Few objects from popular culture have been as divisive and mysterious as these simple games. But before you dismiss their sensational reputation, it's worth exploring the wreckage they have left in their wake.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.
• MeUndies: Slide into game changing comfort and get up to 50% off at MeUndies.com/lore with the promo code LORE.
• SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new SimpliSafe system.
• HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at HomeServe.com.

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To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

We tend to see weddings as the beginning of something grand. A new start with joy and happiness as a destination. But if these popular legends are any indication, that's not always the tale that's told.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing and research by Alex Robinson and GennaRose Nethercott.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• Gusto: Online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at Gusto.com/LORE, and get 3 months free when you run your first payroll.
• Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
• CookUnity: Try the freshest, best-tasting meal delivery made by your favorite celebrity chefs. Go to CookUnity.com/LORE or enter code LORE before checkout, for 50% off your first week.

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To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (299: Unsinkable) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog:

• Episode 21: LorePodcast.com/episodes/21
• Episode 104: LorePodcast.com/episodes/104
• Episode 122: LorePodcast.com/episodes/122

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Some legends spend a bit of time among us and then drift out of popularity. A few, though, stay afloat even when the world they come from slips beneath the waves.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• Chime: Chime is banking done right. Open an account in 2 minutes at chime.com/lore.
• Tovala: Get a $300 off a Tovala Smart Oven when you order meals 6 or more times by heading to Tovala.com/LORE with offer code LORE.
• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.
• SimpliSafe: Secure your home with 24/7 professional monitoring. Sign up today at SimpliSafe.com/Lore to get 50% off a new SimpliSafe system.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

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©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Appalachia might be a vast and varied terrain, but one thing about it is incredibly consistent: the presence of dark legends, hidden in the shadows.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Nick Tecosky and research by Jamie Vargas.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

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Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• 1-800-Flowers: To get your Double Blooms offer, buy one dozen to get a total of two dozen roses FREE, at 1800Flowers.com/LORE.
• Mint Mobile: For a limited time, wireless plans from Mint Mobile are $15 a month when you purchase a 3-month plan with UNLIMITED talk, text and data at MintMobile.com/lore.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (298: Almost Alive) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog:

• Episode 25: LorePodcast.com/episodes/25
• Episode 88: LorePodcast.com/episodes/88
• Episode 134: LorePodcast.com/episodes/134

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Sometimes the more terrifying creatures we encounter are the ones we created ourselves. Don't let their antiquity fool you, though; artificial life isn't always pleasant.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.

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PRE-ORDER EXHUMED TODAY: aaronmahnke.com/exhumed

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For the curious, here are some links to the various contraptions mentioned in today's episode. Seeing them in action is truly powerful!

• Mechanical Monk
• Tipoo's Tiger
• The Writer
• The Draughtsman
• The English Execution
• St. Dennistoun Mortuary
• Murder In The Museum
• The Abbot's Treasure

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Lore Resources:

• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• Gusto: Online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at Gusto.com/LORE, and get 3 months free when you run your first payroll.
• MeUndies: Slide into game changing comfort and get up to 50% off at MeUndies.com/lore with the promo code LORE.
• Warby Parker: Visit one of over 270 stores to find your next pair of glasses, or go to WarbyParker.com/LORE to try on any pair virtually!
• 1-800-Flowers: To get your Double Blooms offer, buy one dozen to get a total of two dozen roses FREE, at 1800Flowers.com/LORE.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Home sweet home. We go there for safety, peace, and hopefully love. But for a very long time in some parts of the world, the home was ruled over by something more supernatural than family bonds.

Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and research by Jamie Vargas.

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Lore Resources:

• Get Ad-Free Lore: lorepodcast.com/support
• Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music
• Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources
• Official Lore Merchandise: lorepodcast.com/shop

—————————

Sponsors:

• BetterHelp: Lore is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/LORE, and get on your way to being your best self.
• Quince: Premium European clothing and accessories for 50% to 80% less than similar brands. Visit Quince.com/LORE for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
• Tovala: Get a $300 off a Tovala Smart Oven when you order meals 6 or more times by heading to Tovala.com/LORE with offer code LORE.
• Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/lore to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using the code LORE.

—————————

To report a concern regarding a radio-style, non-Aaron ad in this episode, reach out to ads @ lorepodcast.com with the name of the company or organization so we can look into it.

—————————

To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com. Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/lore

—————————

©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.