As one of the most iconic games in all of arcade history, Pac Man is recognized across the planet. But how did it get here -- and why are there so many in-depth fan theories about what it means? Is Pac Man a Sisyphean immortal cursed with endless toil? Is he underwater, stealing errant Pong balls? Is he himself a ghost, or on drugs? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max unravel the bizarre, inspiring origin story of one of history's greatest video games.

As one of the most iconic games in all of arcade history, Pac Man is recognized across the planet. But how did it get here -- and why are there so many in-depth fan theories about what it means? Is Pac Man a Sisyphean immortal cursed with endless toil? Is he underwater, stealing errant Pong balls? Is he himself a ghost, or on drugs? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max unravel the bizarre, inspiring origin story of one of history's greatest video games.

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Ridiculous History

Listen to this collection of top episodes from iHeartRadio and iHeartPodcasts. 

Listen to this collection of top episodes from iHeartRadio and iHeartPodcasts.&nbsp;

Podcasts from iHeartRadio

The True Story of Pac Man -- and a Ton of Weird Theories

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d13b63fb-8fca-4f76-80e1-b35b0143f7ef/transcript

As Grigori Rasputin manipulated his way into the upper reaches of the aristocracy, he gained great influence over the Emperor's family, who were convinced that only Rasputin could save their hemophiliac son. Yet even Rasputin's powerful patrons could not shield him from a growing conspiracy of enemies in Saint Petersburg. In the second part of this special two-part anniversary episode, Ben, Noel, and Max explore the many rumors surrounding Rasputin's death -- the fact, the fiction, and, most importantly, the mysteries that remain.

As Grigori Rasputin manipulated his way into the upper reaches of the aristocracy, he gained great influence over the Emperor's family, who were convinced that only Rasputin could save their hemophiliac son. Yet even Rasputin's powerful patrons could not shield him from a growing conspiracy of enemies in Saint Petersburg. In the second part of this special two-part anniversary episode, Ben, Noel, and Max explore the many rumors surrounding Rasputin's death -- the fact, the fiction, and, most importantly, the mysteries that remain.

The Rasputin Episode, Part Two: A Death and Mysterious Rumors

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/015a4590-4988-4722-89fb-b4f0016e748d/transcript

While Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin would later become one of the most infamous figures in modern Russian history, he came from incredibly humble origins -- which he would later embellish in his quest for more prominence and power. In the first part of this special two-part anniversay episode, Ben, Noel, and Max celebrate nine years of Ridiculous History by finally exploring the story of the utter villain on their show's logo.

While Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin would later become one of the most infamous figures in modern Russian history, he came from incredibly humble origins -- which he would later embellish in his quest for more prominence and power. In the first part of this special two-part anniversay episode, Ben, Noel, and Max celebrate nine years of Ridiculous History by finally exploring the story of the utter villain on their show's logo.

The Rasputin Episode, Part One: A Young Mystic On The Rise

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ee3c0dc9-0c18-43c2-9c96-b4ef010d2add/transcript

In this week's Classic episode: When George S. Patton decided to found a tank training school in the tiny French village of Bourg, the mayor approached him in tears. "An American soldier has died here," said the mayor, "and I would like to lead you to his grave." Patton followed the lachrymose politician to the grave site... but he wasn't prepared for what he would find.

In this week's Classic episode: When George S. Patton decided to found a tank training school in the tiny French village of Bourg, the mayor approached him in tears. "An American soldier has died here," said the mayor, "and I would like to lead you to his grave." Patton followed the lachrymose politician to the grave site... but he wasn't prepared for what he would find.

CLASSIC: A Grave Mistake: The Story of Patton's "Abandoned Rear"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a43b97a0-5092-4c1d-a9a3-b4e9011ea79e/transcript

The True Story of Pac Man -- and a Ton of Weird Theories

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