This master's thesis examines the fly agaric primarily as a cultural phenomenon. It explores its perception and use over time, both in Slovenia and abroad. The thesis focuses on whether the prevailing perception of the fly agaric as a merely toxic and dangerous mushroom is historically, culturally, and pharmacologically justified, while also investigating the specificities of its legal status, which it suggests might change in the near future. Through
the analysis of various written sources, it reveals the mushroom's presence in folklore, art, popular culture, everyday objects, and modern media. Furthermore it also uncovers more obscured forms of its manifestation and debunks the most famous urban myth associated with it. It also highlights the risk of the gradual disappearance
of its most renowned practical use ̶ namely, controlling flies on farms, an application from which its name is derived in many cultures. Finally, through semi-structured interviews, the thesis explores the personal experiences of the interviewees and their relationship with the fly agaric, moving beyond popular methods of self-medicating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and various addictions.
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