Ep 5. The Beast Within

In season 1 episode 5 of the show Lore, entitled "The Beast Within", viewers are introduced to the tale of a supposed real-life werewolf from the 18th century named Peter Stubbe. The episode opens with host Aaron Mahnke explaining the background of werewolf folklore and how it has been present in many cultures throughout history.

The story then shifts to Germany in 1589, where Peter Stubbe was a respected farmer and family man. However, after losing his wife, Stubbe's behavior began to change. He became more reclusive and began making deals with the devil, according to local rumors. Eventually, attacks began happening in the nearby woods which were attributed to a wild animal, but soon, the terror began to affect the village.

There were reports of livestock being killed and villagers going missing. A group of hunters searched the forest and claimed to have come upon a wolf-like creature that was too large and too strong to be a regular wolf. The hunters managed to wound the creature, causing it to flee, but it was later discovered that the injuries inflicted on the creature were similar to those that would be sustained by a human.

As the attacks continued, the villagers grew more panicked, and eventually, Peter Stubbe came under suspicion. He was captured and reportedly confessed to being a werewolf and having made a deal with the devil. He was then tortured and executed in a gruesome public execution, including the use of a wheel, due to him being deemed an example of what could happen if people made deals with the devil.

Throughout the episode, Mahnke highlights not only the gruesome nature of the case, but also the way in which it became a piece of propaganda used to perpetuate fear and control over the villagers. The idea of werewolves became a way of policing behavior and punishing those who strayed from societal norms.

Overall, "The Beast Within" is a chilling episode that delves into the dark realm of werewolf folklore and the true story of Peter Stubbe. Viewers are left to contemplate the power of superstition and the role it played in shaping historical narrative.