Lore

Lore 293: Mother Knows Best

Nov 17, 2025
Dive into the captivating world of Mother Shipton, a legendary figure whose life blurs the lines between truth and folklore. Explore unique divination methods, from onion reading to tarot, and hear the strange tales of her childhood that sparked witchcraft accusations. Discover how her cave transformed into a hub for healing and prophecy, and learn about her chilling predictions, including premonitions of disasters. The episode unfolds the complex interplay between cultural anxiety and the enduring legacy of legends, keeping you enchanted till the end.
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ANECDOTE

Origin In A Stormy Cave

  • Aaron Mahnke recounts the legendary birth story of Mother Shipton in a storm-torn cave beside a magical well.
  • The tale sets up her rise from orphaned Ursula to a feared prophetic figure in British folklore.
ANECDOTE

Childhood Mischief Fuels Rumors

  • Aaron Mahnke shares childhood episodes where Ursula's odd behavior caused chaotic, supernatural pranks on her community.
  • These stories built her reputation as a witch and fueled rumors about her appearance and parentage.
ANECDOTE

Healer Turned Witch

  • Aaron Mahnke tells how Ursula learned herbal remedies and became a valued healer in Knaresborough.
  • Her skills transformed community reliance into fear and the label of 'witch.'
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