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[The Spooky Castles Edition: Chillingham and Himeji]-[Episode 376: Spooky Castles Vol. 2 Chillingham & Himeji Castles]

Morbid · B2 · 2022-10-10

True crime
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📋 Summary

The Spooky Castles Edition: A Deep Dive into Haunted History

In this episode of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena embark on a spooky, October-themed exploration of two of the world's most notoriously haunted locations: Chillingham Castle in the UK and Himeji Castle in Japan. The hosts delve into the dark, tragic, and often gruesome histories that have left these landmarks "soaked in tragedy."

Chillingham Castle: The Embodiment of Evil

Located in Northumberland, UK, Chillingham Castle has been dubbed "the most haunted castle in Europe." With a history dating back to the 12th century, it served as a primary defensive stronghold during the border wars between England and Scotland.

The Butcher of the Scots

Central to the castle's dark legacy is John Sage, the "primo torturer" for King Edward I. Sage, described as a "true beast of a human," took sadistic pleasure in torturing Scottish prisoners. His innovations in cruelty included:

  • The Barrel: A device lined with nails in which victims were rolled until "skinned alive."
  • Tenterhooks: Originally used for drying sheep's wool, these were repurposed to hang victims by their chins or necks.
  • The Oubliette: A 20-foot drop where prisoners were left to be forgotten, with remains still found there today.

Sage’s reign of terror ended in a grisly public execution where he was dismembered while still alive—a form of "karma" that the hosts note was particularly brutal.

Spectral Residents

The castle remains home to many spirits. The "King Edward Room" is infamous for the massacre of children, where visitors report a "strong odor of blood" and feelings of intense trauma. Additionally, the castle’s "hanging trees" and the tragic story of Lady Berkeley—who haunts the halls with the "rustle of fabric" after being abandoned by her husband—add to the castle's malevolent reputation.

Himeji Castle: The Legend of Okiku

In contrast to the English fortification, Himeji Castle in Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning white architecture and survival through bombings and earthquakes. However, it is also home to the chilling Kaidan (ghost story) of Okiku.

The Well and the Vengeful Spirit

Okiku, a lady-in-waiting, was falsely accused of losing a precious gold plate by a tyrant named Tetsuzan, who sought to force her into marriage. After she refused, he murdered her and threw her body into a well. The legend claims her ghost haunted the castle, counting the plates and letting out a "blood-curdling scream" (or "death rattle") every night until Tetsuzan went mad and died.

Japanese Belief Systems

The hosts explore the concept of the yuri and the onryo. According to Japanese folklore, if a person is not given a proper funeral, their soul remains in a state of purgatory. Okiku, as an onryo, represents a spirit mistreated in life that returns seeking revenge.

Conclusion

Both castles stand as monuments to history, serving as reminders of the brutality of the past. While Chillingham Castle is defined by the "wonderfully haunted" nature of its grounds and the "wild white cattle" that roam its estate, Himeji Castle remains a symbol of resilience, despite the tragic story of the woman in the well. The episode serves as a haunting reminder that, as the hosts put it, "time waits for no one," and history is often etched into the very walls of these ancient structures.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's not chill at all.
2
I don't think so.
3
It's been done.
4
I wish my name was Yvette.
5
I hate that.
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📝Key Phrases

1
kick back and relax
2
stand out and succeed
3
bring more of your dream to life
4
streamline your workflow
5
little did you know
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, Elena here. If you're looking to kick back and relax with Morbid, Wondery Plus is the way to go.
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