Lore: Legends 51 – Royal Host: Aaron Mahnke | Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction

In the 51st episode of Lore, titled "Royal," host Aaron Mahnke delves into the dark and mysterious curses that have plagued some of the most powerful dynasties and figures in history. From Hollywood fiascos to ancient samurai swords and presidential misfortunes, this episode explores how legend and reality intertwine to create enduring tales of the supernatural influencing the highest echelons of power.

The Curse of "The Conqueror" (01:07 – 03:01)

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by recounting the ill-fated production of the 1956 film The Conqueror. Intended to be a grand portrayal of Genghis Khan, the film disastrously cast John Wayne, a Western actor, in the lead role.

“The entire filming process had been miserable, plagued with bad luck” (01:07).

Complications escalated as the crew filmed near Utah’s Escalante desert, inadvertently close to the Nevada Test Site where nuclear bomb tests were conducted. Contrary to assurances, the military’s oversight led to devastating consequences:

“Out of the 220 cast and crew for the Conqueror, 91 of them developed cancer, and 46 of that 91 died as a result” (02:27).

The film is now notorious not only for its poor quality but also as the most cursed production in Hollywood history, demonstrating that wealth and influence cannot shield one from fate or unforeseen disasters.

The Habsburg Curse (03:01 – 16:16)

Transitioning from Hollywood tragedy, Mahnke explores the legend surrounding the Habsburg dynasty, one of Europe’s most powerful families. Central to the curse narrative is the tale of a Habsburg ancestor saved from vulture attack by ravens, leading to a pact between the family and these birds. However, the subsequent destruction of the raven’s sanctuary by a descendant invoked the wrath of the supernatural Ternfalcon.

“The Ternfalcon are said to have portended every single lost battle and every single Habsburg death” (05:24).

Several historical incidents are highlighted, including:

• Archduke Maximilian and Maria Betsera (05:46 – 07:10): After Ternfalcons ominously circled their garden visit, Maximilian was executed in Mexico, and his mistress later died under mysterious circumstances.

• Franz Josef’s Assassination (07:10 – 07:28): A Ternfalcon’s appearance preceded the assassination of Emperor Franz Josef’s wife, Sisi.

• Duchess Sophie and Archduke Franz Ferdinand (07:28 – 10:00): Sophie's recognition of the Ternfalcons led to the couple’s assassination in Sarajevo, igniting World War I.

Mahnke contrasts the supernatural explanations with historical realities of inbreeding within the Habsburg lineage, which led to genetic disorders and health issues, suggesting that the true "curse" was rooted in human choices rather than enchanted birds.

“Most scholars don't think that the Ternfalcon were the real curse. No, the real Habsburg curse was inbreeding” (05:45).

The Grimaldi Curse: Grace Kelly and Monaco (10:00 – 14:19)

Shifting focus to the Grimaldi family of Monaco, Mahnke narrates the tragic marriage of Hollywood icon Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier III. Their union, televised globally, appeared glamorous but concealed significant unhappiness, culminating in Grace Kelly’s untimely death in a car accident at age 52.

“Grace Kelly’s unhappiness was evident” (10:02).

The episode traces the Grimaldi curse back to Francesco Grimaldi in 1297, who seized Monaco through treachery, initiating a lineage believed to be doomed to unhappy marriages and tragic ends. Various historical marriages within the family illustrate this pattern:

• Prince Louis I and Catherine Charlotte de Gramont (13:08 – 13:25): Catherine’s repeated affairs led to a series of tragic separations.

• Princess Charlotte and Count Pierre de Polignac (13:25 – 14:19): An arranged marriage ended in misery and divorce, though Charlotte later found happiness post-separation.

These stories reinforce the notion that the curse has long influenced the Grimaldi family, affecting their personal lives and happiness.

The Muramasa Katana: Japan’s Cursed Blades (14:19 – 18:16)

Mahnke delves into Japanese lore with the story of the Muramasa katana, legendary swords believed to be cursed. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, these blades were feared for their supposed supernatural inclination towards bloodshed.

