Episode 547: Lizzie Borden and other Dark Nursery Rhymes (with Special Guests Sabrina & Corinne from Two Girls One Ghost)
Mar 18, 2024
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Join the hosts as they unravel the dark histories behind nursery rhymes, including exploring the chilling Lizzie Borden case. Delve into violent acts, victim's perspective, historical queer relationships, and hidden layers of seemingly innocent verses. Discover the twisted origins and societal fascination with dark tales in children's literature.
Abby Borden's murder hints at left-handed perpetrator, potential positioning clues in wounds.
Abby's back wound implies surprise attack, possible cornering before fatal injuries.
Sequence of wounds suggests startle factor, rapid alarming event before fatal strikes.
Abby Borden's more severe wounds and differing circumstances raise questions on motive and intent.
Deep dives
Analysis of Wounds in Abby's Murder
In Abby Borden's murder, it is revealed that the initial head wound was a glancing scalp wound, indicative of a sideward hit that did not penetrate the skull. This suggests she was likely facing away and was struck with less force at first. The subsequent hit to the top of the skull may indicate she fell before this more direct impact, potentially falling or being on her knees. Notably, the wounds seem consistent with a left-handed person, raising questions about the dynamics and positioning during the attack.
Back Wound in Abby's Murder
Before sustaining head wounds, Abby Borden was struck in the back in a position suggesting she may have been facing away from the attacker. The location of this back wound near the neck spine junction and above the shoulders indicates a height and orientation that aligns with a scenario of being taken by surprise and potentially cornered, adding complexity to the circumstances preceding the attack.
Potential Startling Scenario for Abby
The sequence of wounds and their locations hint at a scenario where Abby could have been startled by the attacker, leading possibly to a fall or a physical shock. The specific wounds, including the back and head injuries, create an image of a rapid and alarming event that may have heightened the fear and confusion in the final moments before the fatal strikes were delivered.
Comparative Injuries in Abby and Andrew's Murders
The disparity in the number and severity of wounds between Abby and Andrew Borden raises questions about the motive or intent behind the attacks. Abby's 18 wounds and potentially different circumstances surrounding her murder compared to Andrew's 11 wounds could indicate a distinct focus or emotional intensity behind her death, suggesting a nuanced level of analysis is essential in understanding the tragic events.
Georgie Porgy
Georgie Porgy, kissing girls and making them cry, runs away when the boys come out to play. This nursery rhyme is believed to be inspired by the love affair between Duke George and King James I of England, where they exchanged romantic letters and shared a passionate relationship. Despite possible references to intoxicating relationships, some speculate the rhyme could allude to the Duke George IV, known for overtly amorous and fighting tendencies.
Ring Around the Rosie
Ring Around the Rosie is commonly associated with the Great Plague, with interpretations linking it to symptoms like rashes ('rosies'), posies' use to mask odors, and cremation ('ashes ashes'). However, the nursery rhyme was first recorded several centuries after the plague. Another theory suggests it could have originated as a playful game, where the last person to fall down in the circle would need to reveal a crush or show affection.
London Bridge Is Falling Down
London Bridge Is Falling Down narrates the rebuilding and problematic history of the London Bridge, attributing its repeated collapses and reconstructions to various causes. Urban legends suggest sacrificial rituals of burying people alive within its structure to ensure its stability, though there is no concrete evidence to support this assertion. The nursery rhyme hints at the dark history and mythological beliefs surrounding the bridge's structural challenges.
Sabrina & Corinne from Two Girls One Ghost join us on this week's episode to talk about the dark histories behind childhood nursery rhymes. Fresh off of our ghost hunting experience at the Lizzie Borden house, we talk about the childhood rhyme and where it went wrong, as well as talk about others that SEEMED so innocent!
Don't forget to check the episode on the Two Girls One Ghost feed where we talk about our ghost hunting experiences! It was WILD!
Thank you to the wonderful Dave White of Bring me the Axe Podcast for research!
References
Burton-Hill, Clemency. 2015. The dark side of nursery rhymes. June 10. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20150610-the-dark-side-of-nursery-rhymes.
Hazlett, Lisa A. 2009. "The use of British nursery rhymes and contemporary technology as venues for creating and expressing hidden literacies throughout time by children, adolescents, and adults." Forum on Public Policy: A Journal of the Oxford Round Table.
Opie, Iona, and Peter Opie. 1952. The Oxofrd Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Roberts, Chris. 2005. Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme. Sheridan, WY: Gotham Books.