Ischy of Formosa

Like "Beddru of Japan," "Gentaut of Mexico," and "Holy On," "Ischy of Formosa" is not a real historical figure, nor is it an actual mythological deity. There is no god by this name in the indigenous mythology of Taiwan, nor in the Chinese folk religions practiced there.


 

This name originates from 19th-century alternative history books, most notably Kersey Graves’ highly discredited 1875 work, The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors. Graves, relying on earlier European writers like Godfrey Higgins, compiled a massive list of supposed pagan gods who allegedly mirrored Jesus Christ. However, many of the names on this list were the result of terrible translations, severe misspellings, or complete fabrications.


 

Formosa was the historical Western name for the island of Taiwan. While historians are not entirely certain which specific mispronunciation or hoax led 19th-century writers to invent the name "Ischy," it is widely recognized as a phantom deity. It may be a garbled European corruption of a local word recorded by early Dutch missionaries, or a remnant of the infamous 1704 "Formosa Hoax" (when a French imposter named George Psalmanazar wrote a wildly popular, entirely fake book about Formosan religion and culture to fool London society).


 

Because "Ischy of Formosa" never existed in any real mythology, here is how your theological questions apply to this phantom figure:


 

Timeline, Locations, & Appearance

  • Active Period & Birth: Because "Ischy" is a fabricated name from Western literature, there is no historical timeline, mythology, or calendar date of birth.


     

  • Locations: The name is attributed to "Formosa" (Taiwan).


     

  • Appearance & Pictures: Because the indigenous Taiwanese people (such as the Siraya, Paiwan, or Amis) did not worship a god named Ischy, no ancient statues, carvings, or religious depictions of this figure exist. Therefore, I cannot provide any pictures.


     

Life, Death, & Resurrection

  • When He Died & Age at Death: There is no mythological narrative of his life or death.


     

  • Did He Die for the Salvation of Man? No.


     

  • Crucified? No. Crucifixion was a Roman execution method. It was never a part of the indigenous animistic religions of Taiwan.


     

  • Did He Resurrect or Ascend? No.


     

Actions & Theological Comparisons

  • Born of a Virgin? No.


     

  • Called the Son of God / Part of the Trinity? No. The indigenous peoples of Taiwan practiced polytheism and animism, revering ancestor spirits and forces of nature. They did not have a monotheistic "Son of God" or a Holy Trinity.


     

  • Will He Judge Man in Heaven? No.


     

Worship & Followers

  • Who Worshipped Him? No one worshipped "Ischy."


     

  • How Was He Worshiped? He wasn't. The actual indigenous peoples of Taiwan worshipped their own distinct pantheons of spirits and gods, often led by female shamans or priestesses (such as the Inibs of the Siraya people), relying on rituals to ensure good hunts and harvests.