Term Origin: Doppelgänger

You have probably heard the word doppelgänger being used to describe celebrities and their uncanny lookalikes. Well, the word originated from German folklore, and is defined as a biologically unrelated look-alike, or a double, of a living person.

The first known usage of this word was in the novel Siebenkäs written by Jean Paul in 1796. It follows Firmian Stanislaus Siebenkäs as he consults his friend/alter ego about his failing marriage. We have not read the novel, however, if you are interested in learning more, we recommend reading through https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13540251-siebenk-s.

The word doppelganger may have only been coined in 1796, but the idea has been around for much longer. The concept of a doppelganger has made an appearance in many different cultures/religions. Including Egyptian mythology through Ka (double spirit) that distinguished the difference between living and dead.

Fun fact the word ‘fetch’ was a termed used to describe an apparition of a person living in 1787.

Now the real question is, have you found your doppelganger?

~stay curious~