Secret Pagan Cults of Britain: Cornwall's Unexplained Phenomena and Supernatural Encounters
Join us for another captivating episode of Mysterious Universe as we delve into the enigmatic corners of Cornwall, a region rich with paranormal phenomena and unexplained mysteries. In this installment, we explore everything from the legendary Owlman sightings to the peculiar time anomalies reported near Zennor, drawing connections between military encounters and supernatural experiences.
The episode also examines the fascinating history of local cults and their connection to unexplained aerial phenomena, including reports of a phantom pilot whose appearances have baffled investigators for decades. We'll take you through some of Britain's most closely guarded secrets and explore the parallels with similar phenomena at locations like Houska Castle.
Key Takeaways
Cornwall harbors numerous unexplained phenomena including mysterious creature sightings and temporal anomalies.
Military personnel have documented strange encounters that connect to local folklore and paranormal reports.
Certain geographic locations appear to serve as hotspots for supernatural activity with consistent patterns across different time periods.
Mysterious Universe Season 31, Episode 15
The latest episode of Mysterious Universe delves into the enigmatic world of occult practices in Cornwall, UK. The hosts explore a fascinating thread from 2011 about a potential secret cult operating in this southwestern peninsula of Britain. The discussion centers on a home video showing what appears to be an occult ritual, which subsequently led to strange occurrences for the original poster.
Cornwall has a rich history of paranormal phenomena. The hosts reference the infamous Owlman of Cornwall, a moth-like humanoid creature with glowing red eyes reported near a local church. This entity, documented by researcher John DS, was witnessed by multiple people and shares similarities with the American Mothman.
The investigation into Cornwall's mysteries revealed an intriguing artist from a Romani family who claimed to possess time-traveling abilities through special portals in the region. These claims connect to broader patterns of high strangeness documented throughout Cornwall's history.
The episode also covers "Haunted War Tales" by RC Bramhall, a collection of military encounters with the paranormal. Veterans have shared experiences ranging from phantom aircraft to bizarre encounters in combat zones. The book includes disturbing accounts from trench warfare, including soldiers encountering abnormally large rats—some reportedly the size of cats—feeding on battlefield remains.
Particularly noteworthy is the discussion of Husa Castle in the former Czechoslovakia. Unlike typical medieval fortifications designed to keep enemies out, this remote castle was allegedly constructed to contain something sinister beneath it. The fortress wasn't built near trade routes or thoroughfares, raising questions about its true purpose as a containment structure for potentially demonic forces.
Hosts and Synchronization
Benjamin Grundy and Aaron regularly demonstrate remarkable synchronicity during their paranormal discussions on Mysterious Universe. Their shared interests and timing often align perfectly, as they joke about their "paranormal periods" being completely in sync. This natural rapport enhances their exploration of unusual phenomena and conspiracy theories.
The hosts maintain a complementary relationship when selecting content for their show. They frequently check with each other to avoid duplicating material, as demonstrated when Aaron messaged Benjamin about covering a particular book to ensure they weren't both preparing the same content. This coordination allows them to cover more diverse topics.
Their content-finding methods often involve browsing specialized forums and websites. Benjamin mentions discovering an intriguing thread on Above Top Secret, a platform that once focused on UFOs and alien conspiracies but has since shifted toward political content. Both hosts express frustration with this trend, noting how politics has "polluted everything."
The duo's approach involves diving deep into rabbit holes of strange phenomena. They typically start with seemingly minor stories that expand into larger investigations. Their research methodology includes broadening searches and connecting related phenomena across different sources and time periods.
Both hosts maintain a balance between skepticism and openness to paranormal possibilities, often using humor to navigate particularly outlandish claims. Their banter includes playful references to "taking meds" versus exploring bizarre conspiracy theories, illustrating their self-aware approach to investigating the unexplained.
Cults of Cornwall
Cornwall, the most southerly tip of Britain, harbors many mysterious tales and legends. This coastal region has a long history of occult activity and unexplained phenomena that continues to intrigue paranormal enthusiasts to this day.
One such mystery emerged in 2011 when reports surfaced about a secretive cult operating in the region. Local residents spoke of a disturbing home video that circulated among certain circles, allegedly showing occult rituals taking place in remote Cornish locations. Those who viewed the footage often reported strange occurrences afterward, suggesting possible supernatural consequences.
This underground cult activity connects to Cornwall's rich history of unusual phenomena. The region is also famous for the "Owlman" sightings, documented by researcher John DS. This creature, often compared to America's Mothman, was described as a humanoid owl-like entity with glowing red eyes spotted near Cornish churches by multiple witnesses.
