CHAPTER XXIII.
MYSTIC PLANTS.
The mystic character and history of certain plants meet us in every
age and country. The gradual evolution of these curious plants of belief
must, no doubt, partly be ascribed to their mythical origin, and in many
cases to their sacred associations; while, in some instances, it is not
surprising that, "any plant which produced a marked effect upon the
human constitution should become an object of superstition." [1] A
further reason why sundry plants acquired a mystic notoriety was their
peculiar manner of growth, which, through not being understood by
early botanists, caused them to be invested with mystery. Hence a
variety of combinations have produced those mystic properties of trees
and flowers which have inspired them with such superstitious
veneration in our own and other countries. According to Mr. Conway,
the apple, of all fruits, seems to have had the widest and most mystical
history. Thus, "Aphrodite bears it in her hand as well as Eve; the serpent
guards it, the dragon watches it. It is the healing fruit of the Arabian
tribes. Azrael, the Angel of Death, accomplishes his mission by holding it
to the nostrils, and in the prose Edda it is written, 'Iduna keeps in a box
apples which the gods, when they feel old age approaching, have only to
taste to become young again.'" Indeed, the legendary mythical lore
connected with the apple is most extensive, a circumstance which fully
explains its mystic character. Further, as Mr. Folkard points out,[2] in the
popular tales of all countries the apple is represented as the principal
magical fruit, in support of which he gives several interesting
illustrations. Thus, "In the German folk-tale of 'The Man of Iron,' a
princess throws a golden apple as a prize, which the hero catches three
times, and carries off and wins." And in a French tale, "A singing apple is
one of the marvels which Princess Belle-Etoile and her brothers and her
cousin bring from the end of the world." The apple figures in many an
Italian tale, and holds a prominent place in the Hungarian story of the
Iron Ladislas.[3] But many of these so-called mystic trees and plants have
been mentioned in the preceding pages in their association with
lightning, witchcraft, demonology, and other branches of folk-lore,
although numerous other curious instances are worthy of notice, some of
which are collected together in the present chapter. Thus the nettle and
milfoil, when carried about the person, were believed to drive away fear,
and were, on this account, frequently worn in time of danger. The laurel
preserved from misfortune, and in olden times we are told how the
superstitious man, to be free from every chance of ill-luck, was wont to