The talking head: a Dublin story of the supernatural

This is the eleventh in the series "Strange Tales Told by a Dubliner". This story represents another foray into medieval Ireland. This time we are in the high middle ages, in Norman Dublin in fact. The story begins with the installation of an organ in Christ Church cathedral in 1358. It tells of two monks, Albert, a Norman, and his pupil Tomás, a Gael. Albert is inspired by the new organ to produce a mechanical head that can talk, at first controlled by a keyboard. Then he has recourse to necromancy to endow the brazen head with the power to speak of its own accord. At this stage Tomás returns from a study trip, and is initiated into the mystery. Together they feed the head with information from books till it seems to know everything and can answer any question. But it won’t stop talking, and Tomás decides to destroy it. This story is largely based on a legend told about Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas. A similar legend is supposed to be how the Brazen Head pub in Dublin got its name.
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[@Judith46795]

Wonderful

[@simonward-horner7605]

An excellent tale! And a good comment on the burgeoning AI technology. Thanks.

[@dublindialect3168]

There is certainly that contemporary allusion in the story. But even more generally, I wanted to explore the way the computer has taken over our lives. I grew up in bookworld, but now I seem to need the computer as a tool of writing and even thinking. The beast seems to be alive. It's like an opponent that always lobs the ball back to you and gives you a good game. Meanwhile, my books sit unread upon the shelf...

[@simonward-horner7605]

@@dublindialect3168 We're of a similar generation, I guess. Your thoughts mirror mine.

[@-Reagan]

@@dublindialect3168Well put! So true and thank you for the thoughtful comment and the video

[@ufosrus]

Now, that was uncanny!