Obtaining immortality and demonstrating any form of advanced technology would seem to a lesser civilization as to be magical in nature. Godlike beings and heroes of mythology possessed great knowledge and wisdom, rewarding them with magical abilities to live forever. May have had help in achieving these supernatural feats.
In ancient mythology, the pursuit for immortality has led some to the “elixir of immortality
” with the promise of eternal youth. Known today as the elixir of life, a renowned potion, often associated with the philosopher’s stone is said to grant the drinker eternal life. Alchemists from all over the world from India, China, Persia and Europe have pursued this potion to obtain long life. Legend tells us that mythological figures like Hermes, Enoch, and the Egyptian deity Thoth all drank from the elixir of life.The effects of this elixir and in the creation of it seem to have magical overtones throughout history. The use of magic in ritualistic practices to produce conscious manipulation, and almost seemingly impossible feats, would have some believes that it’s merely an illusion. But there seems to be a thin line between sorcery and alchemy, which seems to use purely natural means to create something real. The concept of the elixir of life is very similar to the Fountain of Youth, a legendary spring that restores youth and vitality. When Spanish conquistadors like Juan Ponce de Leon who came to America in the 16th century they were looking for the Fountain of Youth and gold. But legendary folklore claims 300 years before a talented alchemist may have solved both problems.
The creation of the philosophers’ stone is said to have the power to turn lead into gold and some believe it can be used as the elixir of life. For once drinking the elixir to rejuvenate and heal the body, and ultimately achieve immortality. Nicolas Flamel (1330-1418) was a French alchemist born on September 28, 1330 and is allegedly the creator of the philosopher’s stone. Flamel’s reputation as an accomplish alchemist of his time is unsurpassed. When Nicolas Flamel discovered the book of Abraham it is said that he discovered application to help him create the philosopher’s stone.
Legend states that tomb robbers found Nicolas Flamel’s grave to be empty upon opening it a few years after his recorded death. Adding to the mystery that maybe he actually was successful in creating the elixir of life and used it on himself. Some believe that he could still be alive, even today, almost 700 years old, immortal, and living in secret. The story of the philosophers’ stone is widely used in literature today and remains a mystery.
Obtaining immortality and demonstrating any form of advanced technology would seem to a lesser civilization as to be magical in nature. Godlike beings and heroes of mythology possessed great knowledge and wisdom, rewarding them with magical abilities to live forever. May have had help in achieving these supernatural feats.
J.K. Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 1997, released in the United States in 2001 as a highly successful fantasy-adventure film as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The book concerns Harry Potter’s effort to stop the evil magician Lord Voldemort from seeking the stone created by Nicolas Flamel so that he can use it and achieved immortality. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series is rich in fantasy and myth; and covering the theme of immortality and death.
Michael Scott is an Irish author born in Dublin on September 28, 1959. Scott has written over 100 books and has started a successful series covering folklore, romance, and fantasy books involving the immortal French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. Scott’s book The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress, and Necromancer are about how Nicolas Flamel and his wife become the guardians of the book of Abraham. From ancient knowledge found within the book of Abraham and combined with Nicholas Flamel’s alchemy skill he has produced the philosopher’s stone and granted him and his wife immortality.
The desire and the pursuit of immortality is an old and ancient one that many have tried through the centuries of time. The ultimate goal for clearly selfish reasons to cheat death and retain one’s youthfulness is a path for the faint hearted. But let us not forget Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde‘s novel entitled The Picture of Dorian Gray published in 1890 is considered a classic work of gothic horror fiction about a man obsessed with his own beauty and longevity. Dorian Gray sells his soul to retain his life and beauty, and places all his sin and acts of debauchery into his self-portrait which becomes disfigured and ages into a horrible portrait of himself.
The price for immortality can be a costly one. Alchemists have tried to create it. Magicians and conjurers have tried to master it. Conquerors and armies have searched the world for it. But what if technology was so advanced that it could actually stop death? Modern science today is slowly catching up to the benefits of the fountain of youth. Prolonging life with better medicine and artificial organs is just one step away to becoming almost immortal. What would happen if we could master time and space, and become immortal beings ourselves? Would we become gods? Would we become heroes? Or would we become villains?
T.S.Garp © Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.
Magician: Apprentice (Riftwar Saga)
The Elixir of Immortality: A Modern-Day Alchemists Discovery of the Philosophers Stone (Harvard English Studies)
