Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

If you follow me on Instagram , you may recall a post I made mentioning I have a seventh son of a seventh son in my family. Although the uncle in question dates to more olden times many years ago, I have been fascinated about this topic since finding out as a young girl and feel honoured to have this rare occurrence in my linage. You may be familiar with the term from a story you read, a series, play or movie you watched, or the outstanding Iron Maiden album entitled the same, but a seventh son of a seventh son is so much more than any of those. It is steeped in folklore and mysticism which is why many story tellers, whether its destination is for music, stage, books or the screen, draw from this concept.

It's magnetic and magical, and plenty are drawn to magic and things of mystical significance. If you are reading this there is a good chance you are one of them?

What is a Seventh Son of a Seventh of a Son?

A seventh son of a seventh son is exactly what it says. A male child born into an unbroken line with no female siblings born between, to a father who himself is the seventh male child born in an unbroken line with no female siblings born between. It happens, but not all that often. There is much folklore, beliefs and several traditions around this phenomenon which all point to this particular seventh son been gifted, blessed (or cursed depending on where you are from) and special.

Why is a Seventh Son of Seventh Son special?

These men are classed as gifted healers with a strong bond to magic. In folklore, mythology, and particularly in the UK and Europe the seventh son of a seventh son is believed to possess extraordinary powers and/or abilities, such as:

• Healing powers
• Extrasensory Perception (ESP) – clairvoyance, psychic abilities, prophecy, telepathy and precognition
• Supernatural abilities
• Destined for greatness (or misfortune) depending on the culture



The seventh son of a seventh son is thought to be The Chosen One and is given special powers of the ESP type and healing gifts. Although in some places, like South America, it is thought these men are cursed. Either way, the powers gifted can be used for good or evil and are revealed to the chosen one, and realised by him, as life goes on. As a side note, the number seven in biblical scripture means complete/perfect. The number seven interestingly is mentioned over 700 times in the bible.

Origins of the Legend



The belief in the seventh son of a seventh son as a mystical figure can be traced back to ancient times. Several cultures, including those in Europe, South America, and Africa, have their own interpretations of this.

In medieval Europe, it was commonly believed that a man who was the seventh male child in an unbroken line (with no female siblings in between) would be endowed with extraordinary powers. Some say these individuals are healers and seers, while others state they have an innate ability to bring good luck—or bad fortune depending on where you are from.

Cultural Interpretations

1.     Irish and British Folklore: In Ireland, such a person is thought to have healing powers. The ability to cure ailments by laying hands on the afflicted or sick person. In some parts of England and Scotland, they were seen as possessing clairvoyancy or prophetic visions.

2.     French Beliefs: In France, the idea of the seventh son being imparted with supernatural gifts was particularly popular in the medieval period and a seventh son of a seventh son is thought to be similar to a wizard or alchemist.

3.     South American Traditions: In Argentina and other parts of South America, the legend evolved quite differently! It was believed that a seventh son might turn into a werewolf unless special precautions were taken, such as having the president of the country act as their godfather.

4.     North American Adaptations: Early settlers brought the story with them where it merged with local superstitions. Some American folklore suggests a seventh son of a seventh son is a natural-born faith healer.

The Seventh Son in Entertainment 

Numerous works have been inspired by this folklore with each interpreting the myth in different ways. Below are some examples.

• Alvin Maker Series (Orson Scott Card): This fantasy series revolves around Alvin Miller, the seventh son of a seventh son, who possesses immense magical abilities and a destiny to shape the world.

• The Seventh Son (Joseph Delaney): A novel in The Wardstone Chronicles series, which follows the adventures of Tom Ward, a seventh son of a seventh son, as he trains to become a Spook—someone who fights supernatural beings.

• Folk Tales and Fairy Stories: Many traditional fairy tales reference the power of the seventh son, often portraying him as the hero who overcomes great trials through his special gifts.

• Iron Maiden’s Album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988): This album explores themes of prophecy, destiny, and supernatural abilities. The lyrics tell the story of a gifted individual who struggles with the burden of his powers.

• Other Media: Films, television series, and comics have also drawn on this legend, often incorporating it into fantasy or horror narratives.

Myth or Reality?

The idea of the seventh son of a seventh son remains an intriguing one and one which continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While there is no scientific proof for supernatural powers linked to birth order, the myth ensures it remains a fascinating topic in storytelling and belief systems. Science too, in my opinion, is always catching up with the charmed realms and mystical occurrences. Spirituality and the supernatural trump science and logic every time and the seventh son of a seventh son mystery, is a testament to human desire to find magic and higher power in the everyday, and to believe in the extraordinary possibilities that life might hold.

I sure would have loved to have met my uncle, experienced his presence and had conversations with him, it’s a scenario and person right up my street! I often wonder when a families’ linage holds this title, if future members are more inclined to investigate the world of the unseen, and be more in tune with the magic it holds?

Spreading the sorcery love,

Annaliese

Interested in connecting with ancestors, spirits, paranormal investigation or ghost hunitng? Check out these items to make a start! All from Spiritshack, experienced experts in the parnormal and ghost fields. Fascinating.