Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-25355646-20150302022703/@comment-25926288-20151001162559

GothicNarcissus wrote: I've read an interesting fan theory about Rumple actually creating the Dark Curse, placing it in the care of the Chernabog and then retriving it when he new it was nearly time to hand it over to Regina. Which would also explain how familiar he was with the traps in the lair.

Doesn't sound far-fetched and might explain the apparent inconsistency. One thing is sure, though: the show could bother with providing these explanations to make the plot look smoother. Theory as it may, I think Merlin created it. Or a previous Dark One. Rumple wouldn't go through the trouble to hide it away from himself for no reason. It's not like someone could take it from his magical vault of dangerous items that has no doors.