Houska Castle: Europe’s Gateway to Hell

In this special Halloween episode of Geographics, we discuss what is, at the very least, an extremely creepy basement.
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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...

[@mad87645]

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

[@jessicamartinez257]

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

[@janettetadgerson811]

@@jessicamartinez257 q+++

[@natewilson111]

Well done, that man

[@sarahstrong7174]

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

[@AndrewMitchell123]

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

[@wfcoaker1398]

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]

*why not both* 🤷‍♀️

[@frankm.2850]

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]

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]

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

[@istra70]

Most likely sulphur ....or hydrogen sulphide H2S

[@heckinmemes6430]

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

[@O-sa-car]

* sips their S-tier beer *

[@chicken2jail545]

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

[@MacabreQt888]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ninas992]

😂

[@michac.8283]

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]

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

[@sarahstrong7174]

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

[@stevenjlovelace]

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

[@simonkimberly6956]

Well i mean he literally lives there

[@2Sparrows4aFarthing]

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

[@dashingdave2665]

@@2Sparrows4aFarthing lol, where?

[@SakyUchi]

@@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]

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

[@terenceconnors9627]

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.

[@tomasnovotny6283]

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

[@antonsavka4305]

Haha yep loved that joke!

[@DaweSlayer]

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]

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

[@vern5007]

apart from book by Vaclava :D

[@VidGirl88]

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

[@lauraowen8142]

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

[@jakeharris2546]

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

[@jamesschulziii9098]

Cue the Benny Hill theme....😂

[@natas3.14]

@@jamesschulziii9098 thank you for that comment.

[@THX11458]

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).

[@Witchofthewoods.]

Sounds about right.

[@lilrex2015]

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]

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]

ASMR

[@limeyndixie]

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

[@sparkpenguin]

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]

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

[@Alastherra]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@charlesadams8279]

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]

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

[@Propulus]

Pain in their zadek. Nice.

[@ladymopar2024]

My new word

[@rognvaldrasbjrn3972]

@@ladymopar2024 pain...

[@thelwq]

It is like a motto to be put on a tshirt 🤟

[@AndrewMitchell123]

noice

[@--enyo--]

@@thelwq Ask him to make merch of it.

[@generalsherman9897]

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

[@keygenlain]

Do it again uncle billy

[@elysivm_]

haha my thoughts exactly

[@Christopher-N]

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

[@saldan3985]

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

[@ashley-cn3rz]

You burned my home town down you a-hole!

[@MooseBme]

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

[@rcrawford42]

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

[@jayrichards3572]

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

[@WolfieD-yp5ez]

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

[@dexocube]

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

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

My first thought was the keep 😏

[@ryurc3033]

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.

[@CorinnaAtHome]

That last line was poetic

[@fabulouschild2005]

That's deep

[@johnpatz8395]

Yet. 😁

[@crwydryny]

Plot twist... You were the demon all along

[@headcrab1799]

maybe the real demons were the friends we made along the way

[@zennekelechien1610]

Laughed my zadek off. Good job!

[@zizalka99]

That's going on a t-shirt immediately!

[@johnrecker]

Cool fact: Houska is also kind of pastry in Czechia

[@davidborunsky6681]

Yes, in the UK, they call it breadroll

[@richardaubrecht2822]

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

[@almitrahopkins1873]

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

[@NajwaLaylah]

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

[@kajuse1016]

literally bread :D

[@arkadiusztrzesniewski4237]

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.

[@kripht]

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

[@SwedishEmpire1700]

The pit was prob us all along

[@yitlerxyeezus]

@@SwedishEmpire1700 or the friends we made along the way

[@tankkali9699]

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]

@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]

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

[@markdturnock]

@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]

@@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

[@janhorvat7276]

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]

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

[@jayy2949]

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

[@franciscampagna2711]

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]

Traveling to the moon is still fantasy.

[@kossupelle]

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

[@rudra62]

@@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]

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

[@kossupelle]

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

[@RCAvhstape]

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

[@toonvandenbroeck1697]

Lol

[@geraldfriend256]

What would your first album be called?

[@RCAvhstape]

@@geraldfriend256 Killer Bunny Rabbit

[@suppiluiiuma5769]

@@geraldfriend256 My suggestion to him would be "Wooden Doors and Fluffy Paws"

[@zhoranadtochniy7528]

“Facial Rabbits”

[@hemidas]

The real life Wolfenstein Castle.

[@JayRocArt]

I was thinking that castle from The Nun

[@annescholey6546]

Cue the game soundtrack and the hordes of zombies

[@richardaubrecht2822]

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]

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

[@1Three8Fiver]

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!

[@JeffDeWitt]

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

[@ignitionfrn2223]

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

[@dafttool]

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]

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

[@jasmirris]

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]

That just sounds like Wolfenstein but in the Czech Republic

[@dddc2]

the nazi are demons

[@singer3188]

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

[@Jiuhuashan]

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

[@lorenzopolito7316]

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

[@melancholygirl840]

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

[@Chef_PC]

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

[@marcowen1506]

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.

