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Morbid

Episode Revisit: Torture

May 14, 2026 • 1h 20m

Summary

⏱️ 12 min read

Overview

Ash hosts solo as Elena is sick, introducing a throwback episode on medieval torture devices and methods. The episode explores various horrific torture instruments including the Brazen Bull, Iron Maiden, and several limb-breaking devices. The hosts share exciting announcements about their Hunt a Killer collaboration game 'The Salem Slicer' and a new Nicholas merchandise item. The episode concludes with news about an upcoming interview with vampire royalty from Austin, Texas.

Introduction and Announcements

Ash hosts the episode alone as Elena is feeling unwell, marking a rare solo recording experience. She announces two major pieces of news: a collaboration with Hunt a Killer on a game called 'The Salem Slicer' set in 1980s Salem, now available for pre-order at Walmart, and new merchandise featuring Nicholas. The game involves investigating whether a young woman's father is the Salem Slicer, a cold case serial killer.

  • Elena is sick, so Ash records the introduction solo for the first time since the 'laundry room days'
  • Morbid partnered with Hunt a Killer to create 'The Salem Slicer' game, their first sponsor coming full circle
  • The game is available for pre-order at Walmart and involves solving a 1980s murder case in Salem
  • New Nicholas merchandise is officially available on the Morbid website

Medieval Torture Overview and The Brazen Bull

The episode transitions to the main content covering medieval torture devices, starting with the Brazen Bull invented by Perillos of Athens around 570-554 BC. This hollow bronze bull statue served as a brutal execution device where victims were placed inside and roasted alive over a fire. The device included pipes and whistles that converted the victim's screams into bull-like sounds, creating a disturbing acoustic effect. In a twist of irony, the inventor himself became the first victim when the tyrant Phalaris was disgusted by the cruelty of his creation.

  • The Brazen Bull was invented by Perillos of Athens between 570-554 BC as a bronze execution device
  • Victims were placed inside the hollow bull and burned alive, with their screams converted to bull sounds through pipes
  • The inventor Perillos became the first victim when tyrant Phalaris was disgusted by the device
" his screams will come to you through the pipes of the tenderest, most pathetic, most melodious of bellowings "

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