The curse that plagues the mummy of the dragon emperor is a phenomenon that has fascinated and terrified people for centuries. The mummy, believed to be the body of an ancient Chinese emperor, is said to hold a powerful curse that brings misfortune, death, and destruction to anyone who disturbs it. Legends surrounding the curse tell of the emperor's wrath and desire for revenge on those who have desecrated his tomb. According to the myth, the dragon emperor was a ruthless ruler who possessed immense power and wealth. He was feared by his subjects, and his reign was marked by violence and cruelty. When the emperor died, he was buried in a lavish tomb filled with treasures and guardians to protect his body and possessions for eternity.
In 1692, Andover consisted of present-day Andover, North Andover, and the part of Lawrence that is on the south side of the Merrimack River. More people were accused of witchcraft in Andover than in any other Essex County town during the 1692 witchcraft trials.
It is bordered by the Merrimack River and Lawrence to the north; by North Andover to the northeast; by North Reading and Wilmington to the south; and by Tewksbury to the southwest. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom s Cabin , lived in Andover for twelve years 1852-1864 while her husband, Reverend Calvin Stowe, was Professor of Sacred Literature at the Andover Theological Seminary.
When the emperor died, he was buried in a lavish tomb filled with treasures and guardians to protect his body and possessions for eternity. However, it is said that the emperor's desire for immortality led him to seek the help of dark sorcery. He made a pact with a powerful dragon spirit, promising his loyalty and eternal servitude in exchange for eternal life.
Joseph Ballard Home, Site of
In 1692, Andover saw more people accused of witchcraft than any other town. The accusations escalated when Joseph Ballard brought two of the afflicted girls from Salem Village to determine the cause of his wife’s illness. Within several weeks, forty-five people were accused, many of whom confessed.
37 Porter Rd, Andover, MA 01810, USA
Private residence. Not open to the public.
37 Porter Rd, Andover, MA 01810, USA
More About Joseph Ballard Home, Site of
The witchcraft delusion in Andover began with the accusation and arrest of Martha Carrier in late May of 1692, but escalated in mid-July when Joseph Ballard invited two of the afflicted girls from Salem Village to visit his sick wife in Andover. Elizabeth (Phelps) Ballard had been inexplicably ill all summer. Was she bewitched? The girls (it is assumed they were Ann Putnam Jr. and Mary Walcott) confirmed Elizabeth Ballard was tormented by witchcraft and accused several Andover residents. Shortly thereafter Joseph Ballard entered a complaint against Mary Lacy Sr. and her daughter, Mary Lacy Jr.
Why did Joseph Ballard initially suspect witchcraft was behind his wife’s illness? There are a few possibilities. The fear that pervaded Essex County in 1692 may have been one reason. Joseph’s brother John Ballard was the constable for Andover’s south end and it was he who arrested Martha Carrier and escorted her to Salem in May. Perhaps John witnessed the hysteria that gripped Salem and brought home stories.
A family connection may have also been involved. John Ballard’s wife, Rebecca Hooper, was the sister of Sarah Hooper, wife of Samuel Wardwell. (Another brother, William Ballard, was married to a third Hooper sister, Hannah.) The Wardwells lived about a mile and a half to the northeast. Wardwell expressed worry to his brother-in-law that he [Wardwell] might be suspected of witchcraft, perhaps because he was a known fortune-teller. This was apparently an idea that had not occurred to John Ballard – but did he share this information with his brother Joseph? A family member might be accused? It was prescient of Samuel Wardwell to worry – he was accused of witchcraft and arrested on August 31, and hanged on September 22.
Identifying those who “tormented” Elizabeth Ballard did not help her. She died of her illness on July 27, 1692.
Charlotte Helen Abbott’s Notes and Records of the Ballard Family of Andover, available at Memorial Hall Library, list the parents of Joseph and John Ballard as William and Grace Ballard. They were known to have been in Andover by the 1660s.
Joseph Ballard married Elizabeth Phelps, from Newbury, MA, in 1665.