[@Epsilon1Zeta]

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]

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!

[@TheEasyrhino63]

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

[@MineBrno]

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!

[@wraithg8898]

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]

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

[@TubeDupe]

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

[@JollyPolack]

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

[@Baldevi]

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]

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

[@auntiejen5376]

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

[@jamesa3818]

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).

[@owenfink]

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]

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

[@owenfink]

@@noth606 I was the first comment.

[@noth606]

@@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]

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]

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

[@VaclavHornak]

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

[@mathewstarcher1333]

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.

[@brinleyknowles]

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!!

[@Pyrochemik007]

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

[@mintyaroma987]

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

[@ding1466]

Can you throw bio weapons down there first?

[@Pyrochemik007]

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

[@FinCBolt]

Meh, uranium returning home then...

[@Pyrochemik007]

@@FinCBolt It is true it was mined nearby.

[@joelg34]

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

[@ChristmasLore]

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

[@lolom8772]

Another quality video from Simon, great job

[@lacesecret6041]

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

[@gordonhowell9701]

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 :-)

[@HighChurchProtestant]

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.

[@livenbelieve4819]

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

[@PhilaVeratatis31415]

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

[@seanpeterson4908]

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

[@VideoSage]

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]

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

[@saikeenra]

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]

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.

[@sarahjohnson5739]

@@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]

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

[@graybeard763]

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

[@MeganMcIntosh]

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.

[@scocon8658]

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]

Like Delphi?

[@nlwilson4892]

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

[@coreysmith556]

Natural gas?

[@scocon8658]

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

[@jillscott4029]

@@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.

[@CAP198462]

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

[@Am_Yeff]

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

[@badbiker666]

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!

[@Nillermus9000]

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

[@Chalky.]

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

[@barrybradley3583]

What about a black hole?

[@RealTiriol]

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

[@Scxoop123]

(ba dum tmamm stt) Drum sound

[@parkerm4345]

Oh how true.

[@concept5631]

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

[@zizalka99]

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!

[@FallenRingbearer]

Refreshing to get a spooky story with Simon giggling and laughing maniacally

[@wbarney59]

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 😊

[@mtatarko1]

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

[@cyberkat6615]

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

[@TheNgandrew]

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

[@ItsJustLisa]

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

[@MichBelgik]

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.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

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

[@richardaubrecht2822]

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]

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]

Yeah I actually expected Coca-Cola to be in hell

[@JeffDeWitt]

@@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]

Have to pay to maintain it.

[@valacarno]

You got me at "pain in zadek" 2:50 :D

[@headishome8452]

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

[@lesleyannebathory4426]

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.

[@wendychavez5348]

SCP?

[@lesleyannebathory4426]

@@wendychavez5348 It's kind of like a creepypasta but they can be place's, objects, people.

[@wendychavez5348]

Thank you, @@lesleyannebathory4426.

[@alecbarnes6917]

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

[@stevefreeman3474]

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

[@bryanparkhurst17]

This story is so cool Simon. Growing up on the other side of the pond in the United States in the 1980s we had a cartoon show here called G. I. Joe. This story that you have just presented to me jogs my memory of an episode where the villain was related to a family that owned a castle that had a demon that lived in a pit underneath of it. Although that episode aired in the 1980s it really smacks of the story that you just told.

[@naomiseraphina9718]

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

[@sheldonwheaton881]

Thanks for the Lovecraft references!👻

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@gustavoechevarria9369]

I find you everywhere lmao, I enjoy ur content bro, keep up the good fight against the ATF

[@GIMMETHELOOT94]

Love your channel bro! Keep on fighting the good fight my friend 💪🏼

[@Hawkinszm1]

Fancy seeing you here! 😂🤘🏻

[@joeyr7294]

I really like the vibe of this vid, try to do a few more like this please. 🍻

[@dksdg]

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

[@thespalek1]

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.

[@CutterDriftwood]

"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]

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.

[@samculp9468]

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

[@janmatous1432]

Great video Simon, it's funny that I've start to watch you when I lived in Mississipi and now I found that you live in Czech. When you'll be around Děčín let me know and I'll give you tour here.

[@AndrewMitchell123]

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

[@cartoonraccoon2078]

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

[@grabham59]

Absolutely fascinating Simon - it looks like a stunning place to visit!

[@canadiannavywife434]

Thank you for all the info. Hugs from Esquimalt

[@riceracm]

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

[@myothernameistaken]

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

[@riceracm]

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

[@claireflower6575]

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

[@toshirodragon]

All of those pictures on the surrounding area make me want,even more than I did before, to visit The Czech Republic! Beautiful countryside, old castles, creepy folklore: a dream vacation!

[@nerissam.5390]

Loved this one! Fascinating!

[@DislikeThisCommentNow]

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

[@chyvaelry]

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

[@MistahBryan]

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?

[@derrickhouska4935]

Great presentation. Thanks for the information. Some interesting genealogical aspects. Fair winds and following seas.

[@jamesleatherwood5125]

exceptional video. well done writer!