Lore Podcast: Deeper Lore—Episode 297 (11, 83, & 113)

Host: Aaron Mahnke
Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This special "Deeper Lore" bonus episode serves as a curated guide, connecting the latest Lore episode (#297: "Bloody")—which investigates the dangerous folklore of blood libel—with three past episodes that delve into similarly dark and consequential folk beliefs. Aaron Mahnke provides an insightful journey through the history of superstition, prejudice, and the real-world tragedies spawned by myth and rumor, aiming to help listeners deepen their understanding and continue the immersive, unsettling mood for which Lore is known.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Purpose of Deeper Lore

• [00:54] Aaron Mahnke:
  • Explains the feature: "A bonus episode designed to serve as a topical guide to the most recent episode of Lore... I'll dig into our vast 10 year archive and point out some old episodes that fit well with this week's newest."
  • Sets the mood for connecting past episodes that carry thematic threads with the current.

Recap of Episode 297: "Bloody"

• Topic: Blood libel—a notorious bit of evil folklore twisting lies into widely accepted but baseless beliefs with tragic, real-world impacts.
• [01:19] Aaron Mahnke:
  • "It's one of those few examples where folklore turns lies into popular beliefs that can have dangerous real world implications. And the results have been tragic."
• Emphasizes the importance of examining harmful legends and their lasting consequences.

Recommended Companion Episodes

1. Episode 11: "Black Stockings"

• [01:38] Aaron Mahnke:
  • "Not only is this classic a fan favorite, but it was also turned into an episode in the first season of the Lore TV show on Amazon."
  • Explores the changeling myth in Ireland and how belief in it led to tragic murders over centuries.
• Tackles the dark repercussions of folklore on vulnerable people.

2. Episode 83: "Carried Away"

• [01:59] Aaron Mahnke:
  • "This one tackles another cultural misconception by exploring the folklore and dangers of bigotry toward the Romani peoples of Europe."
  • Looks at how prejudice embeds itself in language and superstition, illustrating the persistent dangers of xenophobia.

3. Episode 113: "Word of Mouth"

• [02:20] Aaron Mahnke:
  • "Sometimes folklore can drive a society to do horrible things to each other, and sometimes it can convince an entire culture to do weird things to themselves."
  • A favorite of Aaron’s, highlighting folk belief, folklore theory, and “our incorrect assumptions about how the world around us behaves.”
  • Memorable theme: Medicinal cannibalism—demonstrating just how far some cultural myths can go.

Easy Access and Parting Words

• [02:54] Aaron Mahnke:
  • Encourages listeners to "follow up this week's brand new episode with a trip into the past. Episodes 11, 83, and 113 are waiting for you in this podcast feed."
  • Listeners can easily scroll or find direct links in the episode notes.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [00:54] “If ever wondered where you can find more episodes on the topic that you just heard about—that is the purpose of Deeper Lore.” — Aaron Mahnke
• [01:19] “It's one of those few examples where folklore turns lies into popular beliefs that can have dangerous real world implications. And the results have been tragic.” — Aaron Mahnke
• [02:25] “It also features one of my favorite terms ever—medicinal cannibalism. So yeah, check that out.” — Aaron Mahnke
• [02:54] “And until next time, stay spooky.” — Aaron Mahnke

Episode Structure and Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Content Summary | |-----------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:54 | Deeper Lore intro & purpose | Why bonus episodes exist; connecting past and present | | 01:19 | Summary of "Bloody" (Ep. 297) | Blood libel and the dangers of weaponized folklore | | 01:38 | Episode 11: "Black Stockings" | Changeling folklore, tragic murders in Ireland | | 01:59 | Episode 83: "Carried Away" | Folklore-fueled bigotry, Romani prejudice in Europe | | 02:20 | Episode 113: "Word of Mouth" | Folklore theory, "medicinal cannibalism," cultural myths | | 02:54 | How to find episodes & closing | Accessing past episodes, signature spooky sign-off |

Tone and Style

Aaron Mahnke maintains a thoughtful, eerie, and educational tone—balancing the gravity of tragic historical consequences with a respect for listeners’ curiosity about the macabre.

For anyone seeking further chills, these recommendations will guide you into the darker corners of history, reminding you: Sometimes the truth really is more frightening than fiction.