The Notes and Records of the Ballard Family of Andover say that when Joseph’s father William died in 1691, Joseph’s inheritance included “20 acres of Upland, ‘where his house is;’ 50 acres of the Great Division; 14 acres by the Shawshin…” and many additional parcels of land. Charlotte Abbott also states that “His homestead was site of Public Library,” today on North Main and Essex Streets, although that is identified as Abbot property on the Plan of Andover in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Essex County, 1692 which was created by the Andover and North Andover Historical Societies in 1992. According to the Plan of Andover, Joseph Ballard’s home was located on what is today Porter Road, near Sunset Rock and the Carriers.
Joseph Ballard died on Sept 29, 1722. He is buried in the South Parish Burial Grounds (established in 1711) on Central Street in Andover. His grave is not marked.
The Plan of Andover in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Essex County, 1692, places Joseph Ballard’s home at 37 Porter Road. The house that stands there today was built by a Joseph Ballard in 1758, so likely a descendant (although NOT his son Joseph, who died in 1732). Private Residence. Not open to the public.
Today, Andover is a prosperous community, with a population of approximately 36,500 people. It is bordered by the Merrimack River and Lawrence to the north; by North Andover to the northeast; by North Reading and Wilmington to the south; and by Tewksbury to the southwest. Route 28 is the main road from north to south, Routes 495 and Route 93 intersect in the western part of town, and Route 133 is another main thoroughfare.
As a result, the emperor's body was preserved, and he became known as the mummy of the dragon emperor. But with immortality came a terrible curse. The emperor's pact with the dragon spirit bound his soul to the earthly realm, forever trapped within his tomb. Anyone who dared to disturb his resting place would unleash his wrath and suffer the consequences. Over the centuries, many have tried to steal the emperor's treasures or study his mummified body, only to meet a tragic end. Tales of mysterious deaths, unexplained accidents, and strange happenings have been linked to the curse of the mummy. It is believed that the emperor's spirit continues to guard his tomb, seeking vengeance on those who have desecrated his resting place. The curse of the mummy has captured the imagination of people worldwide, inspiring books, movies, and countless stories. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the arrogance and greed of humanity. The belief in curses and supernatural phenomena continues to intrigue and mystify, reminding us of the unknown and the power of ancient legends. In conclusion, the curse that plagues the mummy of the dragon emperor is a captivating and chilling tale. It reminds us of the consequences of disrespecting ancient burial sites and the power of supernatural forces. The legend continues to intrigue and fascinate, leaving us to wonder if there is truth behind the curse or if it is merely a product of our imaginations..
Reviews for "The curse of eternity: The tragic fate of the dragon emperor's mummy"
1. John123 - 1 star
The Curse that Plagues the Mummy of the Dragon Emperor was an absolute disappointment. The storyline lacked coherence and the acting was subpar at best. The action scenes were poorly choreographed and the CGI was evident, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, it felt like a hasty attempt to cash in on the success of the previous films in the franchise. Save yourself the time and skip this one.
2. Sarah89 - 2 stars
As a fan of the previous films in the series, I had high hopes for The Curse that Plagues the Mummy of the Dragon Emperor. Unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects. The chemistry between the characters felt forced and the dialogue was cheesy. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult to stay engaged. The film seemed to rely heavily on CGI which detracted from the overall experience. It's a shame to see such a promising franchise produce a lackluster installment. I wouldn't recommend it to dedicated fans or newcomers to the series alike.
3. MovieLover21 - 2 stars
The Curse that Plagues the Mummy of the Dragon Emperor was a letdown compared to its predecessors. The introduction of the Dragon Emperor felt forced and out of place in the storyline. The film lacked the adventurous and thrilling elements that made the previous movies enjoyable. The pacing was sluggish, leaving me bored throughout most of the runtime. The attempts at humor fell flat, making the film feel awkward and disjointed. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to continue the legacy of the series. I would advise fans of the franchise to proceed with caution.