Houska Castle: Europe’s Gateway to Hell

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  • Опубліковано 29 жов 2020
  • In this special Halloween episode of Geographics, we discuss what is, at the very least, an extremely creepy basement.
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    / @geographicstravel
    Our sister channels:
    Biographics - / @biographics
    TopTenz - / @toptenznettop10
    Source/Further reading:
    History on official castle page (translated from Czech): translate.googleusercontent.c...
    Folklore on the official castle website (translated from Czech): translate.googleusercontent.c...
    Photos of the castle: www.hradhouska.cz/index.php?p...
    History from the Czech Castles website (translated): translate.google.com/translat...
    In-depth Prague University thesis on the history of Houska Castle (in Czech): contattafiles.s3-us-west-1.am...
    Houska as Nazi library, and references to occult research: www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-nu...
    Nazi book stealing: lareviewofbooks.org/article/s...
    Occult research in other castles: books.google.cz/books?id=yMQi...
    Letter as a fraud (translated from Czech): translate.google.com/translat...
    Atlas Obscura: www.atlasobscura.com/places/h...
    Legends and myths: magicbohemia.magic-realist.com...
    More myths and legends: darktourists.com/inside-housk...
    More of the same: www.tresbohemes.com/2017/04/ho...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @mad87645
    @mad87645 3 роки тому +1843

    The mad lad that kept commenting requesting Houska Castle actually got it

    • @jessicamartinez257
      @jessicamartinez257 3 роки тому +158

      Two things....
      1. Not all heroes wear capes
      2. Dreams do come true lol

    • @janettetadgerson811
      @janettetadgerson811 3 роки тому +9

      @@jessicamartinez257 q+++

    • @natewilson111
      @natewilson111 3 роки тому +25

      Well done, that man

    • @sarahstrong7174
      @sarahstrong7174 3 роки тому +30

      Scratching beneath the chapel floor. Very likely a nest of rats.

    • @AndrewMitchell123
      @AndrewMitchell123 3 роки тому +11

      yeah, If this was BB video Simon would rip him to pieces for continually requesting smth lol

  • @wfcoaker1398
    @wfcoaker1398 3 роки тому +1181

    A foul smell coming lout of a crack in the ground? Hydrocarbon gasses, maybe? They have psychoactive properties, and someone lowered down into that crack where the concentration is higher would hallucinate. The belief that it was an evil place would fuel those hallucinations. Inhaling those gasses can also kill a person, so it's not surprising the guy died the next day.

    • @lockandloadlikehell
      @lockandloadlikehell 3 роки тому +50

      *why not both* 🤷‍♀️

    • @frankm.2850
      @frankm.2850 3 роки тому +48

      That was in the scary version of the history of the castle though. I wonder if it actually happened? I can see it happening without hydrocarbon gases just through suggestion, homo sapiens are HIGHLY suggestible after all, but the gases certainly give a believable explanation.

    • @michaelq92
      @michaelq92 3 роки тому +38

      Those prisoners said F getting dropped into a hole to no where and sent the crazy dude in first. Logic dictates someone is getting dropped in the hole before we find the bottom. Ancient people had surprising knowledge of gravity in the context of its ability to influence early death.

    • @Kalysta
      @Kalysta 3 роки тому +41

      Or hydrogen sulfide gas. It's killed many a miner, including at least 3 people digging at oak island.

    • @istra70
      @istra70 3 роки тому +21

      Most likely sulphur ....or hydrogen sulphide H2S

  • @heckinmemes6430
    @heckinmemes6430 3 роки тому +76

    "Hey you remember that time Berti got mauled by that bear? Let's put that on the mural."

    • @O-sa-car
      @O-sa-car 3 роки тому +3

      * sips their S-tier beer *

  • @chicken2jail545
    @chicken2jail545 3 роки тому +825

    Poor prisoner: lowered him down to find the demons asking him to extend his automobile warranty.

    • @MacabreQt888
      @MacabreQt888 3 роки тому +1

      🤣🤣🤣

    • @ninas992
      @ninas992 3 роки тому +1

      😂

    • @michac.8283
      @michac.8283 3 роки тому +24

      It reminds me of that movie where the worst torture method was to be locked in a room with an insurance agent. Can't remember the name tho

    • @stoner7144
      @stoner7144 3 роки тому +9

      If we're talking about warranties and telemarketers.. then HELL is the ONLY exit.

    • @sarahstrong7174
      @sarahstrong7174 3 роки тому +7

      Gosh is that what demons do? Are they related to the scammers who keep phoning me up?

  • @terenceconnors9627
    @terenceconnors9627 3 роки тому +102

    Dude, this was one of your best videos to date. Starting with the creepy folklore isn't just seasonal, it's good storytelling. The data you and your team provided didn't detract from the folklore at all. The inclusion of easily verifiable links between the stories and the official records makes the folklore even creepier. Also, bushmanpm's request for Rosslyn Chapel sounds interesting.

  • @lilrex2015
    @lilrex2015 3 роки тому +87

    My favorite part of any Simon video is the end when his voice changes and he becomes more sentimental. It's just so soothing to listen to.

