Episode 129 - The Real History Behind Bloody Mary

Are your sleepovers complete without the chilling game of Bloody Mary? The game's origins are steeped in mystery, intrigue, and eerie folklore. In this episode, we unravel the stories of three historical women who potentially inspired this bone-chilling game. From the turbulent reign of Queen Mary the First to the bloodcurdling tales of Elizabeth Bathory and the enigmatic Mary Worth, we walk you through the bloody corridors of history.

Imagine a time when King Henry the Eighth severed ties with the catholic church, setting in motion a series of events that shaped the course of history. Delve into the reign of his daughter, Queen Mary I, infamous for her attempts to restore Catholicism and her reign of terror. You will also hear about the chilling tales associated with Elizabeth Bathory, a noblewoman speculated to have bathed in virgin blood for eternal youth. Then, peruse the life of Mary Worth, whose narrative sways between hero and villain, adding an intriguing layer to the Bloody Mary folklore.

Do you know about the Toxler's fading effect? This episode dives into its connection with horror genre in relation to midnight rituals. Exploring its representation in classic horror films, and the modern depiction of the Bloody Mary ritual in popular video games, we take a chilling journey into the murky depths of horror lore. So, buckle up for an episode that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, daring you to face the enigmatic and horrifying history of Bloody Mary. Tune in now, if you dare!

lunaticsproject.com

Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Listen to the paranormal playlist I curate for Vurbl, updated weekly! Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.

Check out the work of our friend Sheldon Higdon here.

Sources

• The Myth of Bloody Mary by Meilan Solly on SmithsonianMagazine.com 
• History.com article, How Henry the VIII’s Divorce Led to Reformation by Sarah Pruitt.
• History.com article, What Inspired Bloody Mary’s Gruesome Nickname? By Una Mcilvenna.
• The Ghost in My Machine article on Bloody Mary
• A Mental Floss Article by Emily Petsko Bloody Mary: Why We Think  We See Faces in The Mirror 
• Wikipedia and Britannica.com
• Thanks to April Brenker for research help! 

Support the show

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices