The Talisman is a novel written by Stephen King and Peter Straub. It was first published in 1984 and has since become a cult classic in the horror genre. The story follows a young boy named Jack Sawyer who embarks on a journey to save his mother's life. Jack discovers that he possesses a special ability called "flipping," which allows him to travel between parallel worlds. In order to find a cure for his mother's illness, Jack must venture into the Territories, a dangerous and fantastical world filled with magic and monsters. Throughout his journey, Jack encounters various characters, both allies and enemies.

Voodoo Dolls

Voodoo Dolls are a type of sympathetic magic that uses a doll in the image of an intended victim to place a curse, usually in the form of sticking needles into the doll to cause pain to the victim : despite its name the practice is more in line with Hoodoo, which is often confused with Voodoo due to sharing similar origins and beliefs.

The form of the voodoo doll as it is most commonly understood is based on a magical practice that historically derived from Europe rather than Africa or the Americas. Textual records attest to the fact that certain cunning folk in Britain made dolls of a witch out of rags and other materials and then pierced them with pins with the intention of inflicting physical harm on the witch and breaking their bewitchment.

The link between this magical practice and Voodoo was established through the presentation of the latter in Western popular culture during the first half of the 20th century. In this, the myth of this magical practice being closely linked to Voodoo and Vodou was promoted as part of the wider negative depictions of Afro-American people as well as Africans and Afro-Caribbean religious practices in the United States.

In the 1984 film, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, a voodoo doll is used, resembling Indiana Jones.

By the early 21st century, the image of the voodoo doll had become particularly pervasive. It had become a novelty item available for purchase, with examples being provided in vending machines in British shopping centers, and an article on "How to Make a Voodoo Doll" being included on WikiHow.

Due to Voodoo being immensely popular in media (often, as mentioned, confused with Hoodoo) the Voodoo Doll has become one of the most widely used items of black magic in fiction - to the point of becoming one of the first things many people think of when the word "Voodoo" is mentioned.

Throughout his journey, Jack encounters various characters, both allies and enemies. One of his allies is Wolf, a werewolf who becomes Jack's friend and protector. Together, they face numerous challenges and dangers as they navigate through different realities.

Popular Culture

• In John Houston Craige's Black Baghdad: The Arabian Nights Adventures of a Marine Captain in Haiti, he described a Haitian prisoner sticking pins into an effigy to induce illness.
• The also appeared in film representations of Haitian Vodou such as Victor Halperin's 1932 Pre-Code horror film White Zombie and Jacques Tourneurs' 1943 horror movie I Walked with a Zombie.
• In the 1975 film Lisztomania, a voodoo doll resembling Franz Liszt is used.
• In the 1988 supernatural slasher movie Child's Play, the serial killer Charles Lee Ray|Chucky used a voodoo doll resembling his former Voodoo instructor John Aelsop Bishop (also known as Doctor Death) and brutally utilized the man's "personal mojo" against him after he refuses to help due to Chucky as an abominable outrage against nature for evil deeds and his murderous abuse of voodoo magic.
• A voodoo doll had also been included in the 2009 animated Disney movie The Princess and the Frog.

What is a Voodoo Doll?

A Voodoo doll is a symbolic effigy linked to Voodoo practice, often misunderstood due to sensationalized myths. It's used in rituals, believed to affect another person's physical or spiritual being. Intriguingly, its true purpose is more nuanced, serving as a conduit for healing and positive intentions. How might these dolls reshape your understanding of ancient traditions? Join us to uncover their mysteries.

Voodoo dolls are an often misunderstood tradition associated with the Voodoo religion and forms of Hoodoo magic. They are popularly portrayed as revenge items, used to cause pain to an enemy. Instead of stemming from the traditional Voodoo rituals as found in Haiti and nearby areas, the dolls originated in part from the New Orleans, Louisiana area in the early 20th century.

In fictional portrayals, a Voodoo doll is used to curse an enemy. According to popular fictional lore, wherever someone pokes the doll with a pin or needle, the focus object will feel pain or have an illness. For the most part, these portrayals are misconstrued or completely invented.

Many cultures use dolls as a focusing point for spells and blessings, but the use of revenge dolls did not come from Voodoo. Medieval European folk magic involved the use of poppets, effigies of specific people, that were used to place curses. Some Western African religious practices also used similar devices called nkisi. It's possible that the misconceptions about the origin of the dolls comes from the Haitian Voodoo practice of nailing puppets to trees in graveyards. Rather than being used as a curse, however, these dolls were meant to be messengers to the spirit world, to contact dead loved ones.

The doll is not used in Voodoo practices in Haiti, but rather as part of the complicated melting pot of traditions in New Orleans and the Louisiana delta areas. The Louisiana Voodoo practices combine the spiritual elements of the Haitian religion with the magical beliefs of Southern United States hoodoo. In the first decades of the 20th century, Voodoo dolls are believed to have been used to cause sympathetic magic on the desired recipient, sometimes in painful ways. The use of pins was not meant to cause pain in a particular area of the real person, but rather to reinforce the spell being cast.

