Patricia Furstenberg, Author of Dreamland and Other Books
Travel Through Books
Step gently into this literary sanctuary’s dimly lit chambers, for I, your humble guide and storyteller, have a proposition that I hope will enthrall you. We’ll travel through a realm where the living and the spectral dance together in original narratives, creating an atmosphere that will send a delightful shiver down your spine.
Our main destination is Transylvania’s heart, a place where legends come to life in layered storytelling that carries a strong sense of place, all ready to read.
As we travel through this misty terrain, I will conjure tales of restless spirits, time-worn curses, and entities that defy the natural order, all while weaving meaningful tales that resonate with the very essence of Transylvania.
“Halloween & Scary Stories” is my invitation to you, dear Reader, immerse yourself in an era when superstition reigned supreme and the unexplained was an integral part of daily life, from the mournful howls of wolves echoing through the Carpathian Mountains to the enigmatic castles concealing secrets within their ancient stone walls. And even further.
So, if you dare to embrace the mystery and seek atmospheric tales to haunt your dreams, please join me in this quiet but enticing endeavor. While we’ll delve into the mystical and layered storytelling of Transylvania’s most fantastical legends, where every rustling leaf and creaking door has the power to send shivers down your spine, at times we will time travel to other mystical realms.
I, your storyteller, am eager to share these enthralling tales, because Halloween and the scary stories last forever in this category, and the narratives are endless.
Thank you for joining me.
Patricia Furstenberg
Legends are born from half-whispered truths and Sibiu’s enigmatic roof windows, like half-open eyes, made me wonder if they can provide a look into the past or if they hide ghosts, watching us.
Continue reading “Sibiu’s Enigmatic Roof Eyes, a Look Into the Past or Ghosts Watching Us”
There are numerous historical stories associated with Sibiu, Transylvania, but the assassination of dark Mihnea Vodă cel Rău, son of Vlad the Impaler, by a boyar, with the dagger, in the church square stands out.
Continue reading “The Boyar, with the Dagger, in a Square of Sibiu, or the Assassination of Mihnea cel Rău”
Join me in climbing the seven floors of medieval Council Tower of bewitching Sibiu, located in the heart of Transylvania. We’ll squeeze our shoulders and bow to history as we’ll make our way up, up, up, but slowly, along a narrow spiraling stone staircase. We’ll pause to gather our wits and breath deeply before climbing further up on the suspended wooden stairs, all the way to the top!
Continue reading “Being Bold, Climbing A Rare Medieval Council Tower, Bewitching Sibiu”
You can now listen to my short story Pure at Heart on the Story Radio Podcast, UK.
Read by my daughter, Lysandra Furstenberg. 🙂
The story was produced by Tabitha Potts.
When word of a mystical creature spreads around the village, all stay away from the woods. All, but a young girl. Will she be able to fulfill the prophecy and set the mysterious creature, friend or witch, free? Or will she fall under its spell too?
Continue reading “Pure at Heart on Story Radio, Listen Now”
Today we unveil the shadows of the past, taking a historical journey into Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in spellbinding Transylvania. I am taking this trip to understand the main character of the book series I write.
I’ll attempt to shed a light on the ancient pagan traditions of Transylvania, Romania, its rich folklore and supernatural practices. I’ll take a peek at the local cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft, at the witchcraft hysteria that seized Europe and choked Transylvania too, followed by witchcraft persecution and witch-hunting methods, as well as the impact that witch-hunting had on communities. I’ll touch on notable witch trials in Transylvania, and – how else – look into local witch legends and stories.
Continue reading “Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting in Transylvania, a Historical Journey”