Lore 263: Elementary
8Digest
This podcast delves into the unexpected connections between famous figures and their involvement in the occult. It begins by revealing Julia Child's lesser-known role as an inventor of shark repellent for the US military during World War II, highlighting her creative brilliance and early career path. The podcast then explores the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and his deep fascination with spiritualism. It examines how his personal tragedies, including the loss of his son in World War I, fueled his belief in the afterlife and led him to embrace spiritualist practices like automatic writing and séances. The podcast then examines the famous "Coddingly Fairy Photographs," taken by two young girls in 1917, and how Conan Doyle became convinced of their authenticity, sparking a craze for fairies in Britain. The podcast further explores the life of Charles Doyle, Conan Doyle's father, revealing his struggles with alcoholism and psychosis, and how his artistic talent, particularly his paintings of fairies and spirits, may have influenced his son's fascination with the occult. Finally, the podcast introduces William Butler Yeats, a renowned poet who was deeply involved in the occult. It explores his membership in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret magical society, and his tumultuous relationship with fellow member Aleister Crowley. The podcast reveals how these figures, despite their diverse backgrounds and achievements, shared a common interest in the supernatural and the mysteries of the unseen world.
Outlines
The Unexpected Occult Connections of Famous Figures
This podcast explores the surprising connections between famous figures like Julia Child, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and William Butler Yeats, revealing their shared fascination with the occult and their involvement in various spiritual and magical societies.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Spiritualism
This chapter explores the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and his deep fascination with spiritualism. It examines how his personal tragedies, including the loss of his son in World War I, fueled his belief in the afterlife and led him to embrace spiritualist practices like automatic writing and séances.
The Coddingly Fairy Photographs and the Rise of Fairy Mania
This chapter examines the famous "Coddingly Fairy Photographs," taken by two young girls in 1917, and how Conan Doyle became convinced of their authenticity, sparking a craze for fairies in Britain.
The Legacy of Charles Doyle and the Influence on His Son
This chapter delves into the life of Charles Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's father, revealing his struggles with alcoholism and psychosis, and how his artistic talent, particularly his paintings of fairies and spirits, may have influenced his son's fascination with the occult.
Keywords
Shark Repellent
A substance used to deter sharks from attacking. During World War II, Julia Child, later famous as a chef, invented a shark repellent for the US military. It was made of copper acetate and black dye, creating a smell that sharks disliked.
Spiritualism
The belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was a fervent believer in spiritualism, influenced by his personal tragedies and his fascination with the occult.
Automatic Writing
A technique used in spiritualism where a person writes messages without conscious control, believed to be guided by spirits. Conan Doyle used automatic writing with his second wife and her friend, believing they were communicating with deceased loved ones.
Theosophical Society
A philosophical society founded in 1875 that promotes the study of esoteric knowledge, including spiritualism, theosophy, and occultism. The society played a role in the spread of the Coddingly Fairy Photographs and the belief in fairies.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
A secret magical society founded in 1888 that studied occult traditions like alchemy, cabala, astrology, and tarot. William Butler Yeats was a prominent member, and the order played a significant role in his life and work.
Aleister Crowley
A controversial occultist and writer known for his unconventional views and practices. Crowley was a member of the Golden Dawn but was expelled due to his controversial beliefs and behavior. He had a tumultuous relationship with William Butler Yeats.
Q&A
What surprising fact about Julia Child is revealed in the podcast?
Julia Child, famous for her culinary skills, invented shark repellent for the US military during World War II. This highlights her creative brilliance and a lesser-known aspect of her early career.
What events in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's life led him to become a fervent believer in spiritualism?
Doyle's belief in spiritualism was fueled by personal tragedies, including the deaths of his father, wife, and son. He sought solace and understanding in the belief that the dead could communicate with the living.
What were the Coddingly Fairy Photographs, and why did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believe in their authenticity?
The Coddingly Fairy Photographs were taken by two young girls in 1917 and showed fairies in the woods. Doyle, already a believer in the supernatural, saw them as proof of the existence of fairies and a world beyond our perception.
What was the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and what role did William Butler Yeats play in it?
The Golden Dawn was a secret magical society that studied occult traditions. Yeats was a prominent member, contributing to its rituals and texts, and eventually rising to a leadership position. He also had a significant rivalry with fellow member Aleister Crowley.
Show Notes
When we talk about the intersection of history and folklore, few individuals in history sat themselves so firmly on that target like well-known one man. The lesser known elements of his life, though, are the most fascinating.
Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, and research by Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.
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