The landscape itself may contribute to Cornwall's mysterious reputation. Local folklore speaks of special locations throughout the peninsula that serve as portals or gateways. One particularly interesting account comes from a local artist with gypsy heritage who claimed the ability to travel through time using specific Cornish locations as doorways to other periods.
Husa Castle, while not in Cornwall but in the former Czechoslovakia, shares similar occult connections. Unlike traditional fortresses designed to keep enemies out, this medieval structure was reportedly built to contain something within—possibly an entity emerging from below. This architectural anomaly parallels some of the containment-focused structures found in certain Cornish locations.
Cornwall's isolation on Britain's southwestern peninsula may explain why unusual beliefs and practices have flourished there. Cut off from mainstream influences, local traditions and secret societies could develop undisturbed for generations, creating a unique cultural landscape where the paranormal and occult found fertile ground.
The Mystery of the Ethereal Aviator
Ghostly War Accounts
During conflicts throughout history, soldiers have reported strange encounters that defy logical explanation. In the midst of chaos and trauma, military personnel have witnessed apparitions, unexplainable phenomena, and entities that seem to exist between worlds. These accounts often emerge from the trenches of battle, where the line between reality and hallucination blurs under extreme conditions.
Many veterans hesitate to share their supernatural experiences for fear of ridicule. Those who do come forward describe encounters that haunt them long after their service ends. These stories range from shadowy figures observed at military outposts to voices heard in empty bunkers.
The psychological impact of combat creates an environment where perception may be altered, yet the consistency among unrelated reports suggests something beyond mere imagination is at work. Soldiers from different conflicts, separated by decades and continents, describe remarkably similar phenomena.
Documented Military Supernatural Incidents
Military records contain numerous officially documented cases of inexplicable events. One particularly compelling case involved soldiers stationed at a remote base who collectively witnessed a figure in vintage military attire walking through solid walls. The incident was recorded in official logs and corroborated by multiple witnesses.
In another verified account, a patrol unit in a conflict zone reported encountering a figure dressed in an outdated uniform who provided tactical information before disappearing. The intelligence proved accurate, potentially saving numerous lives. Military officials investigated but found no explanation for the mysterious informant.
Notable documented incidents include:
Location Year Incident Witnesses Official Response Remote Outpost 1960s Apparition in WWII uniform 7 soldiers Investigation inconclusive Combat Zone 1970s Tactical warning from vanishing soldier Full patrol unit Classified as unexplained Naval Vessel 1980s Ghost pilot on aircraft carrier 12 crew members No official explanation
These cases have been thoroughly investigated by military authorities, with no conventional explanations discovered. The military's approach to such phenomena has evolved from dismissal to careful documentation, particularly when incidents involve multiple witnesses or provide verifiable information.
Ghostly Aircraft and Mysterious Flyers
Perhaps most intriguing are accounts of phantom aircraft and their enigmatic pilots. Military personnel have reported encounters with vintage aircraft that appear on radar but vanish when approached. These phantom planes often exhibit flight capabilities impossible for conventional aircraft, defying physics with impossible maneuvers and speeds.
The pilots of these craft present an even greater mystery. Witnesses describe aviators in outdated uniforms who appear suddenly, deliver messages, and disappear. In some cases, these figures have been identified as pilots who died in previous conflicts, wearing the exact uniforms and displaying identifying features documented in historical records.
Military aviation history contains numerous instances of:
Aircraft appearing on radar without physical presence
Vintage planes flying alongside modern jets before vanishing
Radio communications from call signs of long-lost squadrons
Pilots reporting co-pilots or passengers who weren't aboard during takeoff
The phenomenon extends beyond visual sightings. Air traffic controllers have tracked unidentified aircraft that perform impossible maneuvers before disappearing from radar. When investigation teams arrive at supposed crash sites, they find no wreckage or evidence of impact, despite multiple witnesses reporting a plane going down.
Time Travel Doorways of Zennor
Ancient Travelers and Temporal Journeys
Cornwall has a rich history of unusual phenomena, with certain nomadic groups claiming extraordinary abilities. One particular artist from a Romani heritage has made remarkable claims about temporal displacement capabilities. In the 1960s, this individual first gained attention through stories about a pet monkey, but later revealed something far more extraordinary—the claimed ability to traverse through time using specific locations in the Cornish landscape.
