Dungeons & Dragons: From Satanic Panic to Pop Culture Phenomenon

Welcome back, friends, to another episode hosted by GreyDM with his sidekick, Owen. Today, Owen dives into the intriguing history of the moral panic surrounding Dungeons & Dragons during the 1980s and 1990s. Originally just a fantasy game, D&D became the center of a national hysteria where the public feared it was a gateway to Satanic practices. This episode examines how media, religious groups, and a general fear of the unknown turned a tabletop game into a cultural adversary.

Owen recounts key events such as James Dallas Egbert III's disappearance, the tragic suicide of Irving Pulling, and the misguided lawsuits led by his mother, Patricia Pulling. Despite the lack of evidence linking D&D to any real harm, sensational media pieces and religious paranoia fueled the panic.

As time passed, societal fears shifted, allowing D&D to shed its undeserved reputation. Owen explains how misunderstandings were debunked, both through public advocacy and research, leading to a resurgence of the game's popularity. Tune in as the hosts reflect on how far perceptions have come and what lessons have been learned from this bizarre chapter in pop culture history.