Morbid Network | Wondery
Episode 650: Plagues of Hysteria with Andrew McMahon
Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this intriguing episode of Morbid, titled "Plagues of Hysteria", hosts Ash and Elena delve deep into the eerie and perplexing phenomenon of dancing plagues throughout history. Joined by special guest Andrew McMahon, renowned musician from bands like Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, the conversation seamlessly blends true crime, creepy history, and a touch of humor.

Guest Background: Andrew McMahon

Andrew McMahon shares insights into his musical journey, highlighting his early connection to the piano as a means to cope with personal loss. McMahon discusses how songwriting became a sanctuary for him, leading to the formation of Something Corporate and subsequent musical projects.

Andrew McMahon [02:35]: "Writing songs became my whole... it was a way to process my world."

He reflects on the evolution of his music, the challenges of staying creative, and maintaining relevance across multiple generations of fans.

Andrew McMahon [11:03]: "I've tried really hard because a lot of my fans have grown up with me... how do I really talk about what's relevant to me now and put that in a pop song."

Exploring Dancing Plagues in History

Early Instances of Dancing Mania

The discussion shifts to the dancing plagues that have plagued Europe for centuries. The hosts and McMahon explore various documented cases, starting as early as 1021 CE in the small German town of Kolbeekt.

Key Event: Kolbeekt (1021 CE)

• Incident: 18 residents began dancing uncontrollably outside the church on Christmas Eve.
• Outcome: The priest, unable to control the chaos, cursed them to dance for a year, leading to exhaustion and death for many.

Andrew McMahon [23:35]: "It was like... the corridor drama... but it didn't fit right."

Key Event: Erfurt (1247 CE)

• Incident: Over 200 people danced on a bridge over the Moselle River in Maastricht until the bridge collapsed, resulting in numerous deaths.
• Alternate Account: Some survivors were taken to a chapel dedicated to Saint Vitus and were miraculously cured.

Elena [26:03]: "He was like, let's see if we can break some vows."

Saint Vitus and the "Dance of St. Vitus"

Saint Vitus becomes a central figure in explaining these plagues. Known as the patron saint of dancers and entertainers, his veneration was believed to offer protection against such irrational behaviors.

Ash [27:58]: "He's the patron saint of dance. Let's go with that."

However, the phenomenon wasn't solely attributed to divine intervention. Over time, the term "St. Vitus Dance" became synonymous with the dancing mania, though it was later understood to be a misinterpretation of the actual neurological disorder chorea.

Elena [28:16]: "There's no reason for this, but they just believed it to be like a mass, like, psychogenic illness."

Tarantism and Its Cultural Implications

Emerging in 13th-century Italy, tarantism was another form of mass hysteria linked to spider bites. Victims believed they were cursed by tarantulas, leading to frenzied dancing in an attempt to rid themselves of the perceived venom.

Ash [29:02]: "They meant choreo."

McMahon humorously relates this to modern-day phenomena, likening witch trials to controlled outbreaks of hysteria.

Andrew McMahon [31:22]: "It's a trauma reaction. Yeah, yeah."

The 1518 Strasbourg Dancing Plague

One of the most infamous events, the Strasbourg Dancing Plague of 1518, saw hundreds join a single woman's inexplicable dance in the streets, leading to a significant number of deaths from overexertion and heart attacks.

Andrew McMahon [43:05]: "She just started dancing."

Despite attempts to curtail the mania by removing dancers to churches and banning public performances, the plague persisted, highlighting the challenges of understanding and controlling mass psychogenic illnesses.

Elena [44:49]: "That's a fun master."

Nunneries and the Plagues

In the Habsburg Netherlands, nunneries experienced unique manifestations of these plagues, combining dancing with bizarre behaviors such as climbing trees and meowing like cats. These incidents were often met with religious interventions, including exorcisms, which sometimes led to further complications.

Andrew McMahon [38:18]: "They brought the priests. They were chanting and composing their own music."

The blending of religious authority and superstitions further complicated societal responses to these afflictions.

Modern Interpretations and Psychological Insights

Historian John Waller provides a contemporary perspective, suggesting that these plagues were classic examples of mass psychogenic illness—a phenomenon where psychological stresses manifest as physical symptoms within a group.

John Waller [53:11]: "There's considerable evidence that suggests the dancing plagues... were classic instances of mass psychogenic illness."

The hosts discuss how societal pressures, such as famine, natural disasters, and political turmoil preceding these events, likely contributed to the outbreaks as extreme stress responses.

Elena [54:27]: "It can be viewed as kind of like an extreme reaction of stress relief. Like a reaction to trauma."

Conclusion: Legacy of the Dancing Plagues

The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring mystery and fascination with dancing plagues. While modern science offers explanations through psychology and sociology, the historical accounts remain a chilling testament to the human psyche's complexities.

Andrew McMahon [55:37]: "And the devil."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew McMahon [02:35]: "Writing songs became my whole... it was a way to process my world."
• Andrew McMahon [11:03]: "I've tried really hard because a lot of my fans have grown up with me... how do I really talk about what's relevant to me now and put that in a pop song."
• Andrew McMahon [23:35]: "It was like... the corridor drama... but it didn't fit right."
• Ash [27:58]: "He's the patron saint of dance. Let's go with that."
• Andrew McMahon [31:22]: "It's a trauma reaction. Yeah, yeah."
• Andrew McMahon [43:05]: "She just started dancing."
• John Waller [53:11]: "There's considerable evidence that suggests the dancing plagues... were classic instances of mass psychogenic illness."

Final Thoughts

Episode 650 of Morbid offers a captivating exploration of the Plagues of Hysteria, blending historical accounts with modern psychological interpretations. Andrew McMahon's participation adds a unique perspective, linking the emotional catharsis of songwriting with the communal stresses that may have fueled these bizarre historical events. Whether you're a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the macabre, this episode promises a deep and engaging dive into one of history's most enigmatic phenomena.