Legends 32: Dark New England
6Digest
This episode of Lore Legends delves into the dark side of New England history and folklore, exploring strange tales that may not be found in history books. The episode begins with the legend of Chief Chokarua, a Pequocket leader who refused to leave his native lands after a conflict with colonists. His son's accidental death by poison leads to a tragic cycle of revenge and a curse on the settlers. Next, the episode explores the legend of Doc Benton, a physician who, after a personal tragedy, becomes obsessed with immortality and conducts strange experiments in the woods. His actions lead to the deaths of livestock and people, leaving the town in fear. The episode then recounts the legend of the Burning Beast, a monstrous creature said to inhabit the Dark Swamp in Rhode Island. Two separate encounters with the beast, one by a pirate and another by a man returning home from work, are described. Finally, the episode discusses the influence of New England's dark history and folklore on horror writers like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. The legend of the Burning Beast is specifically linked to Lovecraft's "It," highlighting the region's impact on the genre. The episode also explores the mystery of Mystery Hill, a collection of stone structures in Salem, New Hampshire, known as "America's Stonehenge." The site's origins are debated, with theories ranging from Irish monks to Native American tribes to a 19th-century farmer.
Outlines
New England Legends
This episode of Lore Legends explores strange tales and legends from New England, including the tragic story of Chief Chokarua, the unsettling legend of Doc Benton, and the terrifying encounters with the Burning Beast, highlighting the region's influence on horror literature.
The Legend of Chief Chokarua
The episode delves into the legend of Chief Chokarua, a Pequocket leader who refused to leave his native lands after a conflict with colonists. His son's accidental death by poison leads to a tragic cycle of revenge and a curse on the settlers.
The Mystery of Doc Benton and the Burning Beast
The episode explores the legend of Doc Benton, a physician who, after a personal tragedy, becomes obsessed with immortality and conducts strange experiments in the woods. His actions lead to the deaths of livestock and people, leaving the town in fear. The episode then recounts the legend of the Burning Beast, a monstrous creature said to inhabit the Dark Swamp in Rhode Island. Two separate encounters with the beast, one by a pirate and another by a man returning home from work, are described.
New England's Influence on Horror and Mystery Hill
The episode discusses the influence of New England's dark history and folklore on horror writers like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. The legend of the Burning Beast is specifically linked to Lovecraft's "It," highlighting the region's impact on the genre. The episode also explores the mystery of Mystery Hill, a collection of stone structures in Salem, New Hampshire, known as "America's Stonehenge." The site's origins are debated, with theories ranging from Irish monks to Native American tribes to a 19th-century farmer.
Keywords
Lore Legends
A subset of Lore episodes focusing on strange tales and legends that may not be historically verifiable.
Chief Chokarua
A Pequocket Native American chief who refused to leave his native lands after a conflict with colonists. His son's accidental death by poison leads to a tragic cycle of revenge and a curse on the settlers.
Doc Benton
A physician who, after a personal tragedy, becomes obsessed with immortality and conducts strange experiments in the woods. His actions lead to the deaths of livestock and people, leaving the town in fear.
The Burning Beast
A monstrous creature said to inhabit the Dark Swamp in Rhode Island. Described as having large eyes, bat-like wings, and scales, it is said to have been seen by multiple people over the years.
Mystery Hill
A collection of stone structures in Salem, New Hampshire, known as "America's Stonehenge." The site's origins are debated, with theories ranging from Irish monks to Native American tribes to a 19th-century farmer.
New England Folklore
The episode explores the dark side of New England history and folklore, focusing on strange tales and legends that may not be found in history books.
Horror Literature
The episode discusses the influence of New England's dark history and folklore on horror writers like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft.
Q&A
What is the main theme of Lore Legends?
Lore Legends explores strange tales and legends that may not be found in history books, focusing on the darker side of history and folklore.
What is the legend of Chief Chokarua?
Chief Chokarua was a Pequocket leader who refused to leave his native lands after a conflict with colonists. His son's accidental death by poison leads to a tragic cycle of revenge and a curse on the settlers.
What is the story of Doc Benton?
Doc Benton was a physician who, after a personal tragedy, becomes obsessed with immortality and conducts strange experiments in the woods. His actions lead to the deaths of livestock and people, leaving the town in fear.
What is the legend of the Burning Beast?
The Burning Beast is a monstrous creature said to inhabit the Dark Swamp in Rhode Island. Described as having large eyes, bat-like wings, and scales, it is said to have been seen by multiple people over the years.
What is the mystery surrounding Mystery Hill?
Mystery Hill is a collection of stone structures in Salem, New Hampshire, known as "America's Stonehenge." The site's origins are debated, with theories ranging from Irish monks to Native American tribes to a 19th-century farmer.
How does New England folklore influence horror literature?
The episode discusses the influence of New England's dark history and folklore on horror writers like Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. The legend of the Burning Beast is specifically linked to Lovecraft's "It," highlighting the region's impact on the genre.
Show Notes
The older the place, the deeper the legends seem to run. And in New England, that means there’s a treasure trove of dark tales just waiting to be explored.
Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Harry Marks and Aaron Mahnke, and research by Sam Alberty.
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