Modern dolls are still sold as focal points for spells, but usually with the intention of creating positive effects. Many have specific concentration points for wealth, love and financial success. To use the doll, a person must call upon the powers of the Loa, spiritual beings somewhat similar to saints in Catholic practices. Spells cast are meant to be spells of love or blessings, rather than revenge or pain.

Voodoo dolls are often sold as gag gifts and novelty items. Boyfriend/girlfriend dolls, boss dolls, and even Osama Bin Laden dolls are meant as harmless joke gifts rather than spell-casting items. Even virtual ones are available to enact revenge by computer. These items are meant to be amusing and often succeed, but they undeniably promote misconceptions about Voodoo practices that are offensive to some.

Traditional dolls are available for purchase from Louisiana-based websites and stores. Many of these claim to be blessed by local Voodoo priests, and are made from traditional materials. Some kits include instructions for correct blessings and rituals to enact good health, wealth, or success in ventures.

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

The Untold Truth Of Voodoo Dolls

Voodoo dolls can be found in virtually every open market and tourist shop across New Orleans and beyond. Their appeal as decorations is even more widespread — they dangle off zippers on backpacks, they sit on shelves, they imbue any given room with an aura of darkness and power.

The voodoo doll has a pretty well-established image in popular culture. It's a small figure that very loosely resembles the intended target — the person the voodoo doll is meant to curse. The bearer of the doll inflicts all sorts of tortures on the little figure, and those tortures are enacted on the target as an act of revenge, or just general cruelty. Pushing pins through the doll is most common, but you could also set it on fire, rip it apart, or damage it in any number of other creative ways.

All of that is dead wrong. Hypothetically, if you want to use them that way, you could give it a shot (though you should probably try counseling too). But that's not what voodoo dolls are intended for at all. According to Live Science, it's just one of the many misunderstood parts of the voodoo faith, alongside animal sacrifice and zombies — one of many misconceptions that have stolen the spotlight from what the followers of voodoo actually believe and practice.

What Hollywood has made of voodoo dolls has little in common with their actual history and use. Let's dig into the untold truth of what voodoo dolls really are.

Jack also meets Morgan Sloat, a corrupt businessman who wants to use Jack's powers for his own selfish gain. Morgan becomes one of the story's main antagonists, constantly trying to thwart Jack's progress. As Jack continues his quest, he discovers that his fate is intertwined with that of another boy named Parkus, who exists in both Jack's world and the Territories. The two boys are "twinned," meaning that they share a bond that goes beyond their physical similarities. This connection becomes crucial to the story's resolution, as Jack and Parkus work together to overcome their obstacles and ensure their survival. The Talisman is a blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure, showcasing the talents of both Stephen King and Peter Straub. The novel explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the power of determination. It also delves into the idea of parallel universes and the potential for multiple realities to coexist. Overall, The Talisman is a gripping and suspenseful read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Jack's thrilling quest. With its memorable characters, richly imagined worlds, and intricate plot, the novel has earned its status as a beloved classic in the horror genre. Whether you're a fan of Stephen King, Peter Straub, or simply enjoy a good supernatural adventure, The Talisman is a must-read..

Reviews for "The Dark Side of Childhood: Themes in 'The Talisman' by Peter Straub"

1. Mary - 2 stars: I found "The Talisman" by Peter Straub to be quite disappointing. The story seemed to drag on and lack any real excitement. The characters were flat and uninteresting, making it hard to relate to or care about their journey. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow the plot. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unengaged throughout the book.

2. John - 1 star: "The Talisman" was one of the worst books I've ever read. The plot was convoluted and seemed to go nowhere, making it hard to stay invested in the story. The main character was annoying and I couldn't connect with him at all. The writing was over-detailed and dragged down the pace of the narrative. Overall, this book was a complete waste of my time and I would not recommend it to anyone.

3. Sarah - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "The Talisman" but was ultimately let down. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was slow and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The supernatural elements introduced felt forced and didn't add much to the overall plot. The writing style was also quite dry and lacked any real depth. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not read another book by Peter Straub in the future.

4. Michael - 3 stars: "The Talisman" wasn't terrible, but it definitely fell short of my expectations. The concept was intriguing, but the execution left much to be desired. The story felt repetitive at times, with the characters going through the same obstacles over and over again. The writing was decent, but it wasn't enough to make up for the lackluster plot. Overall, I was left feeling somewhat disappointed with this book.

5. Emily - 2 stars: I was excited to read "The Talisman" based on the promising premise, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow, making it hard to stay engaged in the story. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, which made it difficult for me to care about their journey. The writing style was average at best, and I struggled to connect with the overall narrative. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied with "The Talisman" and would not recommend it.

The Talisman: A Gripping Blend of Horror and Fantasy by Peter Straub