Looking Through Gary Gilmore's Eyes
The newsletter for the Strangerous Channel
You’ve subscribed to The Strangerous newsletter!
Jason Murphy is a novelist, screenwriter, and content creator. And where he went, rest vanished, for the small hours were rent with the screams of nightmare.
It starts this weekend! The channel premiere of the Strangerous!
It starts THIS SATURDAY with the first Strangerous Salon, some fiction readings, and a live Strangerous podcast, streaming live on YOUTUBE.
Check out all of the details here!
This Week on The Strangerous Shorts
You can watch the latest The Strangerous Shorts on Instagram every day.
If you're loving the Strangerous, share us with your friends! See below for a link.
Below is this week’s most popular short Strangerous story. Check it out for more information on the Knights Templar!
Why is Friday the 13th Cursed?
Does anyone still think Friday the 13th is unlucky? I guess I shouldn’t ask. There are still pockets of profound superstition all around us.
The connection between the Knights Templar and Friday the 13th stems from the 13th of October 1307. On that Friday, King Philip IV of France, in collusion with Pope Clement V, ordered the simultaneous arrest of Templar members throughout France. This dark chapter in the Templar history marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to their suppression and eventual disbandment. It was basically Order 66.
The Templar Order, founded in the early 12th century, initially served to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over time, they accumulated vast wealth and power, amassing estates, treasure, and influence across Europe. Their rise to prominence, coupled with rumors of secret rituals and alleged heresy, drew the ire of both secular and religious authorities.
The Templars' dramatic fall from grace began with the mysterious, swift arrests on that fateful October day. Templar leaders and knights were accused of heresy, sodomy, and various other charges, often extracted through torture. Grand Master Jacques de Molay and his comrades faced harsh inquisitions and a public trial, which resulted in their confessions, coerced or not.
The eventual suppression of the Templar Order was sealed with the papal bull "Pastoralis Praeeminentiae," issued by Pope Clement V in 1312, effectively dissolving the order and condemning its members. Many Templars faced imprisonment, torture, and execution, while the order's assets were confiscated.
But why did this particular Friday become associated with bad luck?
1. **Historical Significance:** The events that unfolded on that day marked the tragic and unjust end of an order that had been an influential power for over a century. The abrupt and simultaneous nature of the arrests sent shockwaves throughout medieval Europe.
2. **The Unlucky Number:** The number 13 has long been considered an omen of misfortune, with roots tracing back to various superstitions. Some believe it is linked to the 13th guest at the Last Supper, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Additionally, some cultures consider 12 to be a symbol of completeness, making 13 seem irregular and therefore unlucky.
3. **The Friday Association:** Friday, the day traditionally associated with the crucifixion of Jesus and other ill-fated events in Christian tradition, further added to the superstition.
Over time, the intersection of the Templar order's arrest on Friday the 13th and the longstanding superstitions surrounding the number 13 and the day of the week created a potent blend of symbolism, solidifying the belief in the ominous nature of this date.
https://www.history.com/news/why-friday-the-13th-spelled-doom-for-the-knights-templar
https://www.history.com/news/knights-templar-downfall-confessions-torture
The legends of the Knights Templar are fertile ground for all manner of stories. It seems like the kind of tale Starz would turn into a 5 season series, with lots of sex and some really contemptible bad guys. I suppose this level of intrigue was commonplace for royalty in the 12th century, but this example seems to have all of the elements:
an organization of noble knights that maybe have let their oaths slip into something closer to organized crime.
Accusations of heresy and devil worship
A greedy and corrupt papacy
Or you could just go straight ‘monster movie’ with it and give us a 10-episode season based on TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD! This was my first exposure to the Knights Templar and may have colored my 10-year-old brain a bit.
What Do Dead People See?
Optography, a peculiar and somewhat eerie concept, has fascinated scientists, writers, and artists for centuries. It's the idea that the last images a person sees before death can be preserved on the retina of the eye.
Optography traces its origins to the early 19th century when the German physiologist Johann Purkinje first proposed the idea that the retina could capture and retain images. However, it was only in the mid-19th century that the concept gained widespread attention. In 1877, a German physiologist named Wilhelm Kühne conducted experiments that seemed to provide evidence for optography. Kühne claimed to have produced images from the retinas of rabbits that had been exposed to intense light.
Optography relies on the belief that when the retina is exposed to a sudden and intense source of light before death, it can retain a sort of "photographic memory." This memory, according to proponents of optography, can be retrieved and analyzed, offering a glimpse into the final visual experiences of the deceased.
The process of optography involves the following steps:
1. **Exposure to Intense Light:** The subject is exposed to an extremely bright and often blinding light source shortly before death.
2. **Retina Preservation:** Ideally, the retina should be preserved as soon as possible after death to prevent any degradation of the potential image.
3. **Image Retrieval:** Scientists attempt to retrieve and analyze the image captured on the retina using various methods, such as chemicals and advanced imaging techniques.
While optography has captured the imagination of many, it remains a controversial and unproven concept. Critics argue that the preservation of images on the retina is highly unlikely, given the intricate nature of the human eye and the limitations of our understanding of the process.
There have been numerous attempts to validate optography over the years, but no conclusive evidence has emerged. Modern science and technology have also cast doubts on the feasibility of optography, as it is challenging to retrieve any meaningful images from the retina.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optography
https://exploringyourmind.com/optography-the-macabre-19th-century-science/
Is there any more compelling bit of evidence in a story than an image taken from a victim’s actual eye? Lots of authors have used that element as a key point in their tale. Did the victim see their murderer? A clue that could help the investigators know where they died? Or did they see something much worse? Something unspeakable. Something from the other side, perhaps?