    • @Stormynormy42
      @Stormynormy42 3 роки тому +7

      I put his videos on when I go to bed, usually older biographics or geographics videos I've seen before, because his voice in his serious videos puts my wife to sleep almost instantly, and helps me along if I'm tired as well lol

    • @camerrill
      @camerrill 3 роки тому +2

      ASMR

    • @limeyndixie
      @limeyndixie 3 роки тому +5

      I agree. The last five minutes or so, when he gets reflective and somewhat philosophical (like this one) really are delightful.

    • @sparkpenguin
      @sparkpenguin 3 роки тому

      yeah! he's got a strong michael from vsauce vibe there, i also notice and love it. music's not as good though, but the existential dread levels are tolerably absent.

    • @LTPottenger
      @LTPottenger 3 роки тому

      The middle part where he gets bored and starts rushing is annoying though.

  • @stevenjlovelace
    @stevenjlovelace 3 роки тому +369

    Look at Simon showing off his mad Czech skillz. What a legend!

    • @simonkimberly6956
      @simonkimberly6956 3 роки тому +23

      Well i mean he literally lives there

    • @2Sparrows4aFarthing
      @2Sparrows4aFarthing 3 роки тому +5

      @@simonkimberly6956 I thought he was joking. Anyone know why he lives in Czechoslovakia?

    • @dashingdave2665
      @dashingdave2665 3 роки тому +15

      @@2Sparrows4aFarthing lol, where?

    • @SakyUchi
      @SakyUchi 3 роки тому +34

      @@2Sparrows4aFarthing He would have to have a time machine in order to live in "Czechoslovakia" (: That country was formed by two nations who existed separately (except for when they both were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and during WW II) until 1918 and decided it was better that way in 1993 when they separated again. So he has to live either in Czechia or Slovakia.

    • @2Sparrows4aFarthing
      @2Sparrows4aFarthing 3 роки тому +5

      @@SakyUchi why does he live in Slovakia or Chechnya then?

  • @THX11458
    @THX11458 3 роки тому +33

    Sounds like the 1980's horror movie "The Keep" was based on the history of this castle (The film is about an odd citadel, with inward facing walls, that becomes occupied by Nazi troops. A few German soldiers try to loot the forbidden center of the castle and instead unleash a powerful demon from within).

  • @tomasnovotny6283
    @tomasnovotny6283 3 роки тому +190

    As a Czech citizen myself I really appreciate that “Zadek” part...tells me how good your research is!! Thanks for the video!!

    • @antonsavka4305
      @antonsavka4305 3 роки тому +1

      Haha yep loved that joke!

    • @DaweSlayer
      @DaweSlayer 3 роки тому +6

      As a Czech citizen myself... why don't I know there is Houska? Maybe because there are A LOT of castles, but still. And maybe it's not even far from where I live.

    • @Youcanbuildmodels
      @Youcanbuildmodels 3 роки тому +3

      He currently lives in Prague i believe. That should help his knowledge of local term an uncultured American didn't understand

    • @vern5007
      @vern5007 Рік тому

      apart from book by Vaclava :D

  • @jakeharris2546
    @jakeharris2546 3 роки тому +100

    "Going at it like fascists rabbits" conjured an interesting mental image

    • @jamesschulziii9098
      @jamesschulziii9098 3 роки тому +3

      Cue the Benny Hill theme....😂

    • @natas3.14
      @natas3.14 3 роки тому +2

      @@jamesschulziii9098 thank you for that comment.

  • @MooseBme
    @MooseBme 3 роки тому +457

    The 1983 movie: "The Keep," when they notice the fortifications are inward...

    • @rcrawford42
      @rcrawford42 3 роки тому +77

      Which is based on a book, which is much better and directly ties itself to the Cthulhu mythos.

    • @jayrichards3572
      @jayrichards3572 3 роки тому +23

      Bah you beat me to it. I was going to point this out. I've seen the movie and read the book.

    • @WolfieD-yp5ez
      @WolfieD-yp5ez 3 роки тому +6

      Yikes! I made a comment before I started reading the comments! LoL! John Carpenter! Great movie!

    • @dexocube
      @dexocube 3 роки тому +7

      @@rcrawford42 I gotta be honest I enjoyed the film more

    • @Pavlos_Charalambous
      @Pavlos_Charalambous 3 роки тому +16

      My first thought was the keep 😏

  • @VidGirl88
    @VidGirl88 3 роки тому +180

    "Something that cannot be named kept in"...Ah, so Voldemort's summer home.

    • @lauraowen8142
      @lauraowen8142 3 роки тому +3

      Soon much worse, fact. Children's fiction, easiest way to indoctrinate the average population into the occult.

  • @franciscampagna2711
    @franciscampagna2711 3 роки тому +353

    People forget history. When the castle was built, magic and supernatural were accepted a a part of daily life. Traveling to the moon was complete and utter fantasy.

    • @nunyafuckinbizniz
      @nunyafuckinbizniz 3 роки тому +29

      Traveling to the moon is still fantasy.

    • @kossupelle
      @kossupelle 3 роки тому +63

      @@nunyafuckinbizniz there is always THE one conspiracy theorists 😂😂😂

    • @rudra62
      @rudra62 3 роки тому +10

      @@kossupelle The travel to the moon conspiracy was probably started by those with magic or supernatural ties and origin. You know, like the Illuminati. WAIT! My bizarre nested conspiracy theory is sounding a lot like the widely-spread conspiracies widely circulated! My hope for humankind moving out of the dark ages is crushed.