These accounts suggest that certain families with nomadic backgrounds have passed down knowledge of these temporal anomalies through generations. Their understanding of these phenomena appears to stem from centuries of observing patterns in the landscape and recognizing unusual energetic properties at specific sites.
Gateways in Southwest England
The southwestern peninsula of Britain contains numerous locations allegedly connected to temporal displacement. These sites are not randomly distributed but appear concentrated in particular areas of Cornwall, especially near Zennor and surrounding villages. Local folklore has preserved accounts of these unusual sites for generations.
What makes these Cornish portals distinctive is their seemingly permanent nature. Unlike temporary anomalies reported elsewhere, these gateways reportedly remain accessible if one knows the precise locations and methods. The coastal positioning of Cornwall may play a significant role, with theories suggesting the peninsula's unique geography creates unusual energetic conditions.
Several key locations have been identified by locals:
Location Characteristics Best Time for Access Zennor Cliffs Stone formations with unusual electromagnetic readings Dawn and dusk Ancient woodlands Areas with standing stones Full moon nights Coastal caves Locations with unusual acoustic properties During equinoxes
These portals have allegedly been used by knowledgeable individuals for centuries, though most accounts remain within small circles of locals familiar with the area's unusual properties.
Secret Ritual Investigations
The King Dog Mystery
In May 2011, an intriguing thread appeared on a popular conspiracy forum describing a disturbing home video showing an occult ritual in Cornwall, UK. The original poster, a local resident with family ties to the area, shared how after encountering this video, strange occurrences began affecting their life. This sparked significant interest from other forum members who were drawn to investigate further.
Cornwall, located at the southwestern tip of Britain, has long been associated with unusual phenomena and folklore. The region's isolation and rugged coastal landscape have contributed to its reputation as a hotbed for mysterious events. This particular case connected to local rumors about secretive groups performing rituals in remote locations.
The video reportedly circulated among small groups before gaining wider attention online. Those who viewed it described seeing figures in ceremonial attire performing unknown rites under cover of darkness. The footage quality was poor, but the content was disturbing enough to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Unexplained Phenomena Reports
Cornwall has a rich history of supernatural accounts, including the famous Owlman sightings. Similar to the American Mothman, this entity was reportedly seen near churches in the area, described as a humanoid creature with glowing red eyes. Multiple witnesses claimed encounters with this being, leading some researchers to theorize connections between these sightings and occult activities.
The investigation into the King Dog thread revealed additional unusual claims. One local artist from a Romani background shared stories about time travel possibilities in the region. He insisted that Cornwall contains special portals allowing temporal displacement, claiming personal experience with these phenomena dating back to the 1960s.
Medieval structures in the area have also featured in these accounts. Unlike typical defensive fortifications built to protect against external threats, some local castles reportedly incorporated unusual architectural elements designed to contain something beneath them. These designs suggest builders were more concerned with keeping something in rather than keeping enemies out.
The concentration of strange reports in this relatively small geographic area raises questions about Cornwall's unique properties. Whether geological, historical, or cultural factors contribute to these accounts remains debated among researchers who continue investigating these phenomena.
Owlman of Cornwall
The Owlman legend stands as one of Cornwall's most intriguing modern mysteries. This enigmatic figure, often compared to the American Mothman, has become part of the rich tapestry of supernatural folklore in Britain's southwestern peninsula. First documented near churches in Cornwall, witnesses described a humanoid creature with avian features and distinctive bright red eyes that struck fear into local residents.
Sightings and Theories
Numerous eyewitnesses have reported encounters with the Owlman throughout Cornwall, with most descriptions featuring common elements: a tall humanoid figure, owl-like features, glowing red eyes, and an overwhelming sense of dread. John DS, a prominent researcher, compiled many of these accounts, noting the consistency across multiple independent sightings.
Several theories attempt to explain the Owlman phenomenon:
Occult Connection - Some believe the creature manifested following ritual activities near ancient churches, possibly summoned or released through ceremonial magic
Interdimensional Visitor - Others suggest the Owlman represents an entity from another reality, briefly visible during moments when dimensional boundaries weaken
Local Folklore Evolution - Skeptics point to Cornwall's rich history of supernatural tales, proposing the Owlman developed as modern folklore
The Owlman shares striking similarities with other cryptids worldwide, particularly the Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Both appeared before periods of local distress, leading some researchers to categorize them as harbingers or warning apparitions.
