Lore: Deeper Lore – Episode 296 (25, 41, & 56)

Host: Aaron Mahnke
Date: January 1, 2026

Overview

This bonus “Deeper Lore” episode sees Aaron Mahnke guiding listeners deeper into the themes of the most recent Lore rerun: “Half-Hanged” (Episode 12), a powerful story of witchcraft accusations in early New England. With classic “Lore” storytelling, Aaron explores the enduring appeal and relevance of witch trials to the show, while recommending three standout episodes that explore similar historical darkness and superstition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Ongoing Fascination with Witch Trials

• Aaron reflects on listeners’ long-running divided reactions to witch trial episodes, balancing those who are fascinated with those who claim fatigue.

  • “Every time I publish a new witch trial episode, I get comments that ask why in the world we need yet another story of people accused of witchcraft. Some listeners... have told me they are sick of them.” (02:10)

• He explains why witch trial stories remain central to Lore.

  • They document intersections between “real world events and superstitious folk beliefs.”
  • They are well-recorded in history.
  • They always offer new lessons about human nature and communities.
  • “They always have something to teach us about human nature and community life, which makes them valuable stories to revisit and hear about.” (03:00)

Episode Recommendations – Exploring Witchcraft from New Angles

Aaron highlights three specific past episodes for those wanting to dig deeper into witch trial lore:

1. Episode 25: “The Cave”

• Focuses on stories of male witches from the island of Chiloé (Chiliway), off the coast of Chile.
• Offers “pretty unique elements” and “a fresh perspective on the idea of witches in general.” (04:15)
• Noted as a fan favorite.

2. Episode 41: “Hole in the Wall”

• Centers on a historic Scottish witch trial involving a young woman who claimed witchcraft attacks.
• Unfolds with surprising truths, going deeper than initial appearances.
  • “The truth, though, was a lot stranger and definitely worth revisiting.” (05:05)
• Considered “another classic” episode.

3. Episode 56: “Going Viral”

• Covers the Bell Witch haunting of Tennessee in 1817.
• One of the most famous and frightening American supernatural legends.
  • “What happened has gone down in American history as one of the most popular and frightening American legends, a story often referred to as the Bell Witch.” (06:00)
• Highly recommended for revisiting.

How to Listen

• Episodes 25, 41, and 56 are available in the podcast feed and directly linked in the episode description. (07:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Lore is at its heart, a show that tries to explore stories from history that demonstrate the intersection of real world events and superstitious folk beliefs. And witch trials fall into that sweet spot perfectly.”
  — Aaron Mahnke (02:35)

• “They always have something to teach us about human nature and community life, which makes them valuable stories to revisit and hear about.”
  — Aaron Mahnke (03:00)

• “This one is another fan favorite, covering an unusual story about male witches on the island of Chiliway off the coast of Chile. It has some pretty unique elements and offers a fresh perspective on the idea of witches in general.”
  — Aaron Mahnke on Episode 25: “The Cave” (04:15)

• “...a story often referred to as the Bell Witch. So be sure to give this one a fresh listen.”
  — Aaron Mahnke on Episode 56: “Going Viral” (06:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:10] – Aaron acknowledges some listener fatigue around witch trial stories and explains their continuing relevance.
• [02:35] – The philosophical heart of Lore: exploring the boundary between folklore and real history.
• [04:15] – Introduction and summary of Episode 25: “The Cave.”
• [05:05] – Introduction and summary of Episode 41: “Hole in the Wall.”
• [06:00] – Introduction and summary of Episode 56: “Going Viral.”
• [07:04] – Instructions on where to find linked episodes in the feed and episode description.

Tone & Closing

In trademark Lore fashion, Aaron is both affable and thoughtful, gently encouraging listeners to see the deeper lessons in persistent stories:

“And until next time, folks, stay spooky.” (07:34)

Summary

Aaron Mahnke uses this Deeper Lore to frame witch trials as evergreen, instructive stories at the heart of Lore. He thoughtfully recommends three episodes that expand the definition of witch-related folklore—from the unique legends of Chiloé, to complex Scottish accusations, to the American mythos of the Bell Witch—each demonstrating how superstition shapes and echoes through history. This episode is an invitation to those who crave more darkness… and a gentle reminder to all listeners that beneath repetitive themes lie new lessons about fear, belief, and the strange truths of our past.