Lore Alive 1: The Sleep

Aaron Mahnke (0:01)

For over 11 years now, I've been sharing tales from history with you. Tales about real people who have done horrible things, tales about creatures that defy explanation, and tales about what happens when folklore and superstition collide with the real world. But there's one thing I've never done.

You see, the tried and tested Lore formula is a well-researched corner of history, scripted as an approachable essay, and delivered from the perspective of a narrator, me. But there's only so much my team and I can do to bring history to life for your ears and your minds. So it's time to give you something more.

Every Friday this October, we're going to bring one story from history to life through powerful sound design, talented voice actors, and an atmosphere that fits the tale. It's the immersive audio drama style that you know from other shows I've made, like 13 Days of Halloween, Bridgewater, or Havoc Town, applied to true tales from history's darkest corners. This is Lore Alive. This entire Halloween series, by the way, was made possible by the generous support of Warby Parker, my absolute favorite maker of prescription glasses. I've been a loyal customer of theirs for over a decade, and it means so much to have their support. More on that after this episode. For today's featured tale, we travel to Pikeville, Kentucky, in the late 1800s, where James and Octavia Hatcher are newlyweds settling in for the great adventure of life. But for this young couple, something darker is headed their way. And for those who survive it, it will prove to be a terrifying end to their hopes and dreams.

So if you're ready, let's begin.

J. Garrett Mitchell (1:55)

It begins in the churchyard.

For a boy who came from very little, who had little in the way of terra firma beneath his feet, it was a moment of great meaning for me. A wedding, a family of my own. Man plans, God laughs. That laughter still rings in my ears.

Pikeville had long been my home, my business, my friends, of which I've had many. And then there was Octavia.

Vivid, vibrant, so very full of life. For a young man accustomed to keeping his head down and his eyes on his work, she was something of a revelation for me. Because of her, I began to look up at the world, to see my life as something more than just toil. Because of her, I too really began to feel alive. Those early days of marriage sometimes feel now like a fever dream. Her eyes, her smile, her sharp, complicated, beautiful mind. She may have been a housewife, but she had a keen sense of business. And I would frequently bring her to dinner meetings and have her read outgoing correspondence and help me find the right tone when great care had to be taken. A fragile business deal, a finicky client. She always knew how to take charge of a situation so gently that intelligent men could not even tell that they were being handled. I will admit that she could control me in such a way. Though, at the time, I truly did believe myself in charge of my own will. Anyone who's ever fallen in love with a force of nature would likely say the same.

It was a marvelous existence. A growing business, home and hearth. I could not at the time imagine that it could be improved upon. And then, two years into our blissful existence.

Sarah Palm (4:46)

How was your supper, darling?

J. Garrett Mitchell (4:48)

I don't know how it is at all possible, but you managed to outdo yourself once again, Octavia.

Sarah Palm (4:54)

Sweet talk.

J. Garrett Mitchell (4:56)

If this continues, I expect I should die plump and happy.

Sarah Palm (5:00)

Well, I've two surprises for you. The first, voila.

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:06)

Is that...?

Sarah Palm (5:07)

Why, yes, Mr. Hatcher. That is, in fact, a butter cake.

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:12)

Did you use rum or bourbon?

Sarah Palm (5:14)

Rum, darling. Of course I used bourbon. How dare you question that?

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:21)

Apologies to the lady. Now, you mentioned a second surprise.

Sarah Palm (5:27)

Well, I thought that this little arrangement of ours...

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:31)

You mean our marriage.

Sarah Palm (5:33)

That I do. I believe that in a short time, we have built a love so deep and secure that I wish to test its strength.

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:43)

Go on.

Sarah Palm (5:45)

By adding a third party.

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:48)

I don't follow.

Sarah Palm (5:49)

We're having a child, James.

A baby. We've been blessed.

J. Garrett Mitchell (5:56)