Cornwall's unique geographical position—jutting into the Atlantic at Britain's southwestern tip—may contribute to its supernatural reputation. Some researchers propose that this peninsula's isolated nature and ancient standing stones create conditions where the veil between worlds thins, allowing entities like the Owlman to manifest.
Haunted Military Encounters
The battlefield presents a unique environment where soldiers face not only enemy combatants but sometimes unexplainable phenomena that defy conventional understanding. Military personnel have reported numerous encounters with the paranormal during wartime, from mysterious apparitions to inexplicable events that challenge our perception of reality.
Massive Battlefield Rodents
During trench warfare, soldiers faced horrifying encounters with abnormally large rats that thrived in the macabre environment of battlefields. These creatures, often described as reaching the size of shoeboxes or small cats, capitalized on the grim abundance of organic matter available in combat zones.
One particularly disturbing account involves a soldier who awoke to find a rat the size of a small dog sitting on his chest, consuming chocolate he had left there. In another incident, a serviceman witnessed two enormous rats fighting over a severed human hand—a grotesque testament to how war creates unnatural ecological conditions.
These oversized rodents became a psychological terror for troops already dealing with combat stress. The combination of ample food sources from battlefield casualties and minimal predators allowed these creatures to grow to alarming proportions, creating yet another horror for soldiers to endure in the trenches.
Occult Nazi Research Findings
The Third Reich's obsession with occult practices extended beyond mere superstition into systematic exploration of supernatural forces. Documents discovered after the war revealed extensive studies conducted by specialized Nazi units searching for mystical artifacts and ancient knowledge.
One particularly disturbing location connected to these activities is Husa Castle in the former Czechoslovakia. Unlike typical defensive fortresses, this medieval structure appears designed not to keep enemies out but to contain something beneath it. The castle's unusual architecture features defenses pointing inward rather than outward, suggesting its primary purpose was containment of an unknown threat.
What makes Husa Castle particularly intriguing is its remote location, disconnected from historical trade routes or thoroughfares. This isolation raises questions about why such significant resources would be invested in a fortress built in a strategically useless location—unless its purpose was to guard against something non-human emerging from below.
The Nazi interest in this site aligns with their documented fascination with ancient occult texts and supernatural power sources. Their researchers apparently believed certain locations served as gateways to other dimensions or housed entities beyond human understanding.
Houska Castle Enigmas
Medieval Construction Peculiarities
Houska Castle stands as one of Europe's most puzzling medieval structures. Built in the former Czechoslovakia region, this fortress defies conventional castle design logic. Unlike typical medieval castles positioned along trade routes or thoroughfares for strategic advantage, Houska was constructed in an isolated location with no apparent tactical value. The castle's unusual placement raises significant questions about its true purpose, as the enormous expense of building such a structure in a remote area would have required extraordinary justification.
The castle's architectural elements reveal even more unusual characteristics. Rather than following traditional defensive designs that protect inhabitants from external threats, Houska's fortifications appear oriented inward. Windows, defensive positions, and architectural elements seem configured to contain something within the castle grounds rather than repel outside invaders. This inward-facing design represents a dramatic departure from standard medieval fortification practices.
Structural analysis reveals that the builders prioritized containment over conventional defense, suggesting the castle served a purpose beyond typical nobility residence or military outpost. Historical records indicate the construction occurred without connection to established settlements or economic centers, further deepening the mystery of its original function.
Demonic Folklore and Fortification
Local legends surrounding Houska Castle paint a disturbing picture of its purpose. According to regional folklore, the castle wasn't built to keep invaders out but rather to contain supernatural forces believed to emerge from a bottomless pit beneath the structure. This pit was reportedly considered a gateway to hell or demonic realm, with the castle constructed specifically to seal this entrance to prevent malevolent entities from escaping into the world.
The castle's unusual design elements support these dark tales:
Inward-facing defenses: Arrow slits and defensive positions oriented toward the interior
Chapel location: Positioned directly over the alleged portal site
Minimal living quarters: Suggesting habitation wasn't the primary purpose
Historical accounts describe how, before construction began, local prisoners were allegedly offered pardons if they would agree to be lowered into the pit to explore its depths. According to folklore, the first volunteer emerged moments later with his hair turned white, having aged decades in minutes after reportedly encountering demonic entities below.
The fortification's primary function appears to have been containment rather than protection. This represents a fascinating inversion of typical castle design philosophy, where astronomical resources were dedicated not to sheltering nobility from external threats but to preventing something beneath from reaching the surface world. These elements have contributed to Houska's enduring reputation as one of Europe's most haunted and mysterious medieval structures.
