Lore Podcast Episode 264: Engine Trouble – A Haunting Journey Through Vehicular Folklore
Introduction
In Episode 264 of the award-winning podcast Lore, host Aaron Mahnke delves into the eerie intersection between humanity and its vehicles. Titled "Engine Trouble," this episode explores how various modes of transportation—from ancient chariots to modern cars and airplanes—have been entwined with myths, curses, and ghostly legends. Mahnke masterfully weaves historical facts with folklore, revealing that sometimes the stories we tell about our vehicles are as tragic and mysterious as the machinery itself.
Ancient Wheels and Haunted Chariots
The episode opens with a nod to classical mythology, highlighting the tale of Phaeton and his disastrous attempt to control the sun-chariot of his father, Helios. Mahnke explains how Phaeton's inability to manage the chariot led to celestial chaos, symbolizing humanity's fragile relationship with the powerful machines it creates.
"Phaeton's fated chariot ride is synonymous with vehicular disaster. [05:45]" – Aaron Mahnke
Transitioning to Greek folklore, Mahnke introduces the Taraxippus, a spectral entity believed to haunt racetracks like the Hippodrome at Olympia. These spirits were thought to disturb horses, causing chariot crashes and tragic fatalities. The story of Onomaus and Hippodamia further illustrates how deceit and sabotage in races gave rise to enduring legends of cursed vehicles.
Cursed Carriages and Phantom Trains
Mahnke then moves to medieval and post-medieval eras, recounting the legend of Lady Howard of Tavistock. Accused of murdering multiple husbands, Lady Howard's ghost is said to ride a carriage made from her victims' bones, performing a relentless ritual until her final act.
The discussion shifts to pneumatic railways, with haunting tales like Abraham Lincoln's phantom funeral train and the Silver Arrow in Stockholm—an unpainted aluminum train rumored to abduct its passengers, leaving behind only vacant expressions and a sense of dread.
"In 1965, the Stockholm metro added eight unpainted aluminum train cars... passengers seen through the windows wore vacant expressions and appeared to be halfway between living and dead. [15:30]" – Aaron Mahnke
The Legend of the Little Bastard: James Dean's Haunted Porsche
One of the episode's central narratives is the tragic story of actor James Dean and his beloved Porsche 550 Spider, nicknamed the "Little Bastard." Mahnke details Dean's passion for racing and how his untimely death in a car crash at the age of 24 immortalized the vehicle as a cursed artifact. The car's subsequent history is fraught with misfortunes, from sabotage to unexplained accidents, reinforcing its legendary status.
"James Dean's death may have been the most famous, but there's one execution on wheels that rattled the world more than any other before or since... the Porsche 550 Spider. [25:10]" – Aaron Mahnke
Ghostly Automobiles in Modern Times
Expanding beyond cars, Mahnke touches on the Lady B. Goode—a World War II bomber whose crew vanished in the Libyan desert. The plane's remnants, discovered years later, became the center of numerous ghost stories, including cursed parts that led to subsequent aircraft disasters. This narrative underscores the persistent human desire to find meaning in inexplicable tragedies.
"The wreckage was hauled back to civilization... it was so elaborate, it would have taken four years to design and build a new one. [35:50]" – Aaron Mahnke
Vehicles as Modern Hauntings
Mahnke reflects on the broader implications of these stories, arguing that as vehicles have become integral to modern life, so too have the fears and superstitions surrounding them. With statistics revealing that more Americans died in car accidents between 2000 and 2017 than in both World Wars combined, the need for narratives that provide solace and explanation is evident.
"According to a report released by the Washington Post, in the years between 2000 and 2017, more Americans died in car accidents than were killed in both world wars combined. [32:05]" – Aaron Mahnke
Conclusion: The Eternal Bond Between Humans and Machines
Aaron Mahnke concludes the episode by pondering the profound connection humans share with their vehicles. Cars, trains, and planes are not just modes of transport but companions on life's journey, often reflecting our desires, fears, and the unpredictable nature of existence itself. The legends and ghost stories that emerge around these machines serve as a testament to their significance in our collective psyche.
Notable Quotes
- "Chariots and wagons, trains and cars. The stories of our beloved vehicles have entertained us for a very long time." [29:50] – Aaron Mahnke
- "It's hard to say how many of the little bastard's legends are true. The facts cannot be easily separated from the stories." [33:20] – Aaron Mahnke
- "The bond shared between a cowboy and his favorite horse. Except, well, blood and bone has given way to oil, steel and, of course, speed." [36:10] – Aaron Mahnke
Final Thoughts
Episode 264 of Lore, "Engine Trouble," offers a captivating exploration of how vehicles have become intertwined with folklore and supernatural lore. Through expertly narrated stories and historical insights, Aaron Mahnke highlights the darker side of humanity's technological advancements, reminding listeners that sometimes, the machinery we create can carry with it ghosts from the past.
For those intrigued by the macabre tales of haunted vehicles and the eerie legends that accompany them, this episode is a must-listen. It not only entertains but also invites reflection on the profound and sometimes unsettling relationship between humans and their machines.
Stay Connected
To support the show and access ad-free versions, listeners can subscribe to Lore on Apple Podcasts or Patreon, where weekly mini-episodes called Lore Bytes are also available. Additionally, fans can explore the Lore book series and the television adaptation available on Amazon Prime.
Follow Lore Podcast:
- Website: lorepodcast.com
- Social Media: Search for "Lore podcast" on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube.
Credits
This episode was produced by Aaron Mahnke, written by Jenna Rose Nethercott, with research by Alexandra Steed, and music by Chad Lawson.