Anneliese Michel's tragic battle with horrific demonic possession and the exorcisms performed on her, inspired the chilling film “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”. But was she truly possessed, or suffering from schizophrenia? Or maybe something more sinister?

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicate
Info on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScream
Info on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV

IN THIS EPISODE: Most horror film fans will either have seen or at least know about the 2005 movie, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”. The story follows a woman who acts as a kind of defense attorney for a priest who is on trial for murder after a girl dies when he performs an exorcism on her. The film is loosely… very loosely… based on a real story of a girl named Anneliese Michel, who so demonically possessed, that in the span of just ten months she forced to endure 67 exorcisms. (The 67 Exorcisms of Anneliese Michel) *** Ever since the beginning of the 16th century, Penkaet Castle has been the scene of a number of unexplained mysteries – and people who visited this old lonely Scottish castle have had some terrifying experiences. (The Peculiar Happenings at Penkaet Castle) *** When they knock on your door and say, “Let us in” or “We need to use the phone” – do not let them through the door if you notice their eyes are completely black. I’m talking about black-eyed children. Have you ever wondered what happens if they do get through the door? The answer is not pretty. (What Happens When You Let a Black-Eyed-Kid Inside Your House?) *** Is it possible that a tribe in the Amazon found a way to travel to another dimension thousands of years ago – and still do so today, through something called DMT? (The DMT Mystery) *** Why do ghosts haunt us? Author and researcher Brian Haughton has a few thoughts and the subject and takes us through a short history of ghostly folklore, and some theories as to why there are hauntings in the first place. (Ghosts and Folklore) *** Things begin to feel or sound wrong. You feel you are the size of a mouse, or the size of a mountain – or the objects you are looking at are the wrong size. The whole concept of time might become meaningless and confusing to you. You’ll have no way to control it, your doctor won’t be able to help, and you’ll never see it coming. With a name like Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, it might sound harmless, but once you hear what it is, you’ll hope or your children never get it. (What Is It Like To Have Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?)

CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…
00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Cold Open
00:01:09.571 = Show Intro
00:04:39.819 = The 67 Exorcisms of Anneliese Michel
00:20:48.085 = The Peculiar Happening at Penkaet Castle
00:28:35.537 = What Happens When you Let a Black-Eyed Kid Inside Your House?
00:39:48.444 = The DMT Mystery
00:46:16.307 = Ghosts and Folklore
00:55:53.749 = Alice In Wonderland Syndrome
01:05:20.975 = Show Close

SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…
“The 67 Exorcisms of Anneliese Michel” story = from Bugged Space Horror Stories
https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/cfv4v4ur; and Gabe Paoletti from All That’s Interesting:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/x4f53zth
“The 67 Exorcisms of Anneliese Michel” audio clips = https://weirddarkness.com/anneliese-michel-audio/
“The Peculiar Happenings at Penkaet Castle” by A. Sutherland for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2u392v3h
“The DMT Mystery” posted at Anomalien: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4t8nk68p
“Ghosts and Folklore” by Brian Haughton: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/tmt86wna
“What Happens When You Let a Black-Eyed-Kid Inside Your House?” by Lara Cuschieri for Horror Movie Blog:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/x764p4rd
“What Is It Like To Have Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?” by Laura Allan for Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/cs8we4u8
Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. = = = = =
(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)
= = = = =
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46
= = = = =
WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.
= = = = =
Originally aired: September 06, 2021
SOURCES PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/AnnelieseMichel
TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2hjzhx5v