Lore Special Announcement: Exhumed
Jan 9, 2026
Discover the bizarre tale of Mercy Brown, whose 1892 exhumation sparked supernatural fears and rituals. Delve into the intersection of folklore and early medical practices that shaped public belief. The host shares his fascination with this haunting case and how it resonates with contemporary views on death. Explore connections to broader cultural phenomena, from mummification to early vampire lore. Plus, get the scoop on the new book that dives deep into these eerie histories, available for pre-order now!
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Episode notes
Origin Story Of Lore
- Aaron Mahnke began by turning short historical essays into a podcast after feeling stuck with a PDF idea.
- The very first essay he adapted became the Lore episode about Mercy Brown, which hooked him and listeners alike.
The Mercy Brown Case
- Mercy Brown was a Rhode Island teenager who died in 1892 amid multiple family deaths from the same illness.
- Locals exhumed bodies and burned Mercy's heart after they believed a dead relative was feeding on the living.
Why The Story Lingers
- Mahnke kept returning to Mercy Brown's story because it raised deeper cultural and historical questions for him.
- He wanted to understand why supernatural explanations and grave rituals felt acceptable to people at the time.
