The curse bestowed upon the mummy of the dragon emperor. Long ago, in ancient China, there was a powerful emperor ruling over the land. This emperor, known as the Dragon Emperor, was feared and respected by all. Many believed that he possessed magical abilities and was immortal. However, the truth was far more sinister. Legend had it that the Dragon Emperor had gained his power through a pact with a dark and ancient sorcerer.
Today, performance is the site's main purpose but it remained active as a mine from 1825 right through to 1970 and, during this period, contributed to the development of everything from the Washington Monument to the Erie Canal.
Today, performance is the site s main purpose but it remained active as a mine from 1825 right through to 1970 and, during this period, contributed to the development of everything from the Washington Monument to the Erie Canal. Being located on an old estate, the mine is surrounded by woodland trails and is next to a stately home Century House, whose history alludes to the origins of its name.
Legend had it that the Dragon Emperor had gained his power through a pact with a dark and ancient sorcerer. This sorcerer bestowed upon him a curse, one that would ensure his immortality but also bind him to a life of darkness and isolation. The curse was that the Dragon Emperor would remain asleep for eternity, only waking once every thousand years to search for a new vessel to transfer his soul into.
Widow Jane Mine
A cavernous NY industrial relic turned music and performance hub, Widow Jane Mine is a place where you can catch a concert like no other.
The Beating Heart Of The Widow Jane Mine
A pounding of drums echoes off thick limestone walls. On a dimly lit stage, a troop of performers dance energetically from instrument to instrument, their legs wide, wooden 'bachi' sticks in their hands. This is Widow Jane Mine's annual taiko concert, one of many such events to take place within its stunning limestone halls.
Today, performance is the site's main purpose but it remained active as a mine from 1825 right through to 1970 and, during this period, contributed to the development of everything from the Washington Monument to the Erie Canal.
The Prehistory Of The Widow Jane Mine
Since the age of the ancient Egyptians people have been using gypsum to create cement-like structures, such as the Pyramid of Giza. It wasn't until the early 19th century however that modern cement itself was invented.
Joseph Aspdin, a pioneering British stonemason, heated a mix of clay and limestone over his kitchen stove and, just like that, construction was changed forever.
This versatile new material was soon being used in the foundations of buildings and the linings of pipes and canals across the globe. The limestone it was made from became invaluable, and it just so happened that a large reserve could be found in Rosendale NY.
The Widow Jane Mine Is Established
The Widow Jane Mine was set-up, along with 15 other mines, to extract this precious resource from the ground beneath, and Rosendale cement was born. This soon became extremely popular in the US and was used in, alongside the structures mentioned above, the Brooklyn Bridge, the base of the Statue of Liberty and the Capitol.
The miners themselves, most of them immigrants, laboured in very harsh conditions, working ten hour shifts underground with no respirators to protect them from the dust. As with many working class people of the time, they suffered for the country's industrial advances.
The Widow Jane Mine Closes
Over a 145 year period, huge caverns were hollowed out inside the mine. Thick pillars were left here and there, interrupting the empty space, reaching between the limestone ceiling and limestone floor. When, in 1970, the mine closed, a jaw-dropping space was left behind.
It did not immediately become a music venue however. First this dazzling cavern was used for a different purpose: it was a mushroom farm for Campbell's soup. It then became the fresh water source of a whiskey named for the site: 'Widow Jane Whiskey', before finally being turned into the unique concert space it is today.
As well as watching performances, visitors are also welcome to roam the old mine, with a suggested donation of one dollar. 80% of it is now underwater and sources of natural light are few and far between. Where there is light however the reflections of the cave and its pillars in the pools have to be seen to be believed.
Being located on an old estate, the mine is surrounded by woodland trails and is next to a stately home: Century House, whose history alludes to the origins of its name.
Who Was Widow Jane?
Jane LeFerre Snyder married into the Snyder family (the owners of the estate) in the mid 19th century. Her husband died when she was only 31, hence the name 'Widow Jane'.
Just why the mine was named after her remains unclear, but it is often noted that she lost all four of her male children as infants. This unhappiness has lead many to claim that her ghost haunts the mine to this day.
Interested in finding more places like this? Try one of our NYC Scavenger Hunts - untangle cryptic clues as a team, as you are taken on a journey to the most unique, unusual and bizarre corners of NYC.
Located in the Virgin Valley in Nevada, Bonanza Opal Mine is home to the most prism-esque of gems, the opal. Reflecting the full spectrum of color, these pearly gems can take many gorgeous forms. At Bonanza, you can put on your explorer hat, and dig for fire opals amid beautiful desert scenery. Right now, the mine is open for digging every weekend until Labor Day. Other opal mines in the Virgin Valley include Royal Peacock Opal Mine and Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine.
Throughout the centuries, the Dragon Emperor's tomb remained hidden and untouched, guarded by the spirits of the underworld. It was said that anyone who dared disturb his resting place would suffer a terrible fate. Many adventurers and archaeologists tried to find the tomb and claim its treasures, but none were successful. However, one fateful day, a group of explorers stumbled upon the tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Ignoring the warnings and legends, they entered the tomb and began to explore its depths. As they ventured further, they unknowingly awakened the ancient curse. As the curse took hold, the explorers began to feel an overwhelming sense of dread and foreboding. They were plagued by nightmares and haunted by visions of the Dragon Emperor's wrath. One by one, they fell victim to the curse, their bodies withering away until all that remained were lifeless husks. Soon, news of the explorers' demise spread, and the curse of the Dragon Emperor became known to the outside world. It served as a warning to all those who sought to disturb the ancient tomb. The curse was seen as a way for the Dragon Emperor to protect his secrets and maintain his power. To this day, the tomb of the Dragon Emperor remains undisturbed, its curse keeping all who approach at bay. Despite the allure of the treasures and power that lie within, none have dared to awaken the ancient sorcery that binds the Dragon Emperor to his eternal slumber. In conclusion, the curse bestowed upon the mummy of the dragon emperor was a powerful force that ensured his immortality but condemned him to a life of darkness and isolation. Any who dared to disturb his tomb would suffer a terrible fate, their bodies withering away until they became lifeless husks. The curse serves as a warning to all who seek the dragon emperor's treasures and power, keeping the tomb undisturbed and the emperor's secrets intact..
Reviews for "The Eternal Punishment: Exploring the Dragon Emperor's Mummy Curse"
1. John - 2/5
"The Curse Bestowed Upon the Mummy of the Dragon Emperor was a major letdown for me. The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The special effects were also mediocre, and the action sequences were uninspiring. Overall, I was disappointed in the film and wouldn't recommend it to others."
2. Sarah - 3/5
I had high expectations for "The Curse Bestowed Upon the Mummy of the Dragon Emperor," but unfortunately, it fell short. The plot was interesting, but it was executed poorly. The dialogue felt forced, and the performances were lackluster. The film seemed like it was trying too hard to be an epic adventure, but it never achieved that level of excitement. While it had some redeeming qualities, overall, it was a mediocre film that failed to meet its potential.
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