Ep 1. They Made a Tonic

"They Made a Tonic" is the first episode of the horror docu-series Lore. The episode takes a deep dive into the history and the folklore of the early 19th century America and focuses on the story of Mary Webster, who was accused of witchcraft and almost killed but was saved by a strange tonic.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to Mary Webster, an elderly woman who lived in a small town in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. Mary was a recluse, and the local people shunned her, suspecting she was a witch. One day, she was accused of witchcraft, and the townsmen decided to hang her. However, just as she was about to breathe her last breath, she miraculously survived.

The episode then explores the history of Mary Webster and the origins of the tonic that saved her life. The tonic was made by a local farmer named Isaac Havekost, who believed that Mary was not a witch but a victim of hysteria. Isaac collected a few ingredients, including the root of a plant called Devil's Bit, and mixed them with Mary's blood, which he had obtained from her wound. Miraculously, Mary began to recover quickly after consuming the tonic.

The episode then delves deeper into the history of Devil's Bit and its role in medicine and folklore. Devil's Bit was believed to be a powerful antidote against evil spirits, and its roots were often used to ward off disease and sickness. It was also believed that the plant had magical properties and was linked to the devil, hence its name.

The episode also explores the history of witch trials and how they became an integral part of the American folklore. The audience is given a glimpse of the hysteria and the fear that gripped the early American society and the insane accusations that were made against women accused of witchcraft.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Mary's story is more than just a cautionary tale about witchcraft. It is also a story about the power of folklore and the importance of human kindness in the face of fear and prejudice. Mary was saved not just by the tonic but also by the kindness of a stranger who believed in her innocence.

In the end, "They Made a Tonic" proves to be a fascinating and eerie dive into the dark and mysterious world of folklore and history. It leaves the audience with a deeper understanding of the power of folklore and how it still shapes our world today. The episode is beautifully crafted and offers a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the importance of human kindness. It'll make you look at history and folklore in an entirely different light.