Fly Agaric
Amanita muscaria
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Etymology:
- Fly Agaric: This mushroom has been used as an insecticide in various countries around the world for generations. The mushroom is crumbled up and placed into a bowl or tray of milk. When the flies come to drink, the toxins from the mushroom kill them.
- Amanita muscaria: The name Amanita comes from the ancient greek word ἀμανίτης (amanítēs) which is just the name for this mushroom instead of a description. I know, kinda boring. Muscaria however, means fly in latin. See common name above for reason behind fly naming.
Other Names:
- Oaxaca, Mexico: xi'i naa - mushroom who dies fast
- Russia: Мухомор (Mukhomor)
- Chukchee and Koryak Indigenous East Siberian Groups: Wápaq
Location: The Fly Agaric is a cosmopolitan species, meaning it is spread across most regions of the planet. This means that if you look for one, it is likely you can find it no matter where you are!
Ecological Group: Amanita muscaria is a mycorrhizal fungus that associates with conifer and various hardwood trees. This means it obtains its nutrients through the roots of these trees. In return, it supplies the host tree with water and minerals.
Edible? This is a bit of a tricky one to answer. Throughout history, this mushroom has been labeled as toxic. However, in 2008, a paper was released discussing the cultural bias in field guides when determining edibility and the historical context around eating the Fly Agaric (Rubel and Arora, 2008). The paper also proposes a method for removing the toxins, making it edible. That being said, I have not done this myself and cannot recommend others to do so unless they are experienced.
World Tour
Siberia
The significance of Amanita muscaria in the traditions of Siberian indigenous groups dates back to at least the 17th century. While its use has varied among different communities, the most notable distinctions exist between those residing in the western and eastern regions of Siberia. In the west, there has been a decreased utilization of the mushroom over the past century, and its overall prevalence has diminished. In contrast, eastern communities have maintained a consistent and diverse use of the mushroom for various purposes.
It is important to note that the mushroom is not obligatory for ceremonies; instead, it was used by less experienced individuals and shamans to enhance the effects of more vital elements such as rhythmic music, singing, and dancing. In contrast, those who could conduct ceremonies without relying on the mushroom were considered stronger practitioners.
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There were four main categories of uses of the Mushroom across all regions of Siberia:
Sacred and Magic Activities
Communication with the dead
Communication with spirits
Treatment of diseases
Giving a name to new-born children
Determining the cause and solution to dangerous situations
Interpreting dreams
Prediction and fortune-telling
Seeing into the past
Visiting different worlds
Seeing other parts of the world
Recital of Epics: Helping with singing and passing on stories through oral tradition
Work and Physical Effort: Helping strengthen an individual so they can perform incredible feats, such as walking long distances in deep snow, harvesting hay with the efficiency of multiple men, or carrying heavy loads.
Social and Recreational Purposes: Used during social events such weddings or after a successful day of hunting.
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A commonality between the two regions was the embrace of animistic beliefs, where the mushrooms were regarded as entities imbued with spirits. These spirits were often referred to as "Manikin" and occasionally as "Wapaq." When partaking in the mushroom, the individual would pose a question to the spirit and allow it to take control of their body. If this interaction was not conducted correctly, the consumer could be placed in danger, as these spirits were sometimes perceived as mischievous and played pranks on those they encountered. However, when the ritual was performed accurately, the spirit would guide the user through various worlds, times, and visions, aiding in finding answers to their questions.
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The Koryak people have a captivating tale that explains the origin of the Fly Agaric mushroom, known as Wapaq in their language. At the heart of this narrative is Quikinna'qu, or Big Raven in English, a significant figure in Koryak mythology. One day, Big Raven discovered a stranded whale on the shore. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to lift the massive creature and return it to the ocean.
In this moment of need, the god Vahiyinin (Existence) intervened, instructing Big Raven to consume the wapaq spirits to gain the necessary strength. Vahiyinin then spat onto the earth, giving rise to little white plants with red caps for the Wapaq to embody. Following Vahiyinin's guidance, Big Raven ingested the mushroom, giving him an immense amount of strength.
Empowered by the fungi, Big Raven was able to successfully move the whale. Feeling grateful for the help, he exclaimed, "O wapaq, grow forever on earth." He then instructed his people to use this gift, urging them to learn from the Wapaq.
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Saar, M. (1991). Ethnomycological data from Siberia and North-East Asia on the effect of Amanita muscaria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 31(2), 157-173.
Schultes, R. E., Hofmann, A., & Rätsch, C. (2006). Plants of the gods: Their sacred, healing and hallucinogenic powers (Revised and expanded edition). Healing Arts Press.
Scandinavia
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The belief that Vikings used Amanita muscaria to induce the berserker rage is widely held, yet it is likely inaccurate. In a 2019 paper by Karsten Fatur [1], it was argued that while many characteristics of the berserker rage resemble the effects of Amanita muscaria, the behavior aligns more closely with the effects of the black henbane nightshade (Hyoscyamus niger).
Traits such as intense rage, reduced pain sensitivity, inability to distinguish between friends and foes, and several days of dulled senses and cognition after consumption are all indicative of henbane nightshade ingestion, rather than common symptoms associated with the Fly Agaric.
Furthermore, during the Viking Age in Scandinavia, this specific nightshade was discovered in numerous archaeological sites, indicating its utilization among several groups of people. In contrast, Amanita muscaria was considerably less prevalent and more challenging to find.
While acknowledging the ambiguous history of the Vikings, the author does concludes the paper by noting that this remains a theory, akin to the previously held belief.
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Fatur, K. (2019). Sagas of the Solanaceae: Speculative ethnobotanical perspectives on the Norse berserkers. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 244, 112151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112151
Disclaimer: Please refrain from picking and consuming mushrooms without proper guidance. If you have an interest in learning how to forage, I strongly encourage you to join your local mycological society. You can find a list of clubs across America, organized by state, on the North American Mycological Society's website.
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