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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Once upon a time... » » (Chochin) Curse of the Japanese Lantern (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

Orville Smith
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In the Dunninger Encyclopedia is a trick that could be applied to this Japanese tale. This Japanese tale is somewhat obscure because through the many years I've heard only bits and pieces of it, so I don't know the whole story or how it ended at all.

The basic premise of the curse is that if you come into ownership of the Lantern and do NOT keep its flame burning, then you will instantly die! The way the story was told to me, it basically begins with a Merchant selling the Lantern to a Samurai. Unbeknowest to the Samurai, the Merchant secretly breathes a sigh of relief that he is finally freed of the curse.

As the Samurai walks home, there a wind which blows and of course affects the flame in the Lantern. As a result, the flame begins to weakly flicker. This causes the Samurai's heart to palpitate, signalling the onset of a heart-attack. Inadvertently when he staggers into an area where the Lantern is shielded away from the wind, the flame becomes strong again, and thereby his heart-beat becomes normal. What a narrow escape! So obviously to have Ownership of this Lantern is a nightmare 24/7.

At this point, the story abruptly stops without any ending, at least according to the few people who have told it to me. Maybe somebody in the Magic Café audience might be more familiar with this Japanese tale and could share the story in its entirety.

Now we come to the Dunninger application. In his Encyclopedia is a trick with a Candle whose flame can be extinguished at a far distance. That trick would serve as an additional idea to the original Japanese tale.

As I said, if someone out there is more familiar with this Japanese tale, he could share the story in its entirety. Failing that, someone could even originate his own ideas as to how the story ends.
Leslie Melville
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I haven't heard of this story but it sounds intriguing!

It is slightly reminiscent of R.L.Stevenson's 'Bottle Imp', where an imp in a bottle will grant the owner's every wish - however he/she must sell it on before they die, otherwise Hell will be their final destination. The catch is that they must sell it for less than they paid for it! They can't give it away, nor can they throw it away because it will always return.

There are other elements in the story that make it an exciting tale.

However, I too would like to hear more of the Japanese Lantern Curse!

Leslie
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illusioneer
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This got me thinking. If there was a way to slowly dissipate the flame (without extinguishing it entirely) until it was very low and close to the wick - this would make for a wicked pulse slow/stop effect.

Set up the tale and then, to further the audience's suspension of disbelief (thank you Mr. Chelman), inquire as to whether they would like to witness the effects of the cursed candle.

I don't know if that does much for anybody dramatically but its got my wheels turning.
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Dr_J_Ayala
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Quote:
On 2009-11-23 12:34, illusioneer wrote:
This got me thinking. If there was a way to slowly dissipate the flame (without extinguishing it entirely) until it was very low and close to the wick - this would make for a wicked pulse slow/stop effect.

Set up the tale and then, to further the audience's suspension of disbelief (thank you Mr. Chelman), inquire as to whether they would like to witness the effects of the cursed candle.

I don't know if that does much for anybody dramatically but its got my wheels turning.


Oh yeah...that would be absolutely heartstopping (pun intended) for the audience. I would bet you could get even guys to scream with that one...
Orville Smith
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What seems to be intertwined with the Japanese Lantern curse is the following Lantern-Floating Ceremony. The annual ceremony just took place last month for the 15th year. http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/24......ceremony
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