Lore Episode 274: Distant Relations – A Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction: The Lost Peking Man

The episode opens with a poignant reflection on the 1937 war between Japan and China, highlighting the tragic loss of countless lives. Among these losses, Aaron Mahnke introduces the story of the Peking Man—ancient human remains discovered near Beijing in 1921, which represented the first such findings on mainland Asia. Aaron underscores the significance of these fossils, stating, “These bones... provided all new information about our early human ancestors” ([00:09]).

The Forbidden City: Heart of Beijing

Transitioning to Beijing's rich history, Aaron traces the city's numerous name changes—from Ji/Qi in the 8th century BCE to its current name bestowed during the Ming Dynasty in 1421. He eloquently describes Beijing as “a little like a folktale” that continually evolves with each era and ruler.

At the core of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, meticulously detailed by Aaron. He paints a vivid picture of its grandeur and imperial significance:

• Construction and Design: “It took over 200,000 workers to construct this beating heart of Beijing” ([08:30]). The Forbidden City comprises nearly a thousand buildings with over 9,000 rooms, each named to reflect imperial power, such as the Hall of Literary Brilliance and the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

• Imperial Use: Serving as the royal residence for 24 consecutive rulers, it remained the epicenter of imperial power until the Chinese Revolution of 1911-1912.

• Modern Day: Today, the Forbidden City is a major tourist attraction, yet Aaron hints at the lingering presence of its spectral inhabitants.

Ghostly Legends of the Forbidden City

Aaron delves into the supernatural tales associated with the Forbidden City, beginning with the Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, who is believed to haunt the grounds due to a tragic event involving his concubines:

• The Tragic Affair: According to legend, after a beloved concubine was caught in a compromising situation, Emperor Zhu Di executed up to 2,800 individuals to suppress the scandal ([14:50]). Although historical records are sparse, the ghost stories persist.

• Hauntings: Visitors have reported eerie phenomena, such as women’s wails in the concubine quarters and sightings of Emperor Zhu Di’s spectral form. Notable incidents include an exhibition where a voice cried, “it’s mine, it’s mine” ([19:15]) and claims of capturing ghostly apparitions on camera in 1992.

Other spirits mentioned include a young girl in the Imperial Garden and a murdered concubine named Zhen, who met a grisly end during the Boxer Rebellion. The well associated with Zhen is said to fill with water at night, revealing her face to those who peer into it.

Fox Tower and the Mystery of Pamela Warner

Moving away from the Forbidden City, Aaron explores the haunted Fox Tower, notorious for its association with fox spirits—shape-shifting entities deeply rooted in Chinese folklore:

• Fox Spirits in Folklore: These spirits can be guardians or tricksters, often unpredictable. One legend recounts a watchman witnessing his storyteller friend transform into a fox ([32:20]).

• The Pamela Warner Case: In 1937, the brutal murder of Pamela Warner, a 19-year-old British adoptee, near Fox Tower became intertwined with local ghost legends. Some believed fox spirits were responsible, while others pointed fingers at a prominent American dentist accused by Warner’s father. Aaron explains, “Pamela’s murder was overshadowed by the Japanese invasion and World War II” ([38:45]).

Despite numerous theories, the case remains unsolved, with the invasion disrupting any potential investigation.

Chaune no.81: Beijing's Most Haunted House

Aaron introduces Chaune no.81, a French Baroque building in Beijing shrouded in mystery and ghostly lore:

• Historical Ambiguity: Built between 1900 and 1922, its original purpose remains unclear, contributing to its haunted reputation.

• Abandonment and Legends: By the 1970s, the house was abandoned, fostering tales of disappearances and hauntings. Stories include:

  • A high-ranking Nationalist Party member and his concubine's tragic end during the Communist takeover in 1949, whose spirit reportedly roams the house during thunderstorms ([52:10]).

  • Disappearances of occupants, including a construction crew who mysteriously vanished after exploring the house through a basement hole in the late 1990s ([56:30]).

• Cultural Impact: Despite no concrete evidence, the legend persisted strongly enough to deter potential buyers and later inspire the horror film The House that Never Dies in 2014, reigniting public interest and superstition surrounding the property.

Beijing’s Vanishing Hitchhiker: Chen Yuanyuan’s Ghost

Aaron concludes with the tale of Beijing’s own version of the Vanishing Hitchhiker, centered on Chen Yuanyuan, known as China’s Helen of Troy:

• Historical Background: Chen was sold into an opera troupe before becoming concubine to General Wu Sang Wei, who later betrayed her by allying with the Manchu army to save his position ([68:00]).

• Legendary Demise: After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Chen’s fate remains mysterious—ranging from becoming a nun to committing suicide. The ghost story narrates how, in the 1910s, she vanished after a rickshaw ride, leaving behind only a peacock feather and an antiquated coin ([74:50]).

• Supernatural Elements: Her disappearance at the Song Po Library, formerly her residence, ties her spectral presence to significant historical shifts in Beijing.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Folklore

Aaron Mahnke wraps up the episode by reflecting on how these stories illustrate the enduring connection between people and their cultural narratives. He emphasizes that despite modernization and changing political landscapes, the ghosts of Beijing’s past continue to influence its present, serving as a testament to the city's rich and often dark history.

Notable Quotes:

• “The Peking man fossils had to be protected at all costs.” – Aaron Mahnke ([00:35])

• “Picture in your mind wide, treeless gardens and winding alleyways... swirling with dragons, a symbol of the Emperor's omnipotence.” – Aaron Mahnke ([10:15])

• “They were provided bath houses of steaming water, and a team of eunuchs catered to their every whim.” – Aaron Mahnke ([16:40])

• “Fox Tower was infamous for its vulpine visitations.” – Aaron Mahnke ([31:00])

• “Pamela had been killed by the fox spirits.” – Witness ([33:45])

• “Do not believe the lies. There are no ghosts.” – Graffiti at Fox Tower ([47:20])

• “Belief in ghosts is a backward idea, a superstition, and a sign of cowardice.” – CCP’s 1961 Publication ([60:10])

Final Thoughts:

Episode 274 of Lore titled "Distant Relations" masterfully intertwines Beijing’s historical landmarks with spine-chilling folklore, offering listeners a deep dive into the city’s haunted legacy. Through meticulous storytelling and engaging anecdotes, Aaron Mahnke brings to life the spirits that linger in Beijing's shadows, proving that sometimes, the truth is indeed more frightening than fiction.