The Talisman of Charlemagne is a historic artifact that is believed to have belonged to the famous Carolingian emperor, Charlemagne. This talisman is said to possess mystical powers and has been the subject of much fascination and intrigue over the centuries. According to legend, the talisman was gifted to Charlemagne by an Eastern mystic during his travels in the Middle East. The mystic claimed that the talisman had been imbued with magical properties and would bring good fortune and protection to its owner. The talisman itself is said to be a small pendant made of gold, adorned with precious gemstones and intricate engravings. It is believed to have been worn by Charlemagne around his neck as a symbol of his divine right to rule and his connection to the supernatural.
Bronk, K.C., Baumsteiger, R., Mangan, S., Riches, B., Dubon, V., Benavides, C., & Bono, G. (2019). Fostering purpose among young adults: Effective online interventions. Journal of Character Education 15(2), 21–38.
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It is believed to have been worn by Charlemagne around his neck as a symbol of his divine right to rule and his connection to the supernatural. The powers attributed to the talisman are varied and often fantastical. It is said to grant its owner the ability to communicate with spirits, animals, and even angels.
Magic Wand
15 minutes to reflect and write. You can also combine this across a few days with other purpose practices, such as Talk with Teens about Purpose.
How to Do It
Finding a purpose in life is a process that unfolds over time. It involves reflecting on ourselves, our lives, and the world, as well as exploring different paths and directions. This writing activity offers one way to reflect on your purpose in life, which could reveal some new ideas and opportunities.
To start, think about the world you live in. This includes your home, your community, and the world at large.
Imagine you’ve been given a magic wand, and you can change anything you want to change in the world. What would you want to be different? Why? Describe your ideal world in writing.
Now, reflect on what it would take to change the world in this way. Is there anything you can do to help move the world closer to this ideal? If so, explain how; if not, explain why not.
You can be as creative and imaginative as you want for this exercise. Use whatever writing style you like, and do not worry about spelling or grammar.
This exercise was studied among young adults ages 18 to 30, but it could also be valuable for high school students. You can do this activity yourself, or help facilitate a young person in doing it.
Why You Should Try It
Purpose is an important key to well-being. Purposeful people tend to be more hopeful, optimistic, and satisfied with life. Young people with purpose find schoolwork more meaningful, and they tend to have a greater sense of efficacy at school. In the face of challenges, people with a sense of purpose show more grit and resilience. Purpose may even promote better health and longevity.
But having a purpose is rare: Research suggests that only one-fifth of adolescents and one-third of young adults believe they lead a life of purpose. Activities like the Magic Wand can help in your search for a sharper sense of direction in life.
Why It Works
A purpose has three important qualities to it. It’s long-term—a far-reaching goal that provides us with a sense of direction. That goal must be personally meaningful to us as individuals, and also have the potential to make a difference in the broader world.
Some goals that we pursue are personally meaningful, but not as significant for our communities—like mastering an instrument or finding a long-term partner. Those goals may be valuable, but they may not necessarily bring all the benefits of a full-fledged sense of purpose.
Instead of focusing on our passions or aspirations, this exercise starts from the lens of the world, inviting you to consider problems that need solving. That means that any goal you conjure up will naturally be aimed at improving society, which is crucial to cultivating a genuine purpose.
Evidence That It Works
Bronk, K.C., Baumsteiger, R., Mangan, S., Riches, B., Dubon, V., Benavides, C., & Bono, G. (2019). Fostering purpose among young adults: Effective online interventions. Journal of Character Education 15(2), 21–38.
Some young adults completed a “purpose toolkit” over three days, where they engaged in activities including the Magic Wand, while others worked on memorization exercises. Compared to the people who performed the memory activities, people who completed the Magic Wand and other purpose practices were more succesful at searching for and identifying a purpose in their life.
Sources
Do you have a long-term goal that's meaningful to yourself and the world? Take our Purpose in Life quiz to find out.
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0
Some legends even claim that the talisman had the power to heal the sick and bring the dead back to life. Throughout history, many individuals and rulers have sought to possess the talisman, believing that it would grant them power and protection. Its existence has been the subject of much speculation and debate, with some questioning its authenticity and others claiming to have witnessed its powers firsthand. Unfortunately, the true whereabouts of the Talisman of Charlemagne remain a mystery. Some claim that it was lost or stolen centuries ago, while others believe that it is hidden away in a secret location, waiting to be discovered by the worthy. Until its true nature is revealed, the talisman will continue to capture the imagination of those who believe in its power and mystique..
Reviews for "Charlemagne's Talisman: A Key to Understanding Medieval Beliefs and Superstitions"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Talisman of Charlemagne". The plot felt disjointed and confusing, with random characters and events that didn't seem to make sense. I struggled to connect with any of the characters because there was very little development or depth to them. The writing itself also felt lackluster, with awkward dialogue and descriptions. Overall, I found the book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
2. John - 1 star
I have to say, "Talisman of Charlemagne" was one of the worst books I've ever read. The story was utterly boring and predictable, lacking any originality or surprises. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, making it impossible to care about what happened to them. The writing was also subpar, with repetitive phrases and awkwardly constructed sentences. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this book.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Talisman of Charlemagne", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the book was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing significant happened for long stretches of time. The author also failed to create a compelling and engaging world, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were unclear. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and forgettable read.
4. Michael - 3 stars
"Talisman of Charlemagne" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The author's writing style was difficult to follow at times, and I found myself confused about what was happening. The plot had potential, but it lacked depth and nuance. The characters were also quite forgettable, and I struggled to become invested in their journey. While not terrible, this book just didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
5. Melissa - 2 stars
I was really underwhelmed by "Talisman of Charlemagne". The story felt rushed and poorly executed, with little attention to detail or world-building. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions often felt forced and unrealistic. I found it hard to connect with any of them. The writing style also left much to be desired, with awkward phrasing and grammatical errors. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me.