Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"And part of the curse is it is said to be a night watchman who was looking over the book one night, was found dead in the morning. And more, I think a very more real curse, is it was being held in some sort of library a few decades ago. And in order to save it, they just threw the fucker out the window, and it hit a policeman." — Marcus Parks
"Well, according to legend, when the root of the mandrake is dug up. And the reason why they think it's cursed because when you pull it up, the root looks like a little man. They have like a... Mandrakes grow in Florida as well." — Henry Zabrowski
"And the crying boy is just the painting of a crying boy, which was very popular in the UK in the 1950s. And you would never see that in America because we don't celebrate boys crying." — Ben Kissel
This episode of the Last Podcast on the Left dives deep into the concept of cursed objects, exploring a variety of historical artifacts and the folklore that surrounds them. The hosts, Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zabrowski, discuss objects like the Codex Geigas, believed to be created with the help of Lucifer, and the Woman of Lem, a statue associated with family tragedies. They also touch upon the legend of the Devil's Chair and the Hand of Glory, a preserved human hand used in occult rituals. The discussion highlights the persistent human fascination with items that are believed to bring misfortune or possess supernatural properties.
The conversation then transitions to more contemporary examples, particularly those found on online marketplaces like eBay. The hosts examine listings for items such as a painting titled "The Hands Resist 10," a "haunted baby food jar" containing a supposed spirit, "witch's shoes," and an "antique doll king of the warlocks." These examples showcase how the modern internet allows for the continued circulation and commercialization of cursed object narratives, often with humorous or sensationalized descriptions. The episode blends historical accounts with modern interpretations, underscoring the enduring appeal of these tales.
Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to the belief in cursed objects. They consider how folklore, personal anecdotes, and the desire for mystery fuel these narratives. While many of the discussed items are presented with a degree of skepticism and humor, the episode acknowledges the genuine interest and belief that surround such artifacts. The exploration of objects ranging from ancient texts to modern online listings demonstrates the broad spectrum of what constitutes a "cursed object" in popular culture and its evolution over time.