Lore 314: Hive Mind
Summary
Host Aaron Manke explores the deep folklore surrounding bees, covering myths from ancient Egypt to Christian symbolism and the tradition of "telling the bees" about family deaths. The episode also investigates the history of beekeeping, witch trials involving bee familiars, and the true origin of the term "honeymoon." Finally, Manke transitions to silkworms, recounting legends of their discovery in China and dark folktales about their connection to death and transformation.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Lincoln Navigator and OnDeck
Introduction: History and the San People
San Mythology: Mantis and the Origin of Humans
Host Intro and Bee Distribution
Ancient Egyptian Bee Lore and Honey
Greek, British, and Celtic Bee Folklore
Christianity, Monks, and the Virgin Mary
Bees in Romance and Hindu Mythology
The True Origin of the Term Honeymoon
The Wax Crocodile and Witch Lore
Bees as Witches' Familiars and Pain Relief
John Stewart's Trial and Blood-Fed Bees
Witches Transforming into Bees
The Tradition of Telling the Bees
Protocols for Births, Weddings, and Deaths
Scripts for New Keepers and Consequences
Modern Adherence and Queen Elizabeth II
Human-Bees Collaboration and Superstition
The Bee Funeral of Sam Rogers
Sponsors: Squarespace, SimpliSafe, BetterHelp, OnDeck
Romanian Folktale: The Mother and Silkworms
Silk History and the Legend of Empress Leizu
The White Horse and Silkworm Transformation Tale
The Smell of Silkworm Rooms
Credits, Book Promo, and Final Sponsors
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