The táltos (; also "tátos") is a figure in Hungarian mythology, a person with supernatural power similar to a shaman. Description The most reliable account of the táltos is given by Roman Catholic priest Arnold Ipolyi in his collection of folk beliefs, Magyar mitológia (Hungarian mythology) (1854). A táltos would be chosen by the gods or spirits before birth or during childhood. People with teeth at birth, a sixth finger or other additional bones, or with a caul were also often considered to be chosen. If the extra bone broke or was stolen before the táltos turned 7, its abilities would be lost. Being a táltos could not be learned or taught; it could only happen through supernatural calling. Some beliefs hold that a táltos would have to be breastfed until it turned 7, which would grant it immense physical strength. (An example of this occurs in the archaic folk tale "Son of the White Mare".) The most important ability of a táltos is a meditation or spiritual trance called "révülés" (verb: révül); in this state, he could heal wounds and sickness or learn hidden truths by "sending their soul among the stars". The táltos was chosen by gods or spirits for a specific calling in life and had the duty to communicate with the entire Hungarian nation in a time of danger, to warn against invading armies or an impending cultural collapse. Pagans According to general consensus, the táltos were considered as part of pagan religion. There is evidence, though, that the táltos existed until the Habsburg era, when this tradition came to an end. The painted ceiling of the church of Székelyderzs had a figure with six fingers; this was later renovated, "correcting" the picture to five fingers. Post-Christianism Jesus Christ would sometimes be referred to as the égi táltos (or heavenly táltos). Origin of the word The name "Táltos" may be connected to the verb "tált", which is to "open wide"; i.e. they "opened themselves to the world." More probable, however, is its cognation with Ugric words like Northern Mansi tūltėn "easy" and Vasyugan Khanty tolten "with magical powers". Yet another hypothesis suggests derivation from Turkic talt "unconsciousness". Göncöl and Kampó In Hungarian folk tales táltos are common, such as Göncöl and Kampó. Kampó was said to have had an "ice body" (jégtestű) and was short with thick legs. He lived in Temesvár (present-day Timișoara), ate lunch