How to Tell If You’re Immortal: Part Two

Humans have been lusting after immortality since time began, and some have gotten closer than you think. Here’s a few of the more interesting myths and histories about people questing after eternal life.

You know you’re immortal if…

1) You Get Into Idunna’s Ash Box.
In Norse mythology Idunna was the goddess of youth and rejuvenation. She carried a box made of ash wood filled with golden apples that could turn the old young. Unfortunately, these apples were only for the gods.

2) You’re Old Enough to Be in the Old Testament.
The fifth chapter of the Book of Genesis gives a genealogy going from Adam down to Noah. The family tree had some pretty old branches, with an average age of 847. The big winner? Noah’s grandfather Methuselah, who reportedly lived 969 years.

3) You Can Get Past the Guard.
In the Arabian Nights, the Tale of Buluqiya tells the story of a hero in search of immortality. He discovers a paradise with jewel-encrusted trees and a fountain of life. Unfortunately the fountain is guarded by Al-Khidr, and Buluqiya is unable to defeat him.

4) You Can Stay Awake for Seven Days Straight.
We’ve all pulled the occasional all-nighter, but for Babylonian king Gilgamesh, there was more at stake than a term paper. He was commanded to stay awake for seven days and seven nights. If he made it he would be given the secret of immortality. Did it work? Well, let me know if you see him.

5) You’re in a Pakistani Valley
Good health until you’re 90 is commonplace for the people living in the Hunza Valley in Pakistan. Reports claim some even live to a comfortable 120 with no particular explanation for the added longevity.

I know where I’m vacationing next.

FCC Disclosure: JBNI is the producer of this blog and 33+ Naturaceuticals with curious effects on your longevity. Also see Taoist Immortality Treatment

Online Sources:

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Peach

http://www.myeport.com/published/t/uc/tucsonC/collection/18/3/upload.doc

http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Tree:of:Life.htm

http://www.touregypt.net/Osiriscu.htm

http://longevity.about.com/od/longevity101/tp/legends.htm