    • @istra70
      @istra70 3 роки тому +6

      Sheep still religiously BELIEVES that we have been on the Moon in 60 ties - multiple times.... even brought buggy .....

    • @kossupelle
      @kossupelle 3 роки тому +9

      @@istra70 yes! Lets have civil debate! Can you give any proof why u think we did not go to moon?

  • @Alastherra
    @Alastherra 3 роки тому +178

    Oooh, thank you for this. As a Czech, it's nice to see a piece of Czech folklore and such a beautiful castle being presented by one of my favourite channels! Bravo 🥳
    btw - 'Kronika ceska by Václava Hájka' is sort of wrong. The name is 'Václav Hájek', which would be correct if used that way. But I can see where you went wrong. The term 'by this and that author' in Czech would be 'od Václava Hájka' because we use inflections. So.. yeah 😅
    But thanks for sharing this, I had load of fun watching!

    • @tomaspisecky4835
      @tomaspisecky4835 2 роки тому

      Kronika Ceska od Vaclava Hajka CZ -> ENG Czech Chronicle from Vaclav Hajek
      forms of objectives
      FORM FORM QUESTION
      nominativ Who/What Vaclav Hajek
      genitiv (without)Whom/what Vaclava Hajka
      dativ to Who/ Vaclavovi Hajkovi
      akuzativ Who?/What? Vaclav Hajek
      vokativ Naming or Calling Vaclave Hajku
      local About who/about what Vaclavovi Hajkovi
      instrumental with whom/with what Vaclavem Hajkem
      might help a little ;)
      sorry am not linguist so some terminology might not be completely correct but hope close enough to help

    • @ljphoenix4341
      @ljphoenix4341 Рік тому +10

      Simon lives in the Czech Republic/Czechia, so it's also a great opportunity for him to learn more about the country he lives in.

    • @ondrejsvehla425
      @ondrejsvehla425 Рік тому +1

      Well kronika česká Is factually wrong Václav Hájek just made up quite a lot of things

    • @charlesadams8279
      @charlesadams8279 Рік тому

      Daniel 7:13-7:14, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9, Isaiah 11, Psalm 110:1, Jeremiah 23:5-23:6, etc- these are just a fee verses from The Old Testament that prove Jesus Christ.
      More proof is seen through the people in power which are satanist. On youtube look up “altiyan childs freemason” then go to filters and put “view count” and “20+ mins” and click the top result. I pray you will seek Jesus Christ

    • @TPS070
      @TPS070 7 місяців тому

      And the biggest question is....who cares?

  • @johnrecker
    @johnrecker 3 роки тому +406

    Cool fact: Houska is also kind of pastry in Czechia

    • @davidborunsky6681
      @davidborunsky6681 3 роки тому +7

      Yes, in the UK, they call it breadroll

    • @richardaubrecht2822
      @richardaubrecht2822 3 роки тому +6

      The castle was allegedly named after the local name for the type of rock it built on. As for the bun, no connection.

    • @almitrahopkins1873
      @almitrahopkins1873 3 роки тому +18

      It's also a fairly common surname in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Bohemian population there is rather large.

    • @NajwaLaylah
      @NajwaLaylah 3 роки тому +2

      "And you don't want to know what it's filled with, deep inside..."?

    • @kajuse1016
      @kajuse1016 3 роки тому +1

      literally bread :D

  • @Propulus
    @Propulus 3 роки тому +461

    Pain in their zadek. Nice.

  • @ryurc3033
    @ryurc3033 3 роки тому +66

    Personally I have crawled into several unmapped caves. Here in Missouri there are cave systems that stretch miles underground. They are always a little creepy. But I never met any demons that weren't my own.

  • @arkadiusztrzesniewski4237
    @arkadiusztrzesniewski4237 3 роки тому +16

    When I heard about voluntary prisoners sent down to the pit in order to have a peek what downs there I imagined real-life medieval version of SCP Foundation.

  • @tankkali9699
    @tankkali9699 3 роки тому +148

    You are a phenom Simon.. The sheer amount of videos and topics you talk about is amazing. Thank you for always having interesting and informative videos on all the channels you host. Also keep calm and Blaze on..

    • @benistingray6097
      @benistingray6097 3 роки тому +10

      @Kyril J Jup while he has probably a team behind him doing all the research and writting scripts.
      But im ok with that, we get lots of great content, cant complain about that.

    • @JeremyJarvis1998
      @JeremyJarvis1998 3 роки тому +3

      @Kyril J it’s great having a narrated version of Wikipedia to listen to while driving.

    • @markdturnock
      @markdturnock 3 роки тому +3

      @Kyril J that Wikipedia part is utter bull and you know it. Like, seriously, just wiki Houska Castle, start playing this video, and try to read along. You'll realize what utter crap you're talking within 0.01 seconds

    • @charlesadams8279
      @charlesadams8279 Рік тому

      @@JeremyJarvis1998 Daniel 7:13-7:14, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9, Isaiah 11, Psalm 110:1, Jeremiah 23:5-23:6, etc- these are just a fee verses from The Old Testament that prove Jesus Christ.
      More proof is seen through the people in power which are satanist. On youtube look up “altiyan childs freemason” then go to filters and put “view count” and “20+ mins” and click the top result. I pray you will seek Jesus Christ

  • @RCAvhstape
    @RCAvhstape 3 роки тому +710

    "Fascist Rabbits" sounds like a good name for a metal band.

