History's Greatest Ghost Hunters: the Warrens
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Deep Dive
Who were the Warrens and what was their role in the paranormal world?
Ed and Lorraine Warren were a husband-and-wife team who became famous as demonologists and ghost hunters. They transformed 20th-century America into a landscape of haunted houses, cursed objects, and portals to hell, influencing popular culture through their cases, which inspired the 'Conjuring' movie franchise.
How did the Warrens start their career in paranormal investigation?
The Warrens began their career as artists in the 1950s, with Ed painting haunted houses and Lorraine charming owners to sell paintings and gather spooky stories. They later formed the New England Society for Psychical Research and capitalized on the demand for exorcisms after the release of 'The Exorcist'.
What was the Warrens' involvement in the Amityville Horror case?
The Warrens were invited to the Amityville house to perform a seance in front of news cameras, which became a media event. They later became consultants for 'The Amityville Horror' movie sequel, solidifying their connection to the case and using it to boost their fame.
Did the Warrens fake evidence in their paranormal investigations?
Yes, the Warrens were accused of faking evidence, such as the famous ghost photo from the Amityville seance, which skeptics believe was a neighbor's child. They also exaggerated their access to secret church documents and were caught in other instances of manipulating evidence to fit their narrative.
What is the story behind the Annabelle doll, one of the Warrens' most famous cases?
The Annabelle doll is said to have been possessed by a demon after nursing students used a Ouija board to invite a spirit into it. The Warrens claimed the doll was cursed and took it to their museum, where it became a major attraction. However, skeptics argue the entire story is fabricated with no concrete evidence or consistent details.
What was the Glatzel case and how did it involve the Warrens?
The Glatzel case involved a young boy, David, who was believed to be demonically possessed after watching 'The Exorcist'. The Warrens became involved, performing exorcisms and later claimed the demon transferred to a man named Arnie Johnson, who was accused of murder. The Warrens attempted to use demonic possession as a legal defense, which was rejected by the court.
How did the Warrens influence modern American folklore?
The Warrens introduced concepts like the 'law of invitation' (demons entering through invitations like Ouija boards) and the idea that spirits in haunted houses were actually demons. Their work created a new folklore of America as a supernatural landscape, influencing modern shows like 'Supernatural' and shaping how people perceive demons and haunted houses.
What was the Warrens' legacy in the paranormal field?
The Warrens left a lasting legacy by popularizing the idea of demonic possession and haunted objects, which became a billion-dollar film franchise. They also influenced how Americans view demons and haunted houses, creating a new folklore that blends Catholic beliefs with modern paranormal investigations.
- Introduction of Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators.
- Questions raised about their authenticity: were they con artists or true believers?
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