Medieval — Plague Doctor

Therapeutic Phlebotomy Or Bloodletting Has A Medieval History

Many people are fascinated with medieval medical procedures and want to know how people survived them. So, let’s explore the history of bloodletting.

The Overall Humourism Meaning Of Bloodletting

Bloodletting, or by its otherwise name, therapeutic phlebotomy, consists of the withdrawal of blood from a human body or patient. Back then, people believed that it would cure and prevent diseases. The classical way to eject blood from the body was either accomplished by the physician of the time or leeches. 

But what do I mean by humourism? Well, in Ancient Greece and Rome, philosophers and physicians adopted what they would call “humourism” as a system of medicine to describe the workings of the human body. Is your head spinning around like Regan in The Exorcist yet?

Continue reading “Therapeutic Phlebotomy Or Bloodletting Has A Medieval History”
Vlad the Impaler Artwork

The History Of Impalement: A Method Of Torture From Ancient To Reformation Times

When we think about impalement, we don’t necessarily associate it with bodies, or do we? Because of Vlad the Impaler, we know that at least one person used it obsessively, but what if I told you it is much older than Vlad?

How Old Is The Practice Of Impalement?

The history of impalement is torturous. It is an excruciating and irreversible method of execution. The classical practice consists of the penetration of a human body through a bottom orifice by an inanimate object such as a stake, pole, spear, or hook. The completion of the torture follows with the perforation at the other end of the object through the torso.

Impalement was often the sentence for crimes against the ‘state’ throughout numerous civilizations. It was a capital punishment reserved for horrid crimes of the time or era. However, death through impalement, due to its horrifying scenery, was also employed to implement fear and suppress the desire for rebellion against a leader.

Continue reading “The History Of Impalement: A Method Of Torture From Ancient To Reformation Times”
PARAPHILIA - SEXUALITY

Do You Have Paraphilias, And Don’t Know It?

The word paraphilia has quite a history in itself. A lot of people associate it with dark and murderous sexual behaviours. However, paraphilias are much more complex than that. Let’s dive into the complexity of the word!

The Overall Generalization Of Paraphilias

People automatically associate paraphilias with sexual depravity, often leading to criminal acts. However, that isn’t the case, and more precisely, one is not exclusive to the other. We owe this misconception to centuries of shaming sexuality, religion, and close-minded doctors and pharmacists.

We are aware that medical procedures have to start somewhere and that it is understandable mistakes would occur. Like many other fields, medicine depends on learning and experimenting. However, some of the worst horror stories of learning come from psychiatry. 

Continue reading “Do You Have Paraphilias, And Don’t Know It?”
Medieval — Plague Doctor

The Psychological Profile Behind A Narcopathic Individual

We know about narcissists, and we know about psychopaths. But what happens when both meet and merge together? We have one of the most terrifying psychological possibilities. It becomes a basic recipe for a supervillain!

What Is The Definition Of A Narcopathic Person?

To be a narcopathic person isn’t simple and doesn’t come quickly, either. In today’s age and era, it is simple to jump online and look at someone’s definition of a word and say, “Yes, I have that, too!” However, people should understand that psychology is a complex, lengthy, and severe field of study.

When going on a medical website to help ourselves find some answers to questions tormenting our minds, we must remember that they are broad terms. It is helpful to bring ideas to your doctor or therapist and ask about what you found and if they should consider examining you for it, even psychological findings. But don’t believe because you watch Dr. Phil that you are a certified psychiatrist!

Continue reading “The Psychological Profile Behind A Narcopathic Individual”
Microphone

Did The Devil Really Lost A Fiddle Contest In Georgia?

There are many songs and genres claiming to belong to the devil. However, there’s only one song challenging the devil to a fiddle competition! What is it about this song that we enjoy so much?

Rest In Peace And Eternally Rest

Biters, I want to start this article on a rather serious note. March is now a rather big month in my home. A year ago, on March 8th, we lost my stepfather. He introduced me to the song I’m reviewing this month, so with that in mind, Rick, in memoriam, this article is for you.

Continue reading “Did The Devil Really Lost A Fiddle Contest In Georgia?”
Antique Film

Get A Three For One In This Movie Review Article!

Here are three movie reviews for Silent Night, Thanksgiving, and Godzilla Minus One by Danny Micheal Vaillancourt who watched them carefully and gives us his thoughts on those horror screenings!

Malevolence. Murder. Monsters. Oh My.

Here are three chosen movie reviews of what’s currently playing in theatres, from slashers to revenge stories to kaiju monsters. 

Continue reading “Get A Three For One In This Movie Review Article!”
Fire

The Mysterious Unsolved Case Of The Sodder Children

There are many unsolved mysteries when it comes to families and individuals that none of us will ever find the answers to. So, here is one of those incredible unsolved mystery of a family from West Virginia in 1945.

The Book of Cold Cases

I recently read a book by Simone St. James called The Book of Cold Cases. It talked about an unsolved murder of two men and a website that the main character ran all about those cold cases, also known as unsolved murders.