  • @kripht
    @kripht 3 роки тому +83

    So have we located the actual pit bit? That seems geologically important.

    • @SwedishEmpire1700
      @SwedishEmpire1700 3 роки тому +15

      The pit was prob us all along

    • @yitlerxyeezus
      @yitlerxyeezus 3 роки тому +11

      @@SwedishEmpire1700 or the friends we made along the way

  • @generalsherman9897
    @generalsherman9897 3 роки тому +355

    “Here we tiptoe into x-files territory” I can tell I’m gonna like this

    • @keygenrosie
      @keygenrosie 3 роки тому +5

      Do it again uncle billy

    • @elysivm_
      @elysivm_ 3 роки тому

      haha my thoughts exactly

    • @Christopher-N
      @Christopher-N 3 роки тому +1

      I was thinking of Darkplace Hospital, situated over the very gates of Hell, in Romford, London.

    • @saldan3985
      @saldan3985 3 роки тому +6

      @@Christopher-N of course the very gates of hell would be in London.

    • @ashley-cn3rz
      @ashley-cn3rz 3 роки тому +3

      You burned my home town down you a-hole!

  • @Pyrochemik007
    @Pyrochemik007 3 роки тому +344

    Bottomless pit? We czechs gonna store radioactive waste there, everyone OK with that?

    • @mintyaroma987
      @mintyaroma987 3 роки тому +47

      Don't give demons the ability to build a dirty bomb!

    • @ding1466
      @ding1466 3 роки тому +8

      Can you throw bio weapons down there first?

    • @Pyrochemik007
      @Pyrochemik007 3 роки тому +14

      @@ding1466 That is a trick question. We do not have biological weapons.

    • @FinCBolt
      @FinCBolt 3 роки тому +6

      Meh, uranium returning home then...

    • @Pyrochemik007
      @Pyrochemik007 3 роки тому

      @@FinCBolt It is true it was mined nearby.

  • @ignitionfrn2223
    @ignitionfrn2223 3 роки тому +12

    1:25 - Chapter 1 - The shunned house
    4:50 - Chapter 2 - The creatures of the pit
    8:10 - Chapter 3 - Days of darkness
    11:05 - Chapter 4 - A complex past
    14:30 - Chapter 5 - Making a legend
    17:40 - Chapter 6 - A game of telephone

  • @janhorvat7276
    @janhorvat7276 3 роки тому +45

    Video suggestion: Predjamski Grad (predjama castle) in Slovenia. Just look at the photos of it. An incredible castle with some even more incredible stories -the tale of Knight Erazem Predjamski, who hid in castle from persecution, and survived more than a year long siege of the castle with the help of secret tunnels and caves through the mountain, where he would smuggle in food and suplies, even taunting his enemies by throwing them fresh grapes. Even more interesting is the way he was eventually killed...

    • @davidsigalow7349
      @davidsigalow7349 3 роки тому +5

      Great suggestion. I've been there, and thought Slovenia was just wonderful.

    • @jayy2949
      @jayy2949 Рік тому +1

      Don't leave me hanging! How was he killed?

  • @zennekelechien1610
    @zennekelechien1610 3 роки тому +58

    Laughed my zadek off. Good job!

    • @zizalka99
      @zizalka99 3 роки тому +1

      That's going on a t-shirt immediately!

  • @Jiuhuashan
    @Jiuhuashan 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you Simon and the Geographics crew for this fascinating story!

  • @JeffDeWitt
    @JeffDeWitt 3 роки тому +12

    Well done, this really is history that deserves to be remembered.

  • @Chef_PC
    @Chef_PC 3 роки тому +11

    This is such a good video, Simon and gang. Wonderful work.

  • @MineBrno
    @MineBrno 3 роки тому +25

    I am from Czech republic and I have never heard this story. Great video, one of the most interesting and entertaining videos I saw from you!

  • @melancholygirl840
    @melancholygirl840 3 роки тому +1

    I love stories about old castles and the history behind it! Thank you so much for such a well put together show!

  • @Epsilon1Zeta
    @Epsilon1Zeta 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks for making that video. It is always a pleasure to learn something interesting, about a topic that I had no prior knowledge of!

  • @ChrisLee-on3ro
    @ChrisLee-on3ro 3 роки тому +3

    Simon..you are probably the most personable,informative,and slyly funny host of videos like this. Swear you should have a 30 minute show on discovery or something....you would be great..!!..Love this channel,love you,and hope this train never stops!

  • @JollyPolack
    @JollyPolack 3 роки тому +17

    *Me, middle aged with a beer gut* “Shit I would like to see that castle”

  • @hemidas
    @hemidas 3 роки тому +61

    The real life Wolfenstein Castle.

    • @JayRocArt
      @JayRocArt 3 роки тому +3

      I was thinking that castle from The Nun

    • @annescholey6546
      @annescholey6546 3 роки тому +2

      Cue the game soundtrack and the hordes of zombies

    • @richardaubrecht2822
      @richardaubrecht2822 3 роки тому +6

      Closer to that is the Sovinec Castle. Owned for ceturies by the Teutonic order, it was confiscated by the nazis. ALtough it lacks the hell hole, it is a proper castle and there are legeds about nazi initiation rituals that took place there. And ofcourse it burned down in 1945, allegedly set aflame by celebrating Soviet soldiers, but who knows.

