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