Welcome to a Freaky Folklore Bonus episode, where we explore the darker corners of human imagination and bite-sized doses of dread.

I'm your host, Carmen Carion, and today we're diving into one of humanity's most persistent nightmares, dolls that come to life.

From Japan to Jamaica, from Germany to Ghana, cultures worldwide share a peculiar fascination

with the idea that our playthings might not be as inanimate as they appear.

The uncanny valley between human and object, between alive and lifeless, has spawned terrifying tales that persist into our modern era.

This show proudly haunts the Eriecast Podcast Network. For more nightmare fuel, visit

iricast.com or follow us wherever you consume your podcasts. So check those lifeless eyes of your childhood toys.

Make sure they're exactly where you left them.

And let's explore five of the most terrifying folkloric dolls from around the world.

Our first stop is Sunny Key West Florida, home to America's most infamous haunted doll,

standing three feet tall with a sailor suit, painted face and button eyes that seem to follow you around the room.

Robert the doll has been terrifying visitors since the early 1900s. Robert originally belonged to

Robert Eugene Otto, a boy from a wealthy family who received the doll as a gift.

Young Jean, as he was known, developed an unhealthy attachment to Robert, often heard

having animated conversations with the doll in two distinct voices.

Servants claimed they would hear giggling throughout the house when no one was home except Robert.

Family members reported the doll's expressions changing when no one was looking,

and neighbors swore they saw Robert moving from window to window when the house was empty.

The doll's reign of terror extends to the present day, now housed in a Fort East Martello Museum.

Robert receives hundreds of letters yearly from visitors apologizing for taking his photo without permission. Those who mock or disrespect

Robert report extraordinary bad luck, broken bones, lost jobs, car accidents, and sudden illness,

until they send a written apology to the doll. Museum staff start each day by greeting Robert and asking his

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