    • @eamoncrawford
      @eamoncrawford 3 роки тому +3

      Check out Wewelsburg castle for the "real" Wolfenstein castle.

    • @1Three8Fiver
      @1Three8Fiver 3 роки тому +3

      Heinrich your reign of terror must end!
      YOU FOOL! You know as well as I that I cannot be destroyed.
      A prison then!
      May the fates hold off the coming of the storm...
      Return to Castle Wolfenstein immediately and notify Herr Himmler... WE'VE FOUND HIM!

  • @dafttool
    @dafttool 3 роки тому +68

    Oh yeah, you could adapt that place into all sorts of different horror stories.🧐 Creepy, isolated castle with weird layout. Mysterious, covered hole. Demons. Nazis.

    • @rudra62
      @rudra62 3 роки тому +2

      What about the aliens? It's always aliens!!!

    • @jasmirris
      @jasmirris 3 роки тому +1

      There is a book that sounds like it's based off of this titled "The Devil Aspect". More of a suspense type novel but I sort of did a double take when I was listening to this episode.

    • @Am_Yeff
      @Am_Yeff 3 роки тому +3

      That just sounds like Wolfenstein but in the Czech Republic

    • @dddc2
      @dddc2 3 роки тому

      the nazi are demons

    • @singer3188
      @singer3188 3 роки тому

      This makes me think of the castle in, "The Nun"

  • @TubeDupe
    @TubeDupe 3 роки тому +21

    You've got to hand it to the Houska Board of Tourism: they know how to play their cards.

  • @marcowen1506
    @marcowen1506 3 роки тому +19

    An intersting place, even without the ham folklore.
    By the way, that was a really good effort to say all those Czech words. It's not an easy language and you pulled it off.

  • @TheEasyrhino63
    @TheEasyrhino63 3 роки тому +1

    I've been watching you on all your UA-cam Channels for quite some years and this was a real good one. Well done.

  • @scocon8658
    @scocon8658 3 роки тому +100

    But what about the fissure in the ground, supposedly filled with "spirits?" Was there some kind of magma flow down there spewing out sulfur fumes mixed with a mix of natural mild hallucinogens or headache-inducing gases?

    • @petezipardi4022
      @petezipardi4022 3 роки тому +14

      Like Delphi?

    • @nlwilson4892
      @nlwilson4892 3 роки тому +18

      Its not a volcanic area. A big colony of large bats and lots of bat poop could explain a lot.

    • @coreysmith556
      @coreysmith556 3 роки тому

      Natural gas?

    • @scocon8658
      @scocon8658 3 роки тому +2

      @@nlwilson4892 @Corey Smith Maybe, but are they known for causing nightmarish, demonic hallucinations? I never heard of bats or natural gas doing that?

    • @jillscott4029
      @jillscott4029 3 роки тому +4

      @@nlwilson4892 It could result in some nasty diseases but it'd take longer than a few minutes after the exposure to produce symptoms. Also unless people were going into the cave getting sick it's not too likely peasants would associate illness with the cave rather than the area in general, or at best a bunch of bats in the area.

  • @VideoSage
    @VideoSage 3 роки тому +463

    I hope at some point, I hope ground penetrating radar & a horizontal shaft can be utilized to find that pit, & find out what really lies down there. One would guess a psychoactive gas, but none the less, be interesting to find out, and discover why said gas is present.. . . .
    If anything really does exist there.

    • @HazeGreyAndUnderway
      @HazeGreyAndUnderway 3 роки тому +23

      I doubt the pit exists... it's just a legend.

    • @saikeenra
      @saikeenra 3 роки тому +100

      There isn't much evidence the pit ever existed. What is true, however, is that the Houska Castle is surrounded by spots with high concentrations of radon, a radioactive noble gas. This isn't particularly strange, since the Czech Republic has fairly high levels of natural background radiation in general due to the high concentration of radon and uranium in underground soil.
      The most likely explanation for the Houska legends is that there was a large underground pocket of radon gas which sometimes made the locals sick, and then the tales grew in the telling.

    • @blancasonora714
      @blancasonora714 3 роки тому +21

      Even if it is some psychoactive gas in there , the dark impressions on humans are the same . The effects are not random. I believe something not good does lie there.

    • @sagwa_jo_eighty_fo
      @sagwa_jo_eighty_fo 3 роки тому +58

      @@saikeenra I’m glad I found someone else who mentions radon. When they talk about lowering the prisoner in who came up aged and died shortly thereafter, it reminded me of stories of people who were in Chernobyl.

    • @blancasonora714
      @blancasonora714 3 роки тому +1

      "They've" been on it since before you were born and will be until it's gone.

  • @wraithg8898
    @wraithg8898 3 роки тому +11

    Great video as always! Could you guys look into covering Trakai Castle in Lithuania? Its a piece of amazing history often overlooked by mainstream documentaries.

  • @HellSpawn83
    @HellSpawn83 3 роки тому +1

    I love the way this episode was written. This was fun hearing the folklore and the true history about the castle. Thanks

  • @Chalky.
    @Chalky. 3 роки тому +145

    If a hole gives off a strange smell then you should be wary about entering it

    • @barrybradley3583
      @barrybradley3583 3 роки тому

      What about a black hole?

