There are thousands of Dracula adaptations… but this one was never meant to be found.
In 2014, a literary scholar unearthed a bizarre discovery: a 1901 Icelandic edition of Dracula that wasn't a translation at all. It was a completely different novel—with new characters, altered plotlines, and darker, more overt political themes. He translated and published it under the title Powers of Darkness.
But just weeks later, another twist: a second scholar revealed that the Icelandic version was based on an even older, more thrilling Swedish manuscript—lost to history for over a century.
Two scholars. Two competing versions. One haunting mystery:
Who really wrote Powers of Darkness—and why?
Join host and documentarian Iris Ichishita as she digs into literary secrets, forgeries, and forgotten histories in this gripping limited series.
For more info and suggested reading, visit:
https://orwhatevermovies.com/limited-series
Latest episodes
Showing 8 · updated from the feed
In the Imagination of Bram Stoker
Season Two of Powers of Darkness begins with Bram Stoker himself. Iris Ichishita and Dacre Stoker welcome Paul Murray, author of FROM THE SHADOW OF DRACULA: A LIFE OF BRA
Sep 29 45 min
Episode 6 – Live Forever
Iris and the main characters reflect on the wildest literary conspiracy in history, which may be just the tip of the iceberg. In an emotional conclusion with the key play
Nov 4 2025 43 min
Episode 5 – Skullduggery
Iris picks up pieces, confronts biases, and busts myths--to set us on course with those on
the forefront of the Powers mystery, some of whom believe in a Stoker conspir
Oct 28 2025 36 min
Episode 4 – The Curse
Iris goes back to the beginning to understand why we are where we are today. To better understand why Powers of Darkness is so important. If Stoker wrote Powers, then why
Oct 21 2025 37 min
Episode 3 – Copyright
Iris drills down into her original theory. Starting with copyright and corroborated by Bram Stoker's experiences--with Whitman, Irving/Shakespeare, and his development no
Oct 14 2025 40 min
Episode 2 – Collier's Hope
Maggie flies to England to walk in the footsteps of Stoker. The mystery is overshadowed by controversy. Preemptive research and translations suck the joy out of a long-aw
Oct 14 2025 37 min
Episode 1 – The Cold Shower
Iris dives headlong into the Powers of Darkness mystery, bringing us up to speed on the discovery and counter-discovery, setting the stage for research and drama to come.
Oct 7 2025 28 min
Introducing The Powers of Darkness Podcast
We all know and love Dracula. Though published 128 years ago, Dracula has captivated our collective psyche, infiltrating all aspects of pop culture. But in 2014 - the sch
Sep 5 2025 2 min
Chart positions
Where The Powers of Darkness Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 1, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
The premise is interesting—though I wouldn’t call it provocative—and the journey is pleasant, but I found the podcast to be disorganised both in its narrative structure and in it episodic presentation. I felt the podcast hurried too much for such a complex subject, and I suspect that the decision to limit the episode count is the reason for what I feel is the disorderly narrative. I was interested in what I understood to be the premise, but I felt the execution fell short. The narrator is great, and I enjoyed the journey—I am not disappointed with the end being uncertainty, just with the way the narrative was constructed and how the episodes were presented.
caryn96 · Dec 2025
Gripping and compelling, this literary mystery will keep you enthralled. Well written, and fantastically produced, you’ll want to binge this in one setting.
Lord Beus · Nov 2025
I love her voice and writing. The story is fascinating, with clues and controversies following each other. The audio interviews add personal depth to the story.
Nolalibrarian · Nov 2025
I recognize that Powers of Darkness is a niche obsession, but Iris has made the most in depth, comprehensive and enjoyable series for absorbing it. And the reveal in episode 6 is absolutely ground breaking if true. All in all a fabulous listen!
Sean Rourke · Nov 2025
Ads at the beginning. Ads at the end. Fine. But Mercedes commercials peppered throughout? Nah. Too bad, too. This was otherwise a solid work.
H. P. Squigly · Nov 2025
I came her hoping for a true mind bending mystery, but ultimately it acts grander than it truly is. This isn’t a mystery that appeals to a wide audience. I feel the topic is only really going to appeal to diehard Dracula fans, which I am not. It just seems like someone making a bigger deal out of something that most people don’t know about because there’s nothing really interesting to investigate further. It simply seems like a passion project, a labor of love and I can respect that, but I was bored.
MThirteen · Oct 2025
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The Powers of Darkness Podcast, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
