The world is full of monsters, myths, and legends and Monstrum isn’t afraid to take a closer look. The show, hosted by Emily Zarka, Ph.D., takes us on a journey to discover a new monster in each new episode. Monstrum looks at humans unique drive to create and shape monster mythology through oral storytelling, literature, and film and digs deep into the history of those mythologies.
Are White Walkers Really Nordic Zombies? What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common? Dr. Zarka answers this question and explores how the draugr, Nordic undead monsters, bear a striking resemblance to the White Walkers—and more importantly, how these monsters connect to the history of Ancient Nordic peoples. The concept of medieval-era and older undead beings going around fighting and terrifying the living isn’t new; it’s a part of Nordic, particularly Icelandic, history. Draugr myths offers insight into the burial practices, religious beliefs, cultural attitudes, and gender roles of Vikings and other Ancient Nordic people.
The Irish Dullahan not only helped inspire The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but as Dr. Zarka will show, they are much scarier than Washington Irving’s monster. These headless monsters of Celtic lore are connected to horses, carriages, and graveyards—and they cannot be defeated. Oscar Wilde even called them “the most terrible thing in the world.” The dullahan can be male or female, but they are always headless, a characteristic that makes sense given Ireland’s social and religious history. Ultimately this monster is a personification of death, a monster that reminds us all not to “lose our heads” in more ways than one.
Did you know there are two different types of chupacabras? Or that these bloodsucking monsters only starting popping up 25 years ago? Sightings of el chupacabras, the “goatsucker,” began in Puerto Rico in 1994 for a very real reason—the unexplained deaths of many farm animals. Dr. Zarka looks at why humans are afraid of a creature that doesn’t real prey on humans, and traces the journey of the chupacabras from island monster to popular folk legend.
Godzilla is one of the most recognizable monsters in film, and he should be. After all, he is part of the longest running film franchise in the world, but you might be surprised to learn that his history in literature is just as prolific. Without his giant footsteps paving the way, we wouldn’t have the female kaijū Mothra, who is perhaps even more beloved. In this episode, Dr. Zarka shows how kaijū are deeply rooted in past events in Japan including the deployment of nuclear weapons there during World War II. She explains how both Godzilla and Mothra serve as metaphors and looks at how these monsters continue to shed light on social history.
Dragons are one of the most prolific monsters, conquering global mythology throughout human history. In this episode, Dr. Zarka looks at Classical dragons of European tradition and evaluates their possible natural origins.
The impossible, three-headed monster of Ancient Greek mythology, the Chimaera, may have started off as a fantasy, but today, the word “chimera” can be used to refer to anything that seems impossible. This includes the real-life, interspecies animals humans have successfully created. Watch to find out how myth directly influenced science, not only in language, but in how we approach the possibility of an interspecies future with Dr. Zarka and special guest Joe Hanson of Its Okay to be Smart.
La Llorona: Mother, Murderer, Victim The legend of La Llorona, the “weeping woman,” has terrified generations. This female ghost wanders in the darkness, crying as she searches for her children--the children she murdered. Some even say that she will capture other kids in her desperation. How could a murderous mother become such a cultural symbol?
Made from clay and animated by the sacred word of G-d, the golem of Jewish origin has evolved from a 6th-century meditation of creation, to a source of labor, and finally, an avenging symbol of redemption. The golem many people recognize today wasn’t invented until the 19th century--but how did it become so influential?
You might think that the stories of Martians began with little green men, but you’d be wrong. The history of humans speculating about extraterrestrial life on the red planet begins in the 19th century with one astronomer’s mistranslation of a single word.
This massive tentacled beast of the deep has terrorized sailors and seafarers for hundreds of years. But with real life giant cephalopods found in every ocean on earth, is the Kraken really just a myth? The ocean is a terrifying force of nature, filled with mysterious creatures that helped inspire the human imagination to construct a monster of epic proportions. Dr. Zarka looks at the history of the Kraken since the time of the Ancient Nordic, and admits her own fear of giant squid. Are you afraid of the Kraken? You might be after this episode!