We can all think of some cases relevant to the JonBenét Ramsey case. There’s also the Madeline McCann abduction, and a bit closer to home in New Zealand is the case of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, who vanished on New Year’s Eve in 1998, never to be seen again.

Continue reading “The Mysterious Unsolved Case Of The Sodder Children”
Microphone

GBM Interviews Author David Wilson

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome David Wilson.

Patient Name: David Wilson

Thank you for this opportunity! My name is David Wilson, and I was born in Bangor, Maine, a city known for a much more famous horror genre author. I’ve lived in Maine my entire life. 

As a kid, I was hooked on horror movies, especially the classics and anything specifically from George Romero, Sam Raimi, or Lucio Fulci. I also enjoyed the old stuff starring such greats as Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, and Boris Karloff. I was also an avid collector of comics, including the scary stuff.

Continue reading “GBM Interviews Author David Wilson”
Paraphilia - Sexuality

Are The Masochism and Sadomasochism Paraphilia Disorders?

What is it about pain that arouses you the most, giving it or receiving it? Masochism is a word we often read but use in sarcastic situations. We also associate them with BDSM, but are we wrong?

But First: What is A Paraphilia

While the word ‘paraphilia’ is often linked to darker tones of sexuality, there is more to it than meets the eye. In reality, the etymology of the word ‘paraphilia’ comes from ancient Greek, meaning ‘para-beside’ and ‘philia-friendship or love.’ We’re far from the standard kinky sexual fantasies definition we associate with it!

Paraphilia is a term that goes back to the very beginning of 1900. It first described people with atypical social behaviour encompassing sexual interests. Keep in mind that those who judged a person’s normality were those who followed what society dictated as ‘normal.’ We’re talking plain sexual positions, nothing in terms of interactions, in a bedroom at night type of setting. Anything to put people in boxes.

Continue reading “Are The Masochism and Sadomasochism Paraphilia Disorders?”

Did You Know That Vlad The Impaler, Cried Tears Of Blood?

Many things are said about the Prince of Wallachia, known as Vlad the Impaler. He was the guy who impaled people. He is the vampire Count Dracula. But have you heard of him crying blood tears?

What Do We Know About Vlad The Impaler?

Vlad the Impaler lived in the 1400s or close to the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance era. Romania was separated into three principalities: Wallachia, Transylvania and Moldavia. He was the middle child of a family of three sons. His mother was a noblewoman, while his father was Vlad Dracul II, Prince of Wallachia.

Vlad Dracula was a Christian-Orthodox, as was Wallachia, placed between the Roman Catholic Empire and the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Due to political and religious conflict, Wallachia was a vassal state rather than a country in its own right. When Vlad Dracula took over the throne, he put Wallachia on the map and grew its legend.

Continue reading “Did You Know That Vlad The Impaler, Cried Tears Of Blood?”
Gothic Book - Witchcraft - Earth

Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue: A Review And Overall Thoughts

As an obsessive fan of Vlad Dracula, I find myself often buying books about his life, whether it is historical fiction or purely history. So, here’s my review of the book Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue.

Official Summary of Vlad Dragwlya

Here begins a very cruel frightening story about a wild bloodthirsty man Prince Dragwlya… The war-torn principality of Wallachia is a perilous fulcrum, one of the few geographical boundaries that hinders the Ottoman Empire’s march across Europe. 

There are those who would gladly bow to the demands of the Turkish if it meant the procurement of their lands and wealth. There are others who would defy the sultans with every last breath. Prince Vlad III, Dragwlya, is of the latter ilk. Eastern Europe is decidedly Machiavellian, and Dragwlya is the epitome of the doctrine. 

Continue reading “Vlad Dragwlya by Timothy E. Rodrigue: A Review And Overall Thoughts”
Romania - Knighthood

Before Vlad The Impaler There Was His Brother Mircea II 

As a medievalist enthusiast and a Vlad the Impaler fan, I learn daily about his life. One brother of his with a horror story is Mircea II of Wallachia.

Why Is Mircea Important To Vlad’s Story

When I hurt my back last week, I was glued to the bed with limited motion. I couldn’t do much, so I decided it was time to read. I was an avid reader from when I learned to read to my twenties. I can’t recall why I stopped.

I discovered Vlad when I was a tween but only started learning about his life as a teenager. My love for the paranormal and folklore won over me, and I wanted to know who the man behind Dracula from Bram Stoker was.

Continue reading “Before Vlad The Impaler There Was His Brother Mircea II “
Gothic Book - Witchcraft - Earth

Vlad, The Last Confession Is A Historical Fiction Retelling Of A Hero

There are many novels out there, but there is so little time. When I hurt my back and found myself glued to my bed, here is what I read, Vlad, The Last Confession, by C.C. Humphreys and here is my review.

Vlad, The Last Confession – The Official Summary

A superb gothic novel about the real Dracula, Vlad the Impaler – one of history’s greatest psychopaths or a hero of the West? Perhaps both…

‘A chilling masterpiece that weaves fact and fable. Bedtime reading? Only if you don’t need much sleep…’ 

BEST DRACULA. A name of horror, depravity and the darkest sensuality.