The first time I ever encountered optography was in the giallo film Four Flies on Grey Velvet. For those of you counting, that’s two things I first encountered in bad Italian horror. Is there anything Dario Argento can’t teach us?
Would You Be Buried In One of These?
In the heart of West Africa, Ghana is known not only for its vibrant culture and rich history but also for its unique and captivating tradition of fantasy coffins. These whimsical and artistic caskets, often shaped like animals, objects, or symbols, offer a distinct departure from the conventional, somber coffins found in most parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of fantasy coffins in Ghana and delve into the cultural significance and craftsmanship behind these remarkable creations.
In Ghana, death is not solely a time of mourning but also an occasion for celebration and remembrance. The Akan people of Ghana, among others, believe that life continues after death, and the transition from this world to the afterlife is an important journey. Fantasy coffins play a vital role in this belief system, as they are designed to reflect the life, profession, or interests of the deceased, ensuring a joyful and memorable send-off.
The creation of fantasy coffins is a labor-intensive process that requires exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Skilled artisans, often referred to as "Paa Joe" carpenters, are responsible for constructing these unique caskets. The designs can vary widely, with some coffins taking the form of animals, such as lions or fish, while others resemble everyday objects like cars, airplanes, or even bottles of beer.
To create these elaborate coffins, the artisans employ a variety of materials, including wood, paint, and metal. They start with a wooden frame and carefully sculpt the coffin's shape and features, ensuring it closely resembles the intended object or animal. Once the sculpting is complete, the coffins are painted in vibrant and eye-catching colors, often adorned with intricate designs and patterns. The final result is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that perfectly represents the individual being laid to rest.
The fantasy coffin tradition in Ghana not only celebrates the life of the deceased but also signifies the importance of community and continuity. These coffins embody the belief that the departed soul will continue its journey in the afterlife and that their passions and interests will accompany them. It is a powerful and positive way to honor the person who has passed away and maintain a connection with their memory.
https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/funerals/ghana-fantasy-coffins.htm
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2021/01/fantasy-coffin-designers-accra
https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/29/africa/ghana-fantasy-coffin/index.html
Funerals suck. I don’t like attending them. But maybe if there was a bad ass coffin reveal during a funeral, it would be more exciting. Think about it. Everyone is in black. It’s quiet. There’s a lot of sniffling and clutching at loved ones.
But then the curtain is pulled back to reveal your cousin Darren’s coffin - it’s a very detailed and film-accurate 1970 Plymouth Road Runner with Vin Diesel behind the wheel. That’s right. It’s Dom’s car from Tokyo Drift.
Now it’s a party.
Just Do It
Released from prison on parole in 1976, it seemed that Gary Gilmore was intent on resuming his life of crime. He embarked on a series of audacious robberies, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the cold-blooded murders of two innocent men.
What makes this case particularly eerie is its inexplicable connection to the supernatural – a homemade Ouija board. Prior to his deadly rampage, Gilmore had developed an obsession with the occult and was known to dabble in bizarre rituals. He reportedly used a homemade Ouija board to communicate with the spirit world, seeking guidance and answers to the turmoil in his life. According to reports, the Ouija board played a pivotal role in his decision to commit the murders, as he believed it was instructing him to end his suffering and expedite his own execution.
Gary Gilmore's trial and subsequent execution became a national spectacle, reigniting the fervent debate surrounding the death penalty in the United States. His adamant demand for execution – "I'd prefer to be shot" – was a chilling twist in a case that had already sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Shortly before his execution, Gilmore famously uttered the phrase, "Let's do it," when asked if he had any last words. Little did he know that these words would later inspire one of the most iconic slogans in advertising history, "Just Do It," used by the sportswear giant, Nike. The brand capitalized on the chilling simplicity of Gilmore's final statement, turning it into a mantra that would resonate with athletes and individuals worldwide.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Gilmore
https://www.rd.com/article/nike-just-do-it-origin/
https://www.rd.com/list/chilling-crimes-involving-ouija-boards/
https://www.grunge.com/1068386/crimes-people-blamed-on-ouija-boards/
I didn’t see Air. It’s the story of how Nike took a risk, made the Air Jordan, and became a juggernaut in tennis shoe sales. I’d rather see this story. I don’t mean a biography of Gary Gilmore or anything about his murders. I want to see the story of the marketing executive who knowingly co-opted Gary Gilmore’s last words. How long did he keep it secret? Did his bosses find out after the campaign was a colossal success?
“Ummm. Jim? Could you please come to my office? Right-the-fuck-now?”
Support The Strangerous
Want to help support the channel and see us grow?
Follow! Share! Comment! Link! Save! Subscribe! Get Notifications! It really helps and we appreciate it so, so much.
You can share our posts and reels on Instagram, share our YouTube videos and playlists, and share this newsletter.
Even More Strange and Dangerous!
Thanks for reading our online newsletter! Here’s just a bit of our favorite things we’ve found lately.
Here’s how I first learned about optography? Are you a giallo fan? Have any favorites to recommend?
And here’s a song inspired by Gary Gilmore. You see, when Gary was executed by firing squad, his body was donated to science. His corneas immediately found a recipient. This song is a morbid melody about that donation.
If you’ve got any strange or dangerous stories to share, or anything you want to hear about, let me know! See you next week!