“It's certainly easy for us to laugh these superstitions off now… but the Muramasa katana rose to prominence during the Warring States period” (16:37).

The founder, Muramasa, whose identity remains partly mysterious, created katanas that were unparalleled in sharpness and strength. However, their reputation for causing excessive violence led to superstitions that they were imbued with demonic properties, driving warriors to madness or death if the swords were misused.

Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, fearing the blades’ influence on his lineage—having lost multiple family members to Muramasa swords—launched a fervent campaign to eradicate them:

“He outlawed them from his Shogunate. Anyone caught with A Muramasa blade would be sentenced to death” (16:20).

Ironically, this crusade contributed to the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as the swords became symbols of resistance during the mid-1800s civil war, ultimately leading to the restoration of power to the Emperor in 1868.

“The Shogun’s fear of Muramasa katanas cemented them in national memory… they destroyed everything that he had built” (23:02).

The American Presidential Curse (18:16 – 33:05)

Transitioning to American history, Mahnke explores the alleged curse tied to presidents elected in years ending with a zero. The legend begins with President William Henry Harrison, who, after delivering the longest inauguration speech in history on a freezing day without proper attire, died just 31 days into his term.

“Any president whose term started in a year that ended in a zero died while in office” (23:05).

Subsequent presidents fitting this pattern faced untimely deaths:

• Abraham Lincoln (1860 – 1865): Assassinated during his second term.
• James A. Garfield (1880 – 1881): Shot by an assassin.
• William McKinley (1900 – 1901): Assassinated.
• Warren G. Harding (1920 – 1923): Died of a stroke or heart attack.
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1940 – 1945): Died of a cerebral hemorrhage.
• John F. Kennedy (1960 – 1963): Assassinated.

The curse seemingly broke with Ronald Reagan (1980), who survived an assassination attempt and lived until 2004, and continued with George W. Bush (2000) and Joe Biden (2020), both completing their terms without fatal incidents.

However, Mahnke critically examines the origin of such curses, highlighting the problematic nature of attributing misfortunes to Native American legends, which historically served to otherize indigenous peoples and absolve colonizers of guilt.

“...it was part of a long standing tradition among white Christian Europeans that blamed all of their own misfortune and setbacks on the work of the devil” (28:34).

Ultimately, the episode suggests that while the presidential curse is an intriguing narrative, it likely holds more sway as folklore than as an actual supernatural phenomenon.

Conclusion

In "Royal," Aaron Mahnke masterfully weaves together various legends of curses impacting royals, dynasties, and even the American presidency. Through historical anecdotes and critical analysis, the episode underscores how these tales reflect deeper societal fears and the human tendency to explain tragedies through supernatural lenses. Whether driven by genuine belief or cultural storytelling, these royal curses continue to fascinate and caution us about the perils of power and the consequences of our actions.

Notable Quotes

• “The entire filming process had been miserable, plagued with bad luck” – Aaron Mahnke (01:07)
• “Most scholars don't think that the Ternfalcon were the real curse. No, the real Habsburg curse was inbreeding” – Aaron Mahnke (05:45)
• “Grace Kelly’s unhappiness was evident” – Aaron Mahnke (10:02)
• “It's certainly easy for us to laugh these superstitions off now… but the Muramasa katana rose to prominence during the Warring States period” – Aaron Mahnke (16:37)
• “The Shogun’s fear of Muramasa katanas cemented them in national memory… they destroyed everything that he had built” – Aaron Mahnke (23:02)
• “Any president whose term started in a year that ended in a zero died while in office” – Aaron Mahnke (23:05)

Final Thoughts

"Royal" offers a compelling exploration of how legends intertwine with historical events, shaping our understanding of power, legacy, and the supernatural. Whether these curses were real or mere folklore, they undeniably left an indelible mark on history, echoing the age-old adage that with great power comes great peril.

For more detailed explorations of dark historical tales, subscribe to Lore on your favorite podcast platform.