Continue reading “Vlad, The Last Confession Is A Historical Fiction Retelling Of A Hero”
Hospital - Horror

What Is The Most Haunted Place in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a country on Earth that is sometimes missing on our world maps and is home to the Hobbits. But they are wonderful people with much history to offer. Lucky us, we have our own kiwi, Paula, to talk to us about NZ’s most haunted place!

What Is It About New Zealand?

Growing up in New Zealand, a small country, many things started happening civilisation-wise in the late 1800s and early 1900s. We have a different history than other countries around the world. 

In saying that, though, we have a few exciting spots around New Zealand worth visiting, including the former Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, considered the most haunted place in New Zealand.

Continue reading “What Is The Most Haunted Place in New Zealand?”
Fairy - Dragonfly - Gothic - Victorian

The Strange And Magickal Origin Of Fays

When thinking about fairies, we often lean toward the little, tiny female entities with charming laughs and small dragonfly types of wings. But what is a fairy, really?

What does Fay Mean And Where Does It Come From?

The word fay saw the light of day in the early Dark Ages. Its spelling varies from fae, fay, fey, and fairy, which all mean the same. We can also see lesser-known variations such as faerie, fairie, fayrye, and feirie.

However, the spelling faerie, adopted in Middle English, later became the word fairy. The word means “enchanted” or anything related to charm. The word itself, borrowed from Old French faerie, came from the same meaning, “realm of the fays.”

Continue reading “The Strange And Magickal Origin Of Fays”
Microphone

GBM Interviews Author Ariel Dawn

At Gothic Bite Magazine we love welcoming new patients to become part of our asylum. We question them and learn about them. It doesn’t matter what creative field they are part of because they’re our patient now. This week, we welcome Ariel Dawn.

Patient Name: Ariel Dawn

Hi! I’m Ariel Dawn! I’m a real-life mermaid. Seriously, ask me about my mermaid tail, cosplayer, fangirl, PA and author!

I grew up as an avid reader and a creative soul. I write primarily plot-driven paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and reverse harem, but I also write in many other genres, including contemporary romance and sci-fi romance.

Continue reading “GBM Interviews Author Ariel Dawn”
Witchcraft - Altar - Pagan - Tarot

What Is The History Of Cartomancy, And Is Tarot French?

There are many reasons why someone could get enthusiastic about fortune-telling, but what if the reader is the one who finds an obsession with the process? This little OCD Vampire is intrigued by cartomancy and what it means!

What Is Cartomancy And What Does It Really Do?

Cartomancy refers to the divination method of fortune-telling. When the deck of cards started appearing in Europe in the fourteenth century, the practice of cartomancy appeared as it required a deck of cards to proceed. This type of divination is called cartomancers, card readers or readers.

When cartomancy started, the reading would occur with a deck of regular cards called a French-suited playing card deck. It was the most popular way of reading through cards from the Victorian era to the Belle Époque.

Continue reading “What Is The History Of Cartomancy, And Is Tarot French?”
Gothic Book - Witchcraft - Earth

Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope by Brad Weismann Reviewed

Gothic Bite Magazine is home to the Phantom Paragrapher book reviewer also known as Paula Phillips from New Zealand and here is her Gothic review of the Horror Unmasked novel by Brad Weismann.

Official Summary Of Horror Unmasked

From the silent-film era to the blockbusters of today, Horror Unmasked is a fun-filled, highly illustrated dive into the past influences and present popularity of the horror film genre.

The horror film’s pop-culture importance is undeniable, from its early influences to today’s most significant and exciting developments in the genre.

Continue reading “Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope by Brad Weismann Reviewed”
Witchcraft - Pagan - Altar

What Is Wicca And What Does It Mean To Be A Wiccan

We often hear the word Wicca and directly associate it with witchcraft. But what is Wicca aside from that? Wicca is the only religion found to be witchcraft, and that sets it apart. Kasey Hill is here to explain more about Wicca!

Paganism Versus Wicca

Paganism is a nature worship-based religion offset from the traditional worldly religions rooted in patriarchal fundamentals.

One of the significant precepts for this religion is the belief in not just a single God but in a multitude of gods and goddesses depicted in history through mythological texts and oral stories.

Continue reading “What Is Wicca And What Does It Mean To Be A Wiccan”
England - Stonehenge - Paganism - Celtic - Druidism

The Secret Knowledge Of The Age Of Druidism

In the writing world, we often use folklore and legends. But Druids are not part of the usual characters in novels. Their secrecy might be to blame.

Why Did I Fall Into The Rabbit Hole Of Druidism

Upon research as a medievalist enthusiast, looking for various types of witches, the word Druid popped into my head. Many associate druids with fantasy or games such as Magic The Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons. But there is much more to them.

Druids are not as known as other Celtic folkloric people, such as Leprechauns, Faeries, Elves, and Trolls, to only name a few. The influence of the Celtic culture in fantasy literature is significant and provides solid roots. But druids are different.

Continue reading “The Secret Knowledge Of The Age Of Druidism”