Lore

Legends 74: Snake in the Grass

March 2, 2026

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  • The episode explores historical narratives where the betrayal of trust, often leading to unspeakable crimes, forms the basis of frightening legends, aligning with the show notes for *Lore* Legends 74: Snake in the Grass. 
  • The segment details the historical downfall of Ernst Röhm, illustrating how even close political alliances can shatter when reputation and power are at stake, culminating in his execution during the Night of the Long Knives. 
  • The episode features three distinct stories of betrayal from Oceania: the murder of Phyllis Simmons, the betrayal of convict Fred Fisher by his neighbor George Worrell, and the infanticide committed by baby farmer Minnie Dean, all rooted in broken trust. 

Segments

Amazon Music Ad Read
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Amazon Music offers ad-free true crime podcasts included with Prime membership.
  • Summary: Listeners interested in true crime podcasts can access millions of episodes ad-free via the Amazon Music app. This service is included for Amazon Prime members. The segment begins with an advertisement for this feature.
Skylight Calendar Promotion
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(00:00:19)
  • Key Takeaway: The Skylight Calendar is a smart touchscreen device designed to manage family schedules and reduce mental load.
  • Summary: The Skylight Calendar syncs with Google, Apple, and Outlook calendars, offering visual structure via color coding for schedules and tasks. Listeners can receive $30 off the 15-inch calendar by using a specific URL and code.
Ernst Röhm and Hitler’s Purge
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(00:01:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Ernst Röhm, a close associate of Adolf Hitler, was executed during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934 after his private letters revealed his same-sex orientation.
  • Summary: Hitler used forged documents alleging Röhm accepted a bribe from France as justification for the purge of political enemies. Röhm was executed by a stranger after refusing to commit suicide himself. This story illustrates how broken trust can lead to extreme political violence.
Phyllis Simmons’ Murder
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(00:03:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Sixteen-year-old Phyllis Simmons was murdered by her 29-year-old partner, George Coates, and buried alive in the Mount Victoria Tunnel dump in New Zealand.
  • Summary: Phyllis ran away to live with George Coates, became pregnant, and was killed the night before they planned to move. George was suspected after digging an unusually deep hole at the dump site, claiming he was burying a dog. Her cause of death was asphyxiation after being knocked unconscious.
Mount Victoria Tunnel Honking Tradition
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(00:08:04)
  • Key Takeaway: A tradition of honking horns through Wellington’s Mount Victoria Tunnel began as a sign of respect for Phyllis Simmons, whose spirit is believed to be kept company by the noise.
  • Summary: Motorists spontaneously started honking to honor the victim of the crime that occurred near the tunnel construction site. This practice persisted despite government attempts to stop the unnecessary noise. The constant greetings are intended to keep her spirit company.
Fred Fisher’s Betrayal by Neighbor
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(00:08:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Convict Fred Fisher, who achieved success as a literate clerk in the Australian penal system, was murdered by his neighbor George Worrell after signing over power of attorney.
  • Summary: Fred Fisher owned four farms but signed over power of attorney to George Worrell when facing an assault charge. While Fred was imprisoned for six months, George claimed ownership and began selling his assets. Fred’s ghost reportedly pointed authorities to his body buried near the creek on George’s property.
Minnie Dean, the Baby Farmer
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(00:14:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Minnie Dean, a New Zealand baby farmer, was convicted and hanged for the murders of three infants under her care, despite claiming the deaths were accidental.
  • Summary: Baby farming involved raising children for unwed mothers for a fee, but Minnie’s high turnover and suspicious deaths led to scrutiny. She was caught after a railway attendant noticed her returning from a trip without a baby boy she had taken, carrying a suspiciously heavy hat box. Three bodies were found in her garden, leading to her conviction for murder.
Minnie Dean’s Folklore Legacy
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(00:19:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Minnie Dean’s legacy in New Zealand folklore is that of an evil boogeyman, with local legends claiming nothing will grow on her grave due to her inability to nurture life.
  • Summary: Her story is often sensationalized, portraying her as a monster who murdered scores of children with a hat pin. Misbehaving children are warned they will be sent to her farm if they do not straighten up. The legend suggests her decaying body cannot nurture the soil, leaving her grave barren.