    • @RealTiriol
      @RealTiriol 3 роки тому +17

      Even Gandalf knew it when the Fellowship entered the mines of Moria.

    • @Scxoop123
      @Scxoop123 3 роки тому +6

      (ba dum tmamm stt) Drum sound

    • @Koalaparks6678
      @Koalaparks6678 3 роки тому

      Oh how true.

    • @concept5631
      @concept5631 3 роки тому +6

      @@barrybradley3583 There would be no sound, only immediate death.

  • @auntiejen5376
    @auntiejen5376 3 роки тому +8

    I'm a huge fan of history. Excellent program, Simon.

  • @HighChurchProtestant
    @HighChurchProtestant Рік тому +4

    I’m a first year teacher with a new wife and a baby girl on the way. Your videos help me get through all of this work. Much thanks.

  • @lolom8772
    @lolom8772 3 роки тому +1

    Another quality video from Simon, great job

  • @owenfink
    @owenfink 3 роки тому +41

    While I have your attention, I love the videos Simon. Whenever you suggest a new topic for biographics or geographics, just assume I'd like to see it.

    • @noth606
      @noth606 3 роки тому +2

      doubt you have his attention, he has like 58 channels putting out 400 videos a day...

    • @owenfink
      @owenfink 3 роки тому +1

      @@noth606 I was the first comment.

    • @noth606
      @noth606 3 роки тому +1

      @@owenfink do you think he is online looking when something is posted? LOL! it's all scheduled and automatic from a queue. He probably made this weeks ago.

    • @angryatheist
      @angryatheist 3 роки тому

      I can’t be sure it was simon but business blaze has put a heart on one or two of my msg I’d say he does not read all but anything with lots of likes or funny things would get his attention but I’m only a fan/follower . But agree 100% love all his stuff

    • @angryatheist
      @angryatheist 3 роки тому

      This is his business he’d want to know what’s being said

  • @thejudgmentalcat
    @thejudgmentalcat 3 роки тому +167

    The Coca-cola tent just outside hammered home the touristy nature of the castle now.

    • @richardaubrecht2822
      @richardaubrecht2822 3 роки тому +26

      That's just a thing Coca Cola gave away to any vendors who sells their products. It belongs to a tiny food shop. The whole castle is in private hands and it costs a lot to maintain it. It's definitely nothing you can operate for profit, most money are used for renovation.

    • @StegoAqua
      @StegoAqua 3 роки тому +36

      Honestly if the gates of hell don’t have a bit of ruthless Capitalism in front of them, than your in the wrong place my friend

    • @Dkthearn
      @Dkthearn 3 роки тому +9

      Yeah I actually expected Coca-Cola to be in hell

    • @JeffDeWitt
      @JeffDeWitt 3 роки тому +4

      @@Dkthearn Ever read "Job, A Comedy of Justice" by Robert Heinlein? In that novel there is Coca-Cola in Hell, along with a Hilton hotel.

    • @carschmn
      @carschmn 3 роки тому +1

      Have to pay to maintain it.

  • @Baldevi
    @Baldevi Рік тому +9

    I think the novel and movie called "The Keep" was inspired by the spooky tale of Houska Castle. A castle built to keepsomething evil inside, which some troop of military of course does not really believe and thus releases that evil, yadda yadda...
    Great work Simon and Team! This was really interesting, I totally enjoyed it, even if the best we know of the castle's history is not that spooky after all. It's placement on that cliff top sure looks like a good spot to set up a watch tower situation, which would not need a large garrison, and thus would be built simply as this one was.

    • @kerryschallon8879
      @kerryschallon8879 Рік тому

      I thought the same thing. I love that movie. I wish I could get a copy of it.

  • @mathewstarcher1333
    @mathewstarcher1333 3 роки тому +1

    Simon.. Of any personality.. On any media.. My favorite on every level. I've seen every episode on every channel. Thanks for your awesome and brilliant way of educating.

  • @jamesa3818
    @jamesa3818 3 роки тому +6

    This is awesome! This is my favourite type of content on all your channels, when you find something that isn't well know or where the truth is not well known in English language culture(s).

  • @VaclavHornak
    @VaclavHornak 3 роки тому +46

    The name of the author of Kronika ceska is Vaclav Hajek, Vaclava Hajka is possessive form in Czech ;)

  • @CAP198462
    @CAP198462 3 роки тому +27

    Whenever Simon talks about Czech landmarks I wonder if he’s visited them himself.

    • @Am_Yeff
      @Am_Yeff 3 роки тому +1

      He probably did, from what I've seen he lived there

  • @livenbelieve4819
    @livenbelieve4819 3 роки тому +1

    Love the narrative only not much of photos or tour inside the castle. You are a charm 😉 thanks!

  • @lorenzopolito7316
    @lorenzopolito7316 3 роки тому +48

    Do you hear this?
    That's the sound of quality content

  • @joelg34
    @joelg34 3 роки тому +3

    Compelling and engaging, a truly excellent orator. I am thoroughly hooked on this channel. Well done chaps, well done indeed.

