If we were to burn NH4Cr2O7 with HgSCN in the Dark Ages in Europe and show it to anyone, it is us who would be burning next on a fiery cross of Inquisition. And it’s no wonder, since this experiment produces a truly marvelous result. At first, as you ignite the mixture of NH4Cr2O7 and HgSCN, all you can see is that it is slowly burning with a reddish flame. After a while, however, a crater is formed in the middle of the burning pile, and then, suddenly, tentacle-like appendages start sprouting from the burning mixture. And you can almost hear the scream of the mad occultist – “Come forth, Kraken! Come forth!” But of course, this is simply a chemical reaction that is called the "Pharoah's Serpent". It was also often sold in firework stores until people realized that it was toxic.

Отава Ё – Яблочко (Otava Yo – Yablochko; Russian: Яблочко, “Little Apple”). Yablochko is a Russian folk song of chastushka style and dance, traditionally presented as sailors' dance. The choreographed version of the dance first appeared in the 1926 Reinhold Glière ballet The Red Poppy and from there is known in the West as the Russian Sailors Dance.

A member of the punk group p*ssy Riot is restrained by a member of the Cossack militia in Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Cossack militia attacked the p*ssy Riot punk group with horsewhips on Wednesday as the group tried to perform under a sign advertising the Sochi Olympics. The group had gathered to perform in a downtown Sochi restaurant, about 30km (21miles) from where the Winter Olympics are being held.They left the restaurant wearing bright dresses and ski masks and had only been performing for a few seconds when they were set upon by Cossacks. (Photo by Morry Gash/AP Photo)

Vehicles are burning as thousands of people take to the streets during the May Day demonstrations on May 1, 2018 in Paris, France. This month celebrates the 50th anniversary of May 68 when France seen millions of students and striking workers, come onto the streets in demonstrations that changed the country. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

Afghan vendors sort out oranges for sale at a wholesale market in the Bati kot district in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, 04 December 2020. The orange fruit floods markets across Afghanistan due to bumper crop in the winter season. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which may reduce severity of the common cold. (Photo by Ghulamullah Habibi/EPA/EFE)

Fishermen carry calabashes to attend Argungu fishing and cultural festival at Argungu Town, Kebbi State in northwestern Nigeria, on March 14, 2020. Argungu fishing and cultural festival is one of the oldest and most widely attended festivals in the country dating back many generations, featuring series of water competitions and traditional games. The festival returned after 10 years suspension due to insecurity in northwest Nigeria. (Photo by Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP Photo)

Robots serve trays with food to customers waiting at the Robot theme restaurant in Bangalore, India, 17 August 2019. Six robots are deployed as waiters at the the robot-themed Robot restaurant where each table is equipped with a tablet to place one's order. (Photo by Jagadeesh N.V./EPA/EFE)

A farmer competes in a traditional bull race at Swabi on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Abdul Majeed/AFP Photo)