Overview of Deeper Lore: 297 (11, 83, & 113)
Aaron Mahnke’s bonus episode Deeper Lore #297 serves as a topical guide to the newest Lore episode, “Bloody,” which examines the dangerous folklore of blood libel. In this short episode Aaron points listeners to three older Lore episodes that deepen context on related themes—folklore-driven violence, cultural prejudice, and harmful folk remedies—so you can dive further into the darker side of belief systems.
Key recommendations (episodes to pair with “Bloody”)
- Episode 11 — “Black Stockings”
- Focus: Changelings and the tragic murders in Ireland tied to a common folk belief.
- Note: A fan favorite; adapted for Season 1 of the Lore TV show on Amazon.
- Episode 83 — “Carried Away”
- Focus: The folklore and dangers of prejudice against the Romani peoples of Europe; how bigotry becomes embedded in language and superstition.
- Episode 113 — “Word of Mouth”
- Focus: Folklore theory and how mistaken beliefs spread; includes discussion of “medicinal cannibalism” and how folk practices can harm societies and individuals.
Why these episodes pair well with “Bloody”
- All explore how folklore and superstition can be weaponized or cause real-world harm.
- Each episode examines a different mechanism: accusation and myth (blood libel), cultural scapegoating (anti-Romani prejudice), and self-harm or dangerous remedies passed down by belief (medicinal cannibalism).
- Together they provide historical context and theory for understanding how false beliefs gain traction and produce tragedy.
Notable terms & quotes
- Blood libel — the false, dangerous accusation that a group murders children for ritual purposes; central to episode 297.
- Medicinal cannibalism — a term highlighted in episode 113 describing the historical practice of consuming human-derived substances for perceived medical benefits.
- “Stay spooky.” — Aaron’s sign-off and invitation to keep exploring the archive.
Content warnings
- Topics include violence, murder, anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry, cultural persecution, and disturbing folk remedies. Listener discretion advised.
How to listen / action items
- Recommended order: listen to the new episode 297 (“Bloody”) first, then follow with episodes 11, 83, and 113 for deeper context.
- Episodes 11, 83, and 113 are available in the Lore podcast feed; links to them are provided in the episode description or you can scroll through your podcast app.
- Use these episodes to frame historical examples of how folklore becomes social harm.
Short takeaway
Deeper Lore #297 is a brief curator’s guide that connects the new episode on blood libel to three older deep dives about dangerous folk beliefs and cultural prejudice. If you want to better understand how myths turn into violence or harmful practices, Aaron’s picks create a focused, complementary listening path.