    • @ChristmasLore
      @ChristmasLore 3 роки тому +1

      Joël is such an unusual name, even here in France 🍃

  • @gordonhowell9701
    @gordonhowell9701 3 роки тому +5

    Hey fellow expat living in Prague here... many COVID hours whiled away to your vids! but this grabbed my attention as unexpected! Houska is one of those weird places I have discover in this country that you wonder why no one has heard of. (Like the ossuary near Kutna Hora and others). Thanks!
    If you ever do a talk or present at anything on Prague would love to know! That’s assuming of course they can ever manage to roll out the vaccines :-)

  • @lacesecret6041
    @lacesecret6041 3 роки тому +1

    This is fascinating! I'm glad to finally hear some of the actual history, considering how prevalent the folklore is.

  • @graybeard763
    @graybeard763 3 роки тому

    Great video! I had heard about the folklore of the castle long ago but learning the truth was fascinating! Thank you.

  • @CutterDriftwood
    @CutterDriftwood 3 роки тому +10

    "Something that must not be named"? H.P. Lovecraft apparently isn't alone, sounds like there's a little Harry Potter thrown in there too!!

    • @TrineDaely
      @TrineDaely 2 роки тому

      Names have long held power, and to speak of a monster is to draw its attention to you. Which would make sense, as you give away your position and draw a predator's attention, such ancient knowledge and fears don't leave us, they just change forms and names.

  • @seanpeterson4908
    @seanpeterson4908 3 роки тому +23

    If we wanted ghosts and aliens there is plenty of channels for that, thanks for always keeping it logical about these things! Great vid!

  • @brinleyknowles
    @brinleyknowles Рік тому

    Love that you have some videos across the Simonverse featuring Czech history! As someone who’s senior thesis is on the Velvet Revolution, I say we need more!!

  • @naomiseraphina9718
    @naomiseraphina9718 3 роки тому

    Thanks for that! Happy Halloween, Simon and Co!!

  • @cartoonraccoon2078
    @cartoonraccoon2078 3 роки тому +5

    10:42 I hate when I can't get my car started in a haunted chapel.

  • @weirdshibainu
    @weirdshibainu 3 роки тому +14

    Sounds like this is a sleeping dog best left alone....no exploring, no testing, just take the builders word that the castle did it's job.

    • @hullinstruments
      @hullinstruments 3 роки тому

      Or science could explain yet another “spiritual“ or “unexplainable“ phenomenon that has created so much religious and cultist bullshit in our world. And hell of it is full of demons… That will change our understanding of everything. Answers are good.

    • @weirdshibainu
      @weirdshibainu 3 роки тому +3

      @@hullinstruments oh...you mean like all the answers we've been getting about COVID-19? I'm not denying science, but the scientific community is riddled with just as much fraudulent, self serving, unethical players as any religion through history. Put humanity into any equation and we'll fuck it up.

    • @hullinstruments
      @hullinstruments 3 роки тому

      @@weirdshibainu Agreed. Sounds like we’re on the same page

    • @weirdshibainu
      @weirdshibainu 3 роки тому

      @@hullinstruments We are. Have a better 2021 man.

  • @headishome8452
    @headishome8452 3 роки тому +2

    Great educational vid!! Facts with interesting anecdotes Thank you!!!

  • @MeganMcIntosh
    @MeganMcIntosh 3 роки тому +1

    The end was very touching. Loved this one from you guys. Also, I always figured you guys were in England, so it’s interesting to learn you are in Czech Republic.

  • @alecbarnes6917
    @alecbarnes6917 3 роки тому +13

    You should check out "The Keep" a horror movie from the '80s that took a lot from this castle.

    • @stevefreeman3474
      @stevefreeman3474 3 роки тому

      Love that movie ,am actually downloading it to watch again as i type this.

  • @stevestolarczyk8972
    @stevestolarczyk8972 3 роки тому +4

    The most surprising thing about this video is the ease with which Simon pronounces all of the Czech names and words. No doubt that he’s living there.

    • @dudepool7530
      @dudepool7530 3 роки тому +2

      He's in Prague. It's been mentioned in a few Business Blaze videos. Allegedly.

  • @badbiker666
    @badbiker666 3 роки тому +1

    This is why I am subscribed to all ( I think) of the video channels hosted by Simon Whistler and researched and written by his crack team. I learned more about that particular part of the world in this video than I would have by any other source. And it's because Simon teased me with the whole "gateway to hell" thing. Yup! That brought me in but left me intellectually better for the experience. Thank you Simon and all of your cohorts. You're the greatest!

  • @dksdg
    @dksdg 3 роки тому

    I love this channel and all of Simons since it brings enlightenment to many things other than it’s main subject such as the 30 years of war

  • @mtatarko1
    @mtatarko1 3 роки тому +11

    WOW Simon lives in Czech republic?! Greetings from neighboring Slovakia, hope you are doing well, I know Czechs have it really hard now.

  • @cyberkat6615
    @cyberkat6615 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you for the fascinating story. I'm now very interested in visiting Houska Castle when this Covid 19 goes away.

  • @PhilaVeratatis31415
    @PhilaVeratatis31415 3 роки тому

    My man, you are ALWAYS reliable for a hell of a story before I fall asleep at night ☺️

  • @BigBazz-Clips
    @BigBazz-Clips Рік тому

    Great way of presenting it, liked the message at the end

  • @MistahBryan
    @MistahBryan 3 роки тому +8

    While watching this I notice:
    "Haunted Castle Houska" from Prague Trips and Tickets(from 1 year ago) in my Recommended List
    I'll Update after watching it.
    Lol!
    "Comments have been disabled"
    It's apparently an Episode of "World's Scariest Hauntings"
    There are clear edit's in the video, might be from commercial breaks but they're oddly placed.
    They're clearly ignoring(or maybe they weren't as thorough as Simon) the facts and are focusing only on the Folklore.
    Have to wonder: Has anyone tried Ground-Penetrating Radar here?

