Dark History

187: Possessed Nuns, Mass Hysteria, and an Influencer Priest: DH of Exorcisms

October 29, 2025

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  • The history of exorcisms spans ancient times, where unexplainable behavior like epilepsy was attributed to possession, evolving significantly with the rise of Catholicism and public rituals. 
  • The 17th-century mass possession of nuns in Loudun, France, involving bizarre physical acts and explicit language, was allegedly orchestrated due to a personal vendetta against the priest Urban Grandier, who was subsequently executed for witchcraft. 
  • The 1973 film *The Exorcist*, based on the 1949 case of Ronald Hunkler, caused a massive cultural phenomenon known as the 'exorcist effect,' leading to a surge in reported possessions and even the creation of a new diagnosis, 'cinematic neurosis.' 

Segments

Introduction to Exorcism History
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(00:02:21)
  • Key Takeaway: The host was surprised by the dark and unexpected nature of the exorcism stories she researched.
  • Summary: Bailey Sarian introduces the episode, mentioning she will cover mass possession of nuns, the aftermath of The Exorcist movie, and modern exorcisms. She notes that demonic possession was historically blamed for unexplainable conditions like epilepsy.
The Nuns of Loudun Begin
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(00:06:47)
  • Key Takeaway: A convent in Loudun, France, experienced strange phenomena following the Black Plague lockdown, starting with visions of a dark presence.
  • Summary: The story begins in 1632 Loudun, France, focusing on a convent of young nuns. After the plague, the convent was locked down, leading to boredom and distress. Nuns began seeing black orbs, skeletons, and experiencing physical assaults by invisible forces, alongside bizarre emotional outbursts like cackling.
Bizarre Possessions and Public Exorcisms
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(00:15:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The nuns exhibited extreme physical contortions, animalistic sounds, and shocking sexual behavior, leading to public exorcisms in the town square.
  • Summary: The nuns’ symptoms escalated to bending backward, darting out black tongues, growling, and exposing themselves while shouting sexual things. Exorcisms were performed publicly, drawing large crowds, which the host suggests was a form of local entertainment.
The Accusation of Urban Grandier
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(00:19:47)
  • Key Takeaway: The possessed nuns eventually named local priest Urban Grandier as the source of their affliction, leading to his witchcraft trial.
  • Summary: The nuns named demons, but ultimately shouted ‘Urban Grandier.’ Grandier was a known womanizer and controversial priest. Due to the accusations and his reputation, he was charged with witchcraft, despite claiming innocence.
Grandier’s Trial and Execution
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(00:27:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Grandier was convicted based largely on hearsay and a dramatic ‘demonic contract’ presented in court, leading to his execution by burning at the stake.
  • Summary: Prosecutors presented a contract allegedly vomited by a nun, showing Grandier sold his soul. After a two-year trial and torture, Grandier was burned at the stake in 1634. The host reveals the head nun, Jean, likely orchestrated this due to her unrequited sexual obsession with him.
Ronald Hunkler’s Possession Case
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(00:36:56)
  • Key Takeaway: In 1949, 13-year-old Ronald Hunkler underwent months of intense exorcisms before a final ritual with a massive crucifix seemingly ended his possession.
  • Summary: The host shifts to 1949 Washington D.C. and the case of Ronald Hunkler, who exhibited violent nocturnal possession symptoms. After months of intense, violent exorcisms, a final attempt using a large crucifix resulted in Ronald declaring, ‘He’s gone.’
The Creation of The Exorcist Novel and Film
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(00:40:38)
  • Key Takeaway: William Peter Blatty adapted Ronald Hunkler’s story into the fictional novel The Exorcist, which became a cultural phenomenon upon its 1973 film release.
  • Summary: William Peter Blatty, inspired by Ronald’s case and the cultural questioning of faith, wrote The Exorcist. The 1973 film premiere caused mass hysteria, vomiting, and fainting in theaters, leading to a surge in reported exorcisms, known as the ’exorcist effect.'
Modern Exorcisms and Influencers
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(00:51:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Exorcism culture has evolved in the internet age, featuring social media-savvy priests and even apps offering on-demand spiritual intervention.
  • Summary: The host discusses how exorcisms have evolved. She highlights Padre Manuel Acuña, an Argentine priest who uses social media (posting movie poster parodies of himself) to promote his ministry and school for aspiring exorcists. She also mentions the existence of apps offering exorcism guidance.