Uncovering the Dark Origins of Valentine's Day with Tim Raybourn

In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony explores the enigmatic and sinister origins of Valentine's Day with special guest Tim Raybourn, author of 'The Scary Book of Valentine's Lore: 50 Terrifying Tales of Romance from Around the World.' They discuss the historical and mythological roots of the holiday, including stories of martyrdom, Roman festivals, and medieval poetry. Raybourn shares insights about the various tales featured in his book, ranging from ghost stories and urban legends to tragic love myths, and examines the recurring themes of jealousy, revenge, and human folly. The episode highlights the timeless human fascination with love and its darker consequences, offering listeners a unique perspective on Valentine's Day.

00:00 Introduction to Valentine's Day Origins

01:34 Meet the Author: Tim Raybourne

01:47 Discussing the New Book 0

4:10 Valentine's Day Myths and Legends

05:21 The Dark Side of Valentine's Day

07:14 Historical Context and Comparisons

17:56 The St. Valentine's Day Massacre

21:45 Tragic Love Stories

23:18 The Tragic Tale of Thisbe and Pyramus

24:12 Connections to Romeo and Juliet

27:06 Themes of Miscommunication and Jealousy

29:30 The Power of Urban Legends and Ghost Stories

34:33 Upcoming Projects and Scary Fairy Tales

35:54 Valentine's Day Traditions and Events

37:44 Evolutionary Perspectives on Love and Passion

39:15 Book Illustrations and Artistic Collaboration

43:24 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

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The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore