Meet Erich von Däniken
Erich von Däniken (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_von_D%C3%A4niken)
The Man:
Erich von Däniken is a Swiss author born in 1935 and is the self-proclaimed “father of ancient astronaut theory.” He was educated at College St-Michel in Fribourg where he studied holy writings according to his own website, daniken.com. Missing from his own site’s biography page is the fact that before and after penning Chariots of the Gods, he had quite a few legal problems. As a boy, he was accused of stealing from a group of boys scouts and appeared before a judge. Later in his 20s, while working in hotels in Switzerland Mr. von Däniken was convicted of defrauding the owner of one hotel and was ordered to pay a fine. Around the time of the publication of Chariots of the Gods, he was accused of large scale embezzlement, forgery and tax evasion. Convicted once again, Erich von Däniken served three years in a Swiss prison and completed his second book while serving his sentence. Mr. von Däniken only admits to the conviction that resulted in his imprisonment and explains it away as a conspiracy by the Swiss Catholic hierarchy to discredit him. Däniken has written over two dozen books, selling millions of copies with some titles having been published in as many as 32 languages. His most recent book, History is Wrong was published in August of this year. More on Erich von Däniken is available at StateMaster.com.
His Myths:
Erich von Däniken has numerous ideas about ancient astronaut theory. He must to have written 26-27 books on the subject. Here are the big ones, straight from the back cover of Chariots of the Gods:
- An alien astronaut preserved in a pyramid.
- A giant spaceport discovered in the Andes.
- A map of the land beneath the icecap of Antarctica.
- Sophisticated batteries found in Bronze Age cities.
- Thousand-year-old spaceflight navigation charts.
- Computer astronomy from Incan and Egyptian ruins.
The Legend:
Mr. von Däniken has truly made ancient astronaut theory his life’s work. I personally feel he is more deserving of the title, “king of astronaut theory” than “father of ancient astronaut theory.” This is not his baby. The earliest mention of something similar to von Däniken’s ancient astronaut theory comes from the 1898 science fiction novel, Edison’s Conquest of Mars. In this book the Martians are said to have built the Egyptian pyramids. H.P. Lovecraft’s stories involving the character of Cthulhu also had an ancient alien focus. Several science fiction writers explored this concept in the seven decades leading up to von Däniken’s non-fictional treatment of the subject. The legend of Erich von Däniken has grown over the years, thanks in part to his ideas ending back up in the realm of science fiction and other places in popular culture. Movies, TV shows, books and other like-minded researchers have all helped to keep von Däniken close to the spotlight for all of these years. It seems to have peaked in the early 1970s with a TV documentary and later a film version of Chariots of the Gods. Erich von Däniken became the Walt Disney of his own theme park with the opening of Mystery Park in 2003. Sadly, it closed in 2006. I was looking forward to riding the “Ferris Wheel of the Gods”, or the “Spinning Teacups of the Gods”, or the “Bumper Cars of the Gods” and of course, the “It’s a Small Universe” ride. Mystery Park seems to have been more serious though with museum exhibits instead of rides. More information on Mystery Park can be found at the slightly outdated evdaniken.com website. Please enjoy the following clips from YouTube regarding von Däniken and the now defunct Mystery Park.
Erich von Däniken lecturing in Dallas, TX – year and location unknown.
The first part of the Chariot’s of the Gods movie. The film is broken up into 10 parts available for viewing on YouTube.
Mystery Park photo slide show. (I recommend muting the music on this one.)
References and Links (All on-line information retrieved September 29, 2009)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Erich_von_Daniken.jpg
http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/Erich-von-D%C3%A4niken
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._Lovecraft
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cthulhu
http://www.evdaniken.com/e/themepark.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaJgsxFX_mE&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF62mL1swGM&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j4maNtFKJM&feature=player_embedded
I was intruigued as to why a man like Von Daniken was held on remand in a Swiss jail (as he does mention in the Foreword of his book “Return to the Stars”). About 10 years ago I did send the man himself an e-mail, hoping to get answers. Sadly, one of his personal staff replied telling me that due to the man’s great schedule, he was unable to reply to personal e-mails.
