Lore

Sometimes the more terrifying creatures we encounter are the ones we created ourselves. Don't let their antiquity fool you, though; artificial life isn't always pleasant. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson. ————————— PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed ————————— For the curious, here are some links to the various contraptions mentioned in today's episode. Seeing them in action is truly powerful! Mechanical Monk Tipoo's Tiger The Writer The Draughtsman The English Execution St. Dennistoun Mortuary Murder In The Museum The Abbot's Treasure ————————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop ————————— Sponsors: Gusto: Online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at Gusto.com/LORE, and get 3 months free when you run your first payroll. MeUndies: Slide into game changing comfort and get up to 50% off at MeUndies.com/lore with the promo code LORE. Warby Parker: Visit one of over 270 stores to find your next pair of glasses, or go to WarbyParker.com/LORE to try on any pair virtually! 1-800-Flowers: To get your Double Blooms offer, buy one dozen to get a total of two dozen roses FREE, at 1800Flowers.com/LORE. ————————— To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore ————————— ©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (298: Almost Alive) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 25: LorePodcast.com/episodes/25 Episode 88: LorePodcast.com/episodes/88 Episode 134: LorePodcast.com/episodes/134 ———————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop ©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Discover the intriguing world of household spirits that once dominated homes across various cultures. Learn about the domovoi, a mischievous home guardian, and its tales of rewards and punishments. Explore the dvorovoi, the outdoor protector, and its blend of jealousy and chaos. Delve into the dark side of the hovonets, a demonic spirit tied to wealth and fatal bargains. This fascinating journey reveals how these supernatural entities shaped beliefs, rituals, and even family dynamics in a time when homes were alive with spectral influences.

Explore the chilling concept of blood libel and its dark historical impact. Discover the tragic tales of changelings that once led to murders in Ireland. Delve into the harmful stereotypes about Romani people that still resonate today. Uncover the fascinating interplay of folklore and medicinal practices in folk belief. Each topic reveals a layer of humanity's complex relationship with myth and prejudice.

Dive into the darker sides of folklore, where storytelling intersects with violence. Explore chilling tales, like the tragic murder of individuals with albinism in East Africa, and the infamous blood libel myth that fueled centuries of persecution. Discover how historical events shaped cultural narratives, including the connections between anti-Semitism and Dracula. Uncover the sinister motives behind the accusations in the Little Hugh of Lincoln case and the lasting impact of these narratives on modern society.

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!

Dive into the haunting folklore of the Great Lakes, where legends weave tales of the underwater panther, Mishipeshu, and its cultural significance among tribes. Explore the Shunkawarakin, a fearsome, dog-like guardian of the wilderness, and the eerie Hutchins ranch encounter with a mysterious beast. Delight in the mythos of mammoths still rumored to roam and the legendary Michigan Dogman, which has captivated imaginations since the late 1800s. This exploration reveals why such cryptids and tales hold such sway over our hearts.

Delve into the powerful tale of witchcraft revisited this week. Explore the intriguing stories of male witches near Chilauea and a mysterious Scottish witch trial. The haunting legacy of the Bell Witch events in Tennessee adds another layer of intrigue. Discover why witch trials continue to captivate audiences with their dark history. Join in for tales that remind us of the strange and spooky side of humanity!

Explore the chilling tale of Simeon Smith, who became a target of witchcraft accusations due to local superstitions. Delve into the case of Mary Webster, an outsider shaped by her bitter reputation and bizarre trials. Learn about the eerie events surrounding Philip Smith's mysterious illness and how fear dictated hasty justice in a snow-covered vigil. Discover Mary's incredible survival post-hanging and the impact of her story on literature. Plus, hear about the haunting legend of Debbie Griffin and her infamous communion cup theft.

Dive into the haunting legends of Alaska, where the vast landscape evokes fear and fascination. Explore the Yepik tales of Iktinrat, elusive little people with time-bending abilities. Hear about Charlie's chilling encounter with the Kushtaka, a terrifying otter-man. Discover the eerie stories surrounding the abandoned town of Portlock and the smelly Nantinok that drove its residents away. Finally, ponder the mysteries of Lake Iliamna, rumored to be home to gigantic fish—or perhaps something much more ancient lurking beneath the surface.