Podcast Summary: Spooked – Episode "Three Elves on the Shelf"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Three Elves on the Shelf," host Glynn Washington narrates a chilling tale of Lorena, a woman whose seemingly innocent souvenir from a trip to Mexico unleashes a series of supernatural events in her home. This episode delves into themes of belief, the supernatural, and the unforeseen consequences of engaging with mystical entities.

1. Lorena's Journey to Huasca, Mexico

Exploring Huasca

Lorena travels with her mother and sister to Huasca, a picturesque town nestled deep within the forests of central Mexico. Guided by Fernando, their tour guide, they embark on a private tour to explore local landmarks and cultural sites.

Visit to the Elf Museum

During their tour, Fernando suggests a detour to a museum dedicated to elves and fairies. Lorena describes the museum as a "fairy tale cottage made out of bricks and wood," housing an extensive collection of elf dolls of various sizes and materials. Fernando explains that each elf has a unique story and associated power, such as fertility or overcoming addictions.

Acquiring the Elves

In the museum's gift shop, Lorena's family purchases miniature elves holding quartz crystals, each representing a distinct power. Lorena selects an elf for luck, her sister chooses one for prosperity, and her mother picks an elf for health, hoping it will aid her recovery from anterograde amnesia.

Lorena (09:40): "Some are plastic, others porcelain... each elf has a small sign with its story and its name."

2. Supernatural Manifestations at Home

Initial Oddities

Upon returning home to Pasto, Colombia, the family places their elves in different parts of the house. Lorena notices her dog, Georgie, mysteriously bringing colored rocks into the house, which appears to be a precursor to the elves' influence.

Disappearing Items

Shortly after, Lorena experiences the first major supernatural event when her handmade Wise Man figurine for a work contest vanishes from her bedroom table after she takes a shower. Skeptical yet anxious, she interacts with her elf, pleading for the figurine's return.

Lorena (17:05): "When I get out of the shower, the Wise man figurine is not there anymore."

Miraculously, the figurine reappears on the Christmas tree branch, prompting Lorena to believe that the elves possess real, mystical powers.

The Family’s Growing Connection

Encouraged by the return of her figurine, Lorena becomes more attentive to the elves, offering them treats and money in hopes of receiving further assistance. Her sister secures a job, and her mother's health sees small improvements, which Lorena attributes to the elves' influence.

Lorena (23:37): "Thank you, elves."

3. Escalation of Supernatural Events

Alarming Incidents

Lorena's experiences intensify when both she and her sister discover unexplained scratches and bruises on their arms, coinciding with loud bangs in the house at night. These incidents instill fear and solidify their belief that the elves are actively influencing their lives.

Lorena (26:08): "We hear a loud bang in the living room, like someone dropped a chair."

Seeking Professional Help

Conflicted by the escalating events, Lorena consults a family friend knowledgeable about supernatural occurrences. He warns her that the elves have become too powerful, especially the one she has been most generous with, and advises her to remove them from her home to prevent further chaos.

Family Friend (28:00): "Your elf is the most powerful. Because of all the money and candy you've given him. That's the one to blame for everything that's been going on."

4. Attempting to Dismiss the Elves

The Church Ritual

Following the friend's guidance, Lorena, accompanied by her friend Tatiana, attempts to rid themselves of the elves by placing them at the entrance of a church with two doors—one for entry and one for exit. They perform prayers inside the church, hoping to sever the elves' hold over their lives.

Lorena (30:16): "You're gonna look for a church. And this church must have two doors."

Aftermath and Lingering Fears

After the ritual, Lorena informs her family of the steps taken, but her mother remains unfazed, treating the elves as harmless figures. However, Lorena continues to harbor fears that the elves might have left lingering effects or that they might return if she ever passes by the church again.

Lorena (34:09): "I'm scared that if I walk by, they're still waiting for me because I told them I'll be back."

Conclusion

Lorena's harrowing experience with the "Three Elves on the Shelf" serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of engaging with mystical souvenirs. The episode intertwines elements of cultural folklore with personal fear, leaving listeners to ponder the fine line between belief and skepticism in the face of unexplained phenomena.

Narrator (34:45): "Thank you, Lorena, for sharing your story with the Spook."

Notable Quotes

• Lorena (09:44): "These elves aren't exactly cute. They look like kids with grown up faces."
• Family Friend (28:00): "If you continue to keep them in your house, they will turn against you."
• Lorena (34:09): "I'm scared that if I walk by, they're still waiting for me because I told them I'll be back."

Final Thoughts

"Three Elves on the Shelf" masterfully blends personal narrative with supernatural intrigue, highlighting how everyday actions—like purchasing a souvenir—can lead to profound and unsettling experiences. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of the ordinary.