shepherd and the Curse of Frankenstein
For BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND 2023 An animated lecture by Erlend Clouston, Nan Shepherd's Literary Executor, for Book Week Scotland.
'Nan Shepherd and the Curse of Frankenstein' pieces together the social, intellectual and historic forces that contributed to the creation of 'The Living Mountain', Nan's last book, which has been hailed as the finest piece of nature writing to come out of Britain.
Combining personal anecdote, extravagant research, a wind-up gramophone, audience participation and a pizza slice, the performance - conceived and executed by Clouston - also features the voices of Nan Shepherd, Bjork, Robert Macfarlane, Richard Osman, Miss Jean Brodie, Rene Decartes and, of course, Victor Frankenstein!
"A funny, freeing, fantastic evening’s entertainment.’
Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh (May, 2023).
Erlend Clouston worked for the Guardian for 19 years, latterly as Scottish correspondent. He was born in the (treeless) Shetland islands, but despite this, through a curious combination of circumstances, he knew Nan Shepherd for the first 35 years of his life, and the last 35 of hers. They built forts, played bagatelle and walked in Switzerland together.
On the night:
- This event is open to all. Students, staff, and visitors to the University are welcome to come along.
- Please go to the Welcome Desk on the ground floor of the Sir Duncan Rice Library where a member of staff will have an attendee list and will provide directions.
- As the performance will be in the Craig Suite, please arrive 10 minutes before the event is due to begin to allow time to travel to the 7th Floor in the lifts.
- Please note that parking at the Library is FREE and open to all after 4pm.
Book to reserve a place:
The curse of the living mirror was unleashed upon anyone who became too enthralled by its enchantment. Those who fell victim to the curse found themselves slowly transforming into a mirror image of their true selves. Their bodies would become distorted, their features contorted as they withered away, trapped in an eternal reflection of their innermost selves. It is believed that the curse was a punishment for those who sought to wield forbidden knowledge and meddle with powers beyond their control. The mirror was said to be a gateway to a realm of dark magic, and those who gazed too deeply into it paid the ultimate price. Legends of the curse have been passed down through generations, often serving as a cautionary tale for those who would tamper with forces they do not understand. Many believe that the mirror still exists, hidden away in some forgotten corner of the world, waiting for an unsuspecting victim to stumble upon its malevolence. Whether the curse of the living mirror is mere legend or a chilling reality, it serves as a reminder that curiosity can sometimes lead us down dark paths. The desire for power and knowledge can blind us to the consequences of our actions, and the price we pay may be far greater than we ever imagined..
Reviews for "The Ancient Curse: The Tale of the Enchanted Living Sword"
1. Jennifer - 1/5 stars: I couldn't even finish "The Curse of the Living Yorord." The plot was confusing, the characters were poorly developed, and the writing felt amateurish. I found myself constantly questioning the logic of the story and struggling to understand what was happening. Overall, it was a disappointing experience, and I would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars: "The Curse of the Living Yorord" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the story lacked suspense or excitement. The protagonist was unlikable and made decisions that seemed implausible. The world-building was also weak, with little explanation of the mystical elements introduced. Although the concept was interesting, the execution left a lot to be desired, and I was left feeling unsatisfied by the end.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: I had high hopes for "The Curse of the Living Yorord" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The writing style was dry and lacked any spark, making it difficult to engage with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.
4. David - 1/5 stars: I found "The Curse of the Living Yorord" to be a complete waste of time. The plot was convoluted and full of holes, making it difficult to follow and understand. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their struggles. The writing itself was sloppy, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentences. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging story.