Mental Floss

NEWS





Binnerstam/iStock via Getty Images

Standing tall in the Scandinavian countryside, Viking runestones bear messages from 1000 years ago in an alphabet called the Futhark. Read on for more little-known lore.

Erika Harlitz-Kern


iStock/simonbradfield

Unless you want to start a boxing match with kangaroos, don’t steal pebbles from Australia's Uluru formation.

Lucas Reilly














Amazon

'RollerCoaster Tycoon,' the Windows game that allows players to erect theme parks and monitor barfing patrons, celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.

Jake Rossen


iHeartRadio

In 1912, after Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest, he proceeded to deliver a 90-minute campaign speech before allowing someone to take him to the hospital. Was it for patriotism’s sake, or a bull-headed refusal to show weakness? Given his history, p

Editorial Staff


Warner Home Video

For 50 years, the hard-working teens (and dog) of Mystery, Inc. have been investigating the paranormal—and inspiring some wild fan theories.

Kristin Hunt
EtiAmmos/iStock via Getty Images

1. Vikings never wore horns on their helmets—at least not until an 1876 staging of Wagner's opera 'The Ring of the Nibelung.'

mentalfloss .com
nito100/iStock via Getty Images

Much like Halloween itself, the practice of dressing up in costumes is the result of a hodgepodge of traditions from around the world.

Hannah McDonald