Sponsor Break: SelectQuote
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(00:21:40)
  • Key Takeaway: SelectQuote offers free services comparing life insurance policies from top-rated carriers to help consumers save over 50%.
  • Summary: Licensed agents work for the consumer, comparing policies in as little as 15 minutes based on health and lifestyle. They partner with providers offering same-day coverage up to $2 million without a medical exam. Life insurance is noted as being cheaper today than it will be in the future.
Sponsor Break: Mint Mobile
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(00:23:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Mint Mobile provides premium wireless plans starting at $15 per month on the nation’s largest 5G network, requiring an upfront payment for the introductory offer.
  • Summary: The service offers the same coverage and speed as traditional carriers but without inflated prices or long-term contracts. New customers can get three months of service for $15 a month by bringing their own phone and number. The introductory offer requires a $45 upfront payment for the first three months.
Sponsor Break: Tovala
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(00:24:37)
  • Key Takeaway: The Tovala Smart Oven automatically cooks chef-crafted meals by scanning a QR code, and can also cook store-bought groceries.
  • Summary: The oven uses steam, bake, and broil functions automatically to ensure perfectly cooked meals made with real, fresh ingredients. Listeners can receive the Tovala Smart Oven for $49 plus free shipping when ordering six or more meals using a specific promo code. The oven can scan and cook items like Eggo waffles and Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.
Sponsor Break: BetterHelp
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(00:26:10)
  • Key Takeaway: BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform, using a questionnaire to match users with licensed therapists, boasting a high fulfillment rate and client satisfaction.
  • Summary: Therapy provides a necessary space for self-care, especially for women managing heavy emotional loads. The platform allows users to pause subscriptions and switch therapists easily. It has served over 6 million people globally, with high ratings based on millions of client reviews.
Isabella Thompson’s Murder
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(00:27:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Twelve-year-old Isabella Thompson was murdered in Littleton, New Zealand, in 1875 after being sent to buy picnic tickets, with her throat slit and body dumped.
  • Summary: Witnesses placed John Mercer, the ship’s cook, with Isabella shortly before her death, and he was later found disheveled with blood and thorns on his clothing. Mercer had previously threatened to cut a girl’s throat if he didn’t get what he wanted. He was quickly found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.
Isabella’s Haunting Legend
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(00:31:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Isabella Thompson’s spirit is believed to haunt the murder site in Littleton, New Zealand, where witnesses report seeing a young girl screaming for help before she vanishes.
  • Summary: Her body was buried in an unmarked grave in the local cemetery, but her spirit remains tied to the location of her death. People who stop to help her receive no reply before she disappears. This legend continues to be reported by locals.
Episode Credits and Listener Engagement
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(00:31:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Listeners are encouraged to submit local legends for future consideration via email to [email protected].
  • Summary: The episode was produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Alex Robinson and Mahnke, and research by Jamie Vargas. Ad-free versions of Lore are available on Apple Podcasts and Patreon, which also include weekly bonus episodes called ’lore bites.’ Listeners can follow the show on various social media platforms by searching for ‘Lore Podcast.’
Sponsor Break: Jerry Car Insurance
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(00:33:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Jerry is a proactive insurance assistant that tracks car insurance rates from over 50 insurers, potentially saving drivers over $1,300 annually.
  • Summary: Jerry compares quotes side-by-side without spam calls or hidden fees, alerting users when it is the best time to shop for new coverage. Drivers can download the Jerry app or visit jerry.ai/libsyn to begin. The service aims to combat rising insurance rates without claims or tickets.
Sponsor Break: Raymour & Flanigan Sale
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(00:33:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Raymour & Flanigan is hosting a Buy More Save More sale, offering up to 20% off purchases with fast delivery on in-stock items.
  • Summary: Savings increase as customers purchase more items, allowing for room refreshes or entire home overhauls. In-stock items are available for delivery in three days or less. Restrictions apply, and customers should see a store for full details.