This cannibal monster hunts during the coldest time of the year, traveling with the snow to terrorize humans with its insatiable hunger. Armed with sharp claws and teeth, and capable of running with incredible speed, the windigo, or wendigo, is a lesson in excess and a manifestation of the anxieties that emerge in the harsh realities of winter—and how to survive it. Explore the symbolic interpretations of the windigo with Dr. Zarka as she explains how this Native American legend can teach us about the spiritual beliefs and social values of the early indigenous peoples of North America.
Ever wonder why we seem to be so fascinated by vampires? Arguably the most recognizable blood-sucker in history, Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula has influenced over a hundred years of vampires in popular culture. Watch this episode of Monstrum to find out how the 1897 novel Dracula inspired other famous horror authors like Richard Matheson and Stephen King, and take a glimpse into how one terrifying creature changed monster history.
You might not think a crying, screaming ghost is a good thing, but you’d be wrong. The Irish banshee does predict death, but she also serves as a cathartic symbol and has a long history going all the way back to the 8th century. Dr. Zarka shows how this wailing female ghost connects to the very real Irish tradition of keening— a rhythmic wailing and mourning performed by women as part of the death ritual. Tune in to see how fact and fiction combine to create a supernatural tradition that connects the people of Ireland to their ancestors.
In this special Halloween episode of Monstrum, Dr. Zarka takes a look at the complicated history of the flying creature and how the town of Point Pleasant was forever changed by the myth of the Mothman. Newspapers gave the winged, red-eyed creature its name after it was spotted on November 15, 1966—an incident followed by almost a hundred other eyewitness accounts. Exactly 13 months later, the paranormal activity culminated in a very real tragedy--the collapse of Point Pleasant’s Silver Bridge. Some claimed Mothman was the cause of the accident, others say he was actually meant to forewarn the town of the catastrophe. The accident claimed 47 lives, so why does the town of Point Pleasant celebrate the monster with a festival every year and adorn their main street with a statue of his likeness?
Did you know the original Frankenstein’s Creature is a highly intelligent vegetarian who hates the idea of harming another living creature? Or that the author Mary Shelley came up with the idea for the original novel in a dream while on a holiday with her married lover? The “mad scientist” Frankenstein isn’t even really a doctor! Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was revolutionary text that pioneered the sci-fi genre. On the surface, it’s a novel about a scary monster, but Shelley’s sympathetic description of a soulful Creature makes us rethink who we label as the “monster”—an important question made increasingly relevant by the advances in technology and science we see today. Watch this episode to learn about the original novel, why it was created, and how (and why) popular culture continues to perpetuate the story hundreds of years later.
You might recognize the one-eyed giant from Ancient Greek myths, but the cyclops has appeared in stories across the globe for thousands of years. Some elements of the legend do differ, but there are striking similarities in all of these “Blinded Ogre” tales. In this episode, you’ll hear all about Homer’s Polyphemus and Hesiod’s one-eyed blacksmiths, but also a little about the role paleontology has played in creating monsters. Join Dr. Zarka and special guests Kallie Moore and Blake de Pastino from Eons to learn all about the surprising fossil inspiration behind the cyclops.
Connected to witchcraft, sexual predation, and mischief, the tokoloshe is a dominant myth in South Africa. There are different kinds of tokoloshe/tikoloshe, but one thing remains the same in all versions of the monster: they cause havoc in the lives of all those unfortunate enough to encounter them. A human-like figure of small stature with long ears and a hairy, ape-like body, and supernatural powers these creatures dominate South African folklore. They’re blamed from everything from murder and possesion to divorce and debt.
With her dramatic serpentine hair, and powerful petrifying gaze, Medusa has been a prominent figure in literature and art for thousands of years. One of three Gorgon sisters, she’s been worshipped and feared in almost equal measure. Medusa once served as a symbol of protection, but became a sign of vice and seduction. In this episode you’ll learn the different variations of this snake-haired woman’s origin story from 8th century BC to 19th-century poetry and even modern films. I know what you’re thinking: ‘I know Medusa. I’ve seen the movies.’ But do you really? Watch to find out!
