After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Who was the American Ripper? How many people died at his hands? What on earth is a 'murder castle'? Anthony and Maddy head down a rabbit hole on the hunt for a man who is as much myth as real life monster.Edited by Tom Delargy, Produced by Stuart Beckwith, Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up now for your 14-day free trial http://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=afterdark&plan=monthlyYou can take part in our listener survey here.

We are the stories we tell. In Alaska the Inupiaq people tell the story of Sedna the goddess of the sea. They understand that the land they live on is a complex web of physical and spiritual beings.But the colonisers of Alaska tell a different set of stories about the same landscape. They tell stories of Wilderness and of the Last Frontier.Our guest today is Tia Tidwell (@tiaannamarie) professor of Alaska Native Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She belongs to the Nunamiut people of Anaktuvuk Pass. Tia’s recommendations:Alaska is the Center of the Universe (Audible exclusive podcast)The Alaska Myth https://www.thealaskamyth.com/Produced by Freddy Chick, Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up now for your 14-day free trial http://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=afterdark&plan=monthlyYou can take part in our listener survey here.

The British Isles were once thought of as the edge of the Ancient World, a land of giants and other mysteries. According to these myths, survivors of the Trojan War set sail to establish a kingdom here which was destined to rule one day rule the world...In today's episode Anthony and Maddy are joined by Dr. Amy Jeffs author of Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain" to explore the mythological origins of the British Isles...Edited by Tom Delargy produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up now for your 14-day free trial http://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=afterdark&plan=monthlyYou can take part in our listener survey here.Edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up now for your 14-day free trial http://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=afterdark&plan=monthlyYou can take part in our listener survey here.

Uncover the truth behind the infamous outlaw Dick Turpin, exploring his criminal escapades, societal challenges, and the myth of his legendary ride. Delve into his violent exploits, capture, and the controversies surrounding his burial. Discover the legacy of Turpin as a folk hero and investigate the authenticity of his grave in York.

Alexander the Great - conqueror, legend, murderer. After ascending to the throne at aged 20 in 336BCE, his rule started with mass executions and political assassinations - themes that would follow throughout his tumultuous reign. But why was Alexander's reign so bloody, and what does it tell us about Hellenistic society at the time?In today's episode Anthony and Maddy are joined by Tristan Hughes, host of History Hit's 'The Ancients'. Together they delve into the violent rule of Alexander the Great, discussing funerals riddled with assassinations, murderous brawls, and asking whether Alexander was truly dead when they started the embalming process...Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up now for your 14-day free trial http://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=afterdark&plan=monthlyYou can take part in our listener survey here.

In 1872, the ghost ship Mary Celeste was discovered adrift in the Atlantic, with the entire crew mysteriously missing. The hosts dive into eerie scenes aboard and explore wild theories from insurance fraud to mutiny. They unpack the subsequent inquest that drew media frenzy and public fascination. As they discuss maritime trade, ghostly legends, and the peculiar atmosphere surrounding this notorious case, listeners are left pondering what truly happened. Join the intrigue of this historical mystery that captivates and unsettles.

Join Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and author, as she unpacks the intriguing and often creepy origins of the Arthurian legend. Discover how King Arthur's tale has morphed through time, highlighting the shifting roles of women and the complex narratives of love and morality in medieval literature. Janega delves into the magical elements surrounding figures like Merlin and Guinevere, revealing the cultural battles between pagan and Christian influences. Prepare for a fascinating journey into the heart of British folklore and its historical reverberations.

The chilling Maamtrasna murders of 1882 left a lasting mark on Ireland's history. The brutal slaying of the Seoige family sparked a trial steeped in colonial injustice and societal upheaval. Key figures emerge, revealing how local feuds and land disputes intertwine with the narrative. Eyewitness accounts paint a complex picture of motives tied to identity and oppression. Ultimately, the wrongful execution of an innocent man symbolizes the nation's struggle for justice, echoing themes of resistance that resonate today.

In this captivating discussion, historian Matt Lewis, known for his work on the History Hit podcast Gone Medieval, teams up with paranormal investigator Paul Sinclair, creator of the documentary Wolflands. They dive into the medieval mindset regarding ghosts, werewolves, and the undead, unraveling how these myths served as societal moral lessons. Lewis and Sinclair share eerie tales, from haunted tailors to the legends of wolf-knights. They also examine why stories of werewolves endure today, linking historical beliefs with modern encounters in a thrilling exploration of our darker past.

Explore the gruesome deaths of monarchs, including Edward II's death by red-hot poker and William the Conqueror's explosive demise. Discover the horrifying diseases and symptoms experienced by monarchs like Mary II's smallpox infection. Delve into the public fascination with monarch deaths and the treatment of their bodies throughout history. Reflect on the mythical quality of these deaths and the concept of dignity in relation to the execution of monarchs.