Ep 302: The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2

 
 
“A man inclosed in such a closet could neither see nor be seen; neither hear nor be heard; neither feel nor be felt; neither live nor die, for both life and death are processes which can take place only where there is force, and in empty space no force could exist.”
— "Charles Ashmore’s Trail" from The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce
 

Description:

This week on Astonishing Legends, we conclude our two-part exploration into the enigmatic disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. Last week, we chronicled his vibrant life and career, culminating in his mysterious 1913 journey into Mexico.  This week, we delve deeper, examining the turbulent backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and how it might have played a role in his vanishing. Was Bierce a casualty of the conflict, caught in the crossfire? Or, as some suggest, did he become a victim of Pancho Villa himself?  We explore these theories, considering his known disdain for aging and his fascination with unsolved mysteries, mirroring themes throughout his own macabre writings.  A missing letter and conflicting accounts spark questions about hidden agendas and the possibility of a meticulously planned exit.  While the Grand Canyon suicide theory persists, we weigh the evidence and consider alternative explanations, including the intriguing, if improbable, fringe theories involving crystal skulls and ancient ruins in the Paquimé region of Mexico.  Ultimately, we're left to ponder whether Bierce's disappearance was a carefully crafted narrative, a tragic accident, or something far more extraordinary.  Join us as we uncover the clues and confront the enduring puzzle of Bierce's final act.

 

Reference Links:

 
 

Above location: Possible location of Ambrose Bierce’s gravesite in Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico

 

Related Books:

 
 
 

Suggested Listening:

The Belief Hole Podcast

This world is full of mystery. And chances are, if you’re listening to this show and are like us, you’re always looking for more deep dives into the unknown, and that’s why we recommend the Belief Hole Podcast. Every other week, the brothers of the Belief Hole present the strangest, true stories with corroborative research and immersive storytelling. From documented cases of near-invisible sky creatures that float hidden in the world just above, to sinister mimicking entities that lure you into the dark – the Belief Hole is a veritable grab-bag of the bizarre. Whether you’re hungry for new stories of scarcely heard hauntings, unsettling encounters with roadside dogmen, or clandestine cases of psychic government projects, the Belief Hole is the place to dig. The guys take the topics seriously but have natural brotherly banter and are just weird enough to often make us feel like we’re laughing in the dark with friends. So Join us in listening to the Belief Hole podcast, available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out these links and we’ll see you there! 

 Website 

https://beliefhole.com/  

Linktree 

https://beliefhole.com/discover 

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/@BeliefHolePodcast  

 

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CREDITS:

Episode 302: The Mysterious Disappearance of Ambrose Bierce Part 2. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess. Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound. Music and Sound Design by Allen Carrescia. Tess Pfeifle, Producer and Lead Researcher. Ed Voccola, Technical Producer. Research Support from The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2025 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 
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