One of the Phillipine’s most dangerous and bizarre aswangs, the viscera-sucking, self-segmenting monster hunts at night. A beautiful woman by day, this creature detaches its upper torso and grows wings after sunset. You might never have heard of this monster before, but after this episode, I can promise you’ll know everything you need..and probably some stuff you didn’t want to know. An intestine-dangling nightmare woman with a taste for fetuses sounds like absolutely madness, but can she teach us about the history of social and religious power in Filipino culture? You might be surprised by the answer.
Christmas isn’t just a time for presents, cookies, and holiday cheer, but the hunting period of Iceland’s murderous monster feline, the Yule Cat. This giant, fluffy cat towers over buildings, roaming the snowy countryside for human victims who have yet to receive new clothes before Christmas. Although at first glance this monster may seem random, in this episode you’ll learn how the importance of wool production, the absence of Santa Claus, and a respect for cats drove Icelandic folklore to create such a gruesome Yuletime critter.
He can grow higher than the trees, or smaller than a blade of grass. Both demon and deity, guardian and antagonist, the Leshy is rooted deep in the cultural and religious history of the Slavic people. Said to be the lord of the forest, the Leshy could lead people and animals astray, causes accidents, and even drive people to madness and death. But they could also be surprisingly helpful...if you asked nicely. In this episode, you’ll learn about the surprising history of this shapeshifting creature, and how to avoid becoming his victim.
Hansel and Gretel is one of the most famous fairy tales of the Western world, and contains one of the most notorious witches. The cannibal witch lives in an edible house in the woods, tricks children into her home, and keeps them prisoner. Add in some evil parents, a gingerbread house, and baking people in ovens and you’ve got herself a pretty scary story. What could possibly have prompted the creation of this twisted tale? In this episode you’ll learn about witch trials in Germany, the role famine and poverty play in creating monsters, and how the Grimm brothers evolved oral folklore into legendary tales. The real story of Hansel and Gretel is even more scary than you think.
The yeti is one of the world’s most notorious cryptids, one searched for in earnest and with great enthusiasm. The huge, hairy monster is said to roam the Himalayas and some people out there are convinced the “abominable snowman” is real. Does this snow monster really exist? Is it a bear? An unidentified humanoid species? Complete fiction? You’ll find out in this episode of Monstrum. Dr. Zarka examines the yeti’s origins, from Tibetan folklore and religion to the Westernized abominable snowman version. She explains how Buddhist beliefs, a series of intrepid 20th-century explorers, and a creatively translated word make the yeti the creature we recognize today—and how it led to some pretty incredible scientific discoveries.
In this special episode, Dr. Zarka shows you what’s inside her “go bag,” a kit of survival supplies she keeps on hand at all times. Why would someone need such a thing? For the inevitable zombie apocalypse of course! But in all seriousness, why do we have such a fascination with apocalyptic scenarios? In this episode you’ll find out how the horror genre can inspire real-word preparedness and take a look at how humans throughout history use literature, film, and art as ways to explore (and even practice for) real-world pandemics and disasters.
Crafted from smokeless fire, the shapeshifting jinni (known as ‘genie’ in the Western world) are far more important, and frightening, than pop culture would have us believe. Jinn are powerful, emotional beings capable of living for thousands of years. Usually invisible to the human eye, they can take any form to appear to humans. Once worshipped in ancient Arabic cultures, the jinni is now known for it’s wish-granting capabilities. This episode explains how jinn became a popular character in fiction, while looking at how their origins continue to influence Islamic cultures today. From the Qur’an to The Thousand and One Nights, the story of Aladdin to I Dream of Jeannie and everything in between—the jinn are more than just a being trapped in a lamp who grants wishes. They’re powerful, intellectual entities whose stories are woven into ancient Islamic culture.