Pity. I only found out much later why. Still, love or loath his theories, he is (or was) willing to do a lot of groundwork in putting together his various works (unlike some “armchair” commentators) – is this something to do with having the courage behind your convicvtions and having self-belief in ones opinions? . He is obviously a very intelligent and astute individual, and he has, on numerous occasions made observations that still remain either un-explained, or else have not been commented on by other “authorities”.
Perhaps he is just a lucky fraudster who has managed to make a career out of duping the ignorant and the gullable. Either that, or the man is a truly gifted individual who is misunderstood by the vast majority of his peers and contemporaries. Only time will tell, I suppose.
Thanks for commenting. It is certainly regrettable that you did not receive a reply from Mr. von Däniken, but here is mine:
He has certainly done a lot of work promoting his theories. I firmly believe that many of his claims are simply uninformed and poorly researched. The study of archaeology is very much alive and an ongoing process like any field of science. As you read this reply there are university sponsored field schools all across the globe scientifically investigating many of the same sites that von Däniken has also researched. The biggest issue is that Erich von Däniken does not follow the scientific method, nor does offer his readers any hope of proving these fantastic theories. Carl Sagan said, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence” forever painting researchers like von Däniken in a corner. The scholar, Ronald Story, also wrote a book called The Space Gods Revealed which is a rational counter-explanation of the ideas of von Däniken’s Chariots of the Gods. So the “authorities” as you say – have definitely commented on, explained and discounted von Däniken’s myths and mysteries.
I would not call Erich von Däniken a fraudster, but maybe a sensationalist at the end of the day. Overall his theories and methods are more horribly misguided than dishonest.
Hello, My name is Esmeralda but everyone calls me Izzy. Ever since I heard about Ancient Astronaut Theory I have been wondering how do you get a degree on this. I want to study this topic at a college. Do they even teach this in college?
Thanks for your comment, Izzy. As far as I know, there are no degrees in ancient astronaut theory. I was lucky to take an archaeology course that was focused on the myths and mysteries of archaeology. Topics included: ancient astronaut theory, Atlantis, Biblical Archaeology, hoaxes and other pseudoscientific/pseudoarchaeology topics.
Huuuuu…. Archaeology, I guess that could get me in. I mean do you think that these people on Ancient Aliens took Archaeology? Is this what I need?
Thanks for your comment. I’m very sorry for the super late reply! Some of the ancient aliens people may have some archaeological knowledge, but actual mainstream academic archaeologists and most rational people dismiss ancient astronaut theory. As Carl Sagan said, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” The fact of the matter is, that ancient astronaut theory only raises more questions about mankind’s origins than it will ever answer. This is why many people including myself see ancient astronaut theory as misguided pseudoscience or sensationalist charlatanism depending on the motives or the researchers involved.
If you want to study ancient aliens as someone who supports what I personally consider crackpot theories, I could not seriously recommend archaeology. So much of ancient astronaut theory is based in hypothetical scenarios with misinterpreted archaeological evidence by non-archaeologists. If I can say one more thing before I get off of my soap box: books, blogs and podcasts about pseudoscience and critical thinking are fairly cheap or free… and to me priceless. Good luck in all of your future endeavors – alien related or not.
October 22nd, 2011
Mr. Alexander Simon,
Professional-Marketer & Writer,
Sir William Place Building Block “C,”
Apartment #305, 8820 – 85 Street,
Edmonton, Alberta T6C 3C2
Canada.
Telephone: (780) 466-9719.
*In-coming calls accepted,
@2p.m.; only, please!
On the War Against Alien Intervention!
“Is there something up there?”