  • @ryanw3658
    @ryanw3658 3 роки тому +7

    If you haven’t heard of The Myrtles plantation in St Francisville, Louisiana I would implore you to check it out

  • @PowPowPixie
    @PowPowPixie Рік тому

    Wonderful video, Simon and Morris.

  • @markarato8034
    @markarato8034 3 роки тому

    Subbed! Awesome video

  • @riceracm
    @riceracm 3 роки тому +40

    11:55 Isn’t this the “good King Wenceslaus” from the Christmas carol?

    • @myothernameistaken
      @myothernameistaken 3 роки тому +16

      No, that was Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia
      , 350 years earlier.

    • @riceracm
      @riceracm 3 роки тому +2

      @@myothernameistaken sorry I just now saw your response... thank you for answering!

  • @lesleyannebathory4426
    @lesleyannebathory4426 3 роки тому +8

    Is it just me or does this castle seem like an SCP? Amazing video as always very interesting and I think I'm going to look further into this.

  • @jamesleatherwood5125
    @jamesleatherwood5125 Рік тому

    exceptional video. well done writer!

  • @TheNgandrew
    @TheNgandrew 3 роки тому

    Wonderful stuff!
    I am pleased you follow the evidence, as well as the fun mythology.

  • @thespalek1
    @thespalek1 3 роки тому +3

    Well I spent quite some time on Houska, as my class-mate´s father used to be a warden there and my girlfriend used to give tours there. And I actually had a really creepy experience on Houska. :)) We went to see the sun go down at a nearby cliff, and as it got dark, a red moon (really, no kidding a red moon:-D) went up, and on the way back there was something stalking us from the bushes by the path, doing really creepy noises and unlike an animal, it was getting closer and closer..by the time we got to our car, we were almost pooping bricks :-D
    So it´s wonderfull to see this topic on this channel.

  • @maccurtis730
    @maccurtis730 3 роки тому +11

    Is Simon skeptical enough to check the pit he's not a prisoner we will never know?

    • @FeedScrn
      @FeedScrn 3 роки тому +1

      Good idea.... See if he can do a live tour... at night, by himself... with lights off and only a lantern or a couple of candles.

    • @maccurtis730
      @maccurtis730 Рік тому

      Sorry Simon you are needed as UA-cams Fact Boy.

  • @ExcalibursEdge
    @ExcalibursEdge 3 роки тому

    Great video, my friend! Happy Halloween!!

  • @wbarney59
    @wbarney59 Рік тому

    Simon your charisma shows through on yt. Once I learned to decipher your rapid speech I could enjoy your videos. I do enjoy your videos. Thanks 😊

  • @AndrewMitchell123
    @AndrewMitchell123 3 роки тому +17

    yeah I am Czech so naturally I've heard a lot of crazy tales about the castle , that place is pretty wild... and seeing how in this corona situation we are having now you can't really travel abroad I am pretty sure there's gonna be so much more guests now, I mean If they are open ofc, so I am pretty sure you have done them a favour Simon

  • @tabbykitty994
    @tabbykitty994 3 роки тому +47

    The wizards imprisoned Voldermont here "to imprison what is not named..."

  • @Nillermus9000
    @Nillermus9000 3 роки тому

    LOVE the content here and on your other channels!
    Please do one with Edinburgh Castle! :D

  • @ItsJustLisa
    @ItsJustLisa 3 роки тому +1

    Now I want to go to Prague a and visit this historic castle. Great presentation, Simon!

  • @MichBelgik
    @MichBelgik 3 роки тому +4

    I know i can google it, but for a channel called Geographics, it would be nice to situate the location on a map. Otherwise an interesting video, as usual! Stay safe, stay sane, and keep up the good work.

  • @DislikeThisCommentNow
    @DislikeThisCommentNow 3 роки тому +7

    Sounds like the movie: The Cave. Chapel built over a pit of hell.
    The cave is a great movie.

    • @chyvaelry
      @chyvaelry 3 роки тому

      I'm pretty sure the book/movie "The Keep" is a nod to Houska.

  • @collie4856
    @collie4856 3 роки тому

    I enjoyed this video more than any other on this channel

  • @Oldwhiteguy
    @Oldwhiteguy 3 роки тому +2

    Happy Halloween Simon!

  • @zizalka99
    @zizalka99 3 роки тому +6

    A little correction - the name is Václav Hájek. As in Czech you change some words slightly based on the context. So in Czech it would be "od Václava Hájka" but in English it would be "from Václav Hájek". Amazing video btw!

  • @claireflower6575
    @claireflower6575 3 роки тому +15

    Thank you Simon for your Czech topics this week👍🏻😘 “Pain in zadek” Hahaha👍🏻

  • @frankiemackenzie4120
    @frankiemackenzie4120 2 роки тому

    always awsome and great "Value in it" was quite interesting thanks

  • @samculp9468
    @samculp9468 3 роки тому

    I remember reading this comment in a previous video (defensive walls facing inward WTF). good choice, good on simon for listening and great video!