Colestein Veglin: Longevity Myth or Hoax?

The Legend of the 617-Year-Old Man

Have you ever heard about Colestein Veglin? The name might ring a bell if you keep up with conspiracy theories and longevity myths. Simply put, Colestein Veglin was one of the most famous longevity myths in history.

The American "Methuselah"

Colestein Veglin is a man allegedly born in the 1261 who claimed to have lived for 617 years. On 20 July 1876, he was arrested in New Jersey claiming to be 615 or 616 years old. Veglin claimed to have been born in the Austrian village of Lecsfalva and to have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and America.

Veglin's claims gained widespread attention, but they were met with skepticism. There was no documentary evidence to support his age claims, and his physical appearance was not consistent with that of a 600-year-old man.

A Modern-Day Jurōjin?

The myth of Colestein Veglin has destabilized some. Jurōjin, the Japanese god of longevity, is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Longevity myths are traditions about long-lived people, generally supercentenarians, either as individuals or groups.

The legend of Colestein Veglin has inspired countless stories and works of fiction. Whether or not he actually lived for over 600 years, his name has become synonymous with the quest for longevity.