This book of Edinburg; and research to aeronautical ‘disturbance;’ sold well over 10-million copies in three solid Scottish months time! Mr. Dale White author and researcher of Unidentified Flying Objects (U.F.Os); “Military pilots were who observed UFOs were told to alert the nearest air base, immediately by radio (?); …” the problem to the Pentagon of the United States of America in Maryland is the convex is radar-on ploy through the Central Investigation Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.); in this rare and documented true relay; U.S. Air Force Attorney to Aerial Phenomena; as according to real and true eye witness including The Head of Federal Bureau of Washington Division Central with Head to The Pentagon no radio conventional can relay any military recognisine without a ‘conventional’ aircraft! To, confirm “tampering;” of the United States Control on conventional media in electronic relay: “Project Blue Book:” uncovered false and communist planted code above the all duty of every careful citizen and including all in gray and blue tie!
The Burning Docile!
The term “U.F.O.-Flap;” is exaggerated in a well celebrated book; by Mr. Ralph and Judy Blum! Accordingly to two father-daughter or father and sister writer collaboration; in a well sold out book in in Weston; Community of Stockton, California, the United States of America in 1974; as printed by Bantam Books pressing the need for a ‘hungry;’ American (not by Calvary-War Victory- all Canadian); a, Senator Mr. Barry Goldwater fought to “Blue-Book;” the Project; and radio; “not one single WORD;”!
The Earth is invaded By Lousy Commie Alien!
One Mann wrote the extensive and promising Epilogue on “strong-aerial travel;” Mr. Laureate and Scientist; Erich Von Daniken! In one day rare and unwelcome; two Soviet top Officials eared this major researcher into the world of alien invasion by several proven Bibles including the first and only Ark of Covenant! Here, examine if a magnet is a radio? According to the book sold out 77-million copies in six weeks; “Chariots of the Gods”; in the unknown presses, an “Ark of Covenant;’” was created to oust otter planet from invasion on Earth! In the pressing; of the Book only Roman Catholic and King James the First; the invasion was this concentrated: “And look … “; (a Bible of false worship) raped ($) Catholic Statement on knowledge; …. “…. Make them (people ((outlined)) … after their pattern … and said by Exodus25:40!
This proof that people were never the first and the Human Catholics are and I am living testimony and so is my family of five!
Canada; and Inscription to the Ottawa Regime of Alberta!
By the New American Library in Scarborough, Ontario; a man of impeccable community involvement and reader of the Methuen Library was reported by the analogue of Agincourt, Ontario and awarded the Mr. Former Prime Minister of Canada Pulitzer pries on Notary of illegal invasion for fool hearted! In a rare 1959; October 5th, Civic Council meeting nine men from Canada (America’s) best non Catholic endorsed and raced for the moon at the time including Mr. former Diefenbaker!
The US Move To Save A New Pilot’ Brother: Mr. Gary Francis Powers!
According to this same well careful and sold 99-millon copies in nine weeks “UFO Canada;” early and drawn are an April 12. 1952 rare Royal Canadien Mounted Police Commission draft on a sighting not U.F.O.; however; a rare sight of the C.I.A; over this … “North Bay Air Force in Manitoba!”
The pay-load is this: as inked in the Montreal Press read the same Commission: Doctor John Jack Hynek “radioed:” in to the President at the time Mr. .former President of the United States Lyndon Bryce Johnson; if and was March 11, through MUFON intelligence on 1965; is there a United-Dash-Two; in area?
On this day welcome! Mr, Gary Francis Powers landed in International Airport Montreal! And met the Prime Minister to be following the resignation of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_B._Pearson!
He never lost the TEXAS STAR!
Mr. Powers land well in Texan land, close; and as for the radio it works this way only: “Amplitude modulation (AM) is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent. For example, changes in the signal strength can be used to specify the sounds to be reproduced by a loudspeaker, or the light intensity of television pixels:’” Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AM_broadcasting! If this pulls convention aircraft from the blue … then it murders a signal that is not Sonar (originally an acronym for Sound Navigation And Ranging); which can range an oscillator that is alien!
XX
Ramble on.
JESUS!! It’s almost been a year LMFAO!!!