Real Life Wizards Trivia Quiz

Answer: Queen Elizabeth I

The magus Dee (1527-1608) was known to have practised astrology and necromancy, allegedy summoning spirits on several occasions. Though he had a huge library of occult books, it is believed some of his ideas on mathematics may have later influenced the sciences of astronomy, navigation and even optics.

He was also something of a spy; a predecessor to James Bond, he signed his letters to Queen Elizabeth I with the secret code 007.

Answer: Grimoires

Possibly the most famous of grimoires, 'The Key of Solomon,' was copied and added to over the centuries until the 14th century when Pope Innocent VI ordered them all to be destroyed. Most practices in grimoires are now seen as ridiculous, but some dabblers still seek them out even today.

The Necronomicon is the famous invention of H.P Lovecraft.

Answer: 230

His dubious witch-finding methods included seeking out single women, women with familiars (i.e., pets that would have demonic traits attributed to them), women with unusual birthmarks or deformities, by sticking pins into them to see if blood flowed or seeing if a weighted victim would survive being thrown into a deep body of water - essentally any odious torment that took his fancy.

Answer: Water

Rhabdomancy is much better known as dowsing. Although it is best known for uncovering undiscovered sources of subterranean water, it has been used to find all manner of substances. It is most often achieved with forked sticks; the term 'dowsing rod' is believed to come from two old Cornish words 'dewsys' meaning 'goddess' and 'rhodi' meaning 'twig.' Ley lines are the alignment of ancient mysterious sites that stretch across continents.

Answer: 24 years

It is said that as his 'contract' drew to a close in its 23rd year, Dr Faust tried to renege. When Mephistopheles assured him the Devil would soon becoming for his soul, Dr Faust delved headlong into hedonism, including having some of the most beautiful women in the world brought to him for his pleasure. Historical records carry no definitive cause of death for Dr Faust of Wittenberg.

Answer: He had a limited ability to travel to the past and near future

It is believed the real Merlin, if he existed, would have been a real bard or prophet - 'Merlin' is a Latinized verson of the Welsh name 'Myrddin.' An influential 12th-century Welsh monk, Geoffery of Monmouth, wrote extensively about the 5th-century Merlin and is believed to invented many of the supernatural aspects later attributed to the legendary version of Merlin. It is said the Merlin's father was either an incubus or the Devil himself. Merlin, however, chose to give up all his infernal powers except spellcasting and prophecy and pursue enlightenment.

The Merlin of legend was well-known for using his powers to meddle with the hearts of men and women. One of his 'glamours' helped King Uther seduce Igraine - resulting in the birth of King Arthur. The legendary Merlin was also said to possess the ability to appear and disappear at will, in the guise of young, middle-aged, or elderly version of himself. Although unable to travel through time, it was said Merlin was virtually omnisicient and was a powerful prophet.

Answer: Attempted poisoning, gunshot, gunshot, beating with an iron bar, and finally bound and pushed through a hole in a frozen River Neva

When his body was finally retrived from under the ice of the frozen Neva River, the hand Rasputin had managed to free from its binding had three fingers raised, apparently in a holy sign. There is debate as to whether he was indeed poisoned or not - some sources stating that his recovered body had no trace of poison. Alexis, the Tsar and Tsarina's only son, suffered from haemophilia, and it was said Rasputin's ministrations eased his suffering.

Answer: Point at a person with a bone

Traditionally in Australian aboriginal society, one's health is generally maintained through positive thinking; thus it is believed that negative thinking firstly attacks one's spirit, which then manifests as physical symptoms, such as illness. In extreme cases, it is believed it could cause death.

The victim of 'bone-pointing' would therefore become ill or even die because they believed it would happen! The special bone used in the casting of such a curse is usually taken from an emu or kangaroo. On April 20, 2004 a female medicine woman assisting a group of aborignal protesters 'pointed the bone' at then Australian Prime Minister John Howard in protest of his decision to scrap an aboriginal government program.

Answer: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law"

Crowley certainly took this philosophy to heart - he indulged in all manner of drugs, torture, and sexual depravities in addition to his occultism. It was said he was able to make himself invisible to enemies by creating a blank spot in the minds of those attempting to view him, that he could control a person's movements, and that he could summon astral vampires and demons.

He was once also a member of the infamous Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Incidentally, he was also featured on the cover of the Beatles' 1967 "Sgt. Pepper" album. "That is not dead which can eternal lie / And with strange aeons even death may die" was of course written by H.P. Lovecraft.

Answer: Abdominal complications

Houdini died of peritonitis resulting from appendicitis - peritonitis being an irritation of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the wall of the abdomen and abdominal organs). Houdini was in fact surprised with a punch from an overeager fan, but it is believed the punch did not contribute to his death. He did also jump into San Francisco Bay locked to a ball and chain, but that stunt was one of his many successful ones.

The 1953 movie 'Houdini,' starring Tony Curtis, led to one of the most persistent misconceptions about Houdini dying while trying to escape the famous Chinese Water Torture Cell. Perhaps appropriate for a hunter of the supernatural, he died on Halloween at 1:26 P.M. 1926. Houdini made a pact with his wife, Bess, that after his death, he would send the pre-arranged message "Rosabelle believe" from beyond the grave. At first, she said that she had received the message - making news worldwide - but later retracted her statement.