There are few modern monster more notorious, or more recognized, than Slenderman. Although some Internet lore claims this thin, long-limbed, faceless creature in a suit has lurked in the background of human history for hundreds of years, the reality is that he was created online in 2009. Dr. Zarka explains the timeline of this Internet folklore sensation, examining how unlike so many other monster origins stories, we know exactly when and why this one was created. From Creepypasta to video games, horror movies to doctored photographs, Slenderman is everywhere. Find out why he consumes our imaginations in this episode of Monstrum.
Ararchnophobics beware—this shapeshifting female spider monster from Japan might be your worst nightmare. A type of yōkai, or any weird or supernatural creature or phenomena in Japanese folklore, this supernatural creature is both beautiful and deadly. Although able to appear as a beautiful young woman, the jorōgumo is really a deadly spider monster in disguise. But why is this monster exclusively female? This episode dives into the fascinating world of yōkai and the long history of beautiful women and spiders in Japanese folklore. You’ll learn about the real-world spider that may have inspired this monster, and discover two of the oldest recorded jorōgumo stories in existence.
An amphibious being that lurks in the inland waters of Australia, the mysterious, deadly bunyip defies consistent characterization. Also known as the Mulyawonk, some stories say it's a four-legged creature resembling a seal, others claim the monster has shaggy hair and appears to be a combination of other animals. But one thing that is constant in the stories of the bunyip —the role of Aboriginal storytelling and culture. Originating in the stories and beliefs of the southeastern Indigenous peoples of Australia, accounts of the bunyip are widely varied but were told with such conviction that European colonizers initially believed such a creature really existed. This episode uses Aboriginal stories, historical records, and fossils to explore the bunyip legend, and take a look at how European colonization impacted Australia and its Indigenous peoples.
We tend to picture sirens as seductive water creatures similar to mermaids, but the original first sirens weren’t actually fish-like creatures at all—they were sea-dwelling monsters with half human half bird bodies. The first depictions of sirens found from historical artifacts show these ocean-dwelling monsters with feathered bird bodies capable of flight, and of course...that ever beguiling song. That’s what really sets the siren apart—the hypnotic voice that drives all who hear it to destruction and even death. This episode explains how sirens appeared in ancient history, from literature to art, and looks at how the half human half bird creatures became more commonly associated with mermaids. From Ancient Greek legends to Medieval bestiaries, and even Egyptian hieroglyphics, the siren’s history is so much more complicated than you think.
Fewer monsters are more beloved than the Loch Ness Monster, more affectionately called Nessie. Descriptions of the water creature range from everything to sea-serpents and giant fish to the more popular depiction of a Jurassic era beast with a long neck and flippers. But is there really something giant and mysterious swimming in the depths of the lake? And why do we care anyway ? While reported sightings of a mysterious creature in Loch Ness go back hundreds of years, it received little global recognition until the 1930s. Historical records, newspapers articles, blockbuster films, and advanced scientific technologies all play a role in this story. Watch this episode to find out what theories have been disproven—and what questions are still unanswered. In a world of science and reason, does Nessie still offer us the possibilty of something extraordinary?
Nineteenth-century London—a time and place of scientific advancement and technological development, but also abject poverty and income inequality—and the hunting ground of Spring-Heeled Jack. The fire-breathing, wall-leaping, claw-wielding devil attacked women in their homes and in the streets, terrorizing England for more than 50 years. In this episode you’ll learn how Spring-Heeled Jack manifested the fears of the development of urban spaces and the upheaval of social classes and lifestyle changes city life afforded in the 1800s. Was he based on a notorious real-life aristocrat? Or a group of copycats using the mysterious monster as an excuse for bad behavior? Find out how Spring-heeled Jack, one of the first urban legends, became both a terrifying boogeyman in the press and an avenging hero in fiction.
Gargoyles peer down at us from buildings, pop up on our TV screens, and exist within the fantasy worlds of role-playing games but do you know where they originated from? Before these stoney grotesques became monsters they were just water spouts. We still adorn our buildings with the carvings and sculptures of the frightening, funny, and exaggerated forms—but why? Learn all about the strange history of the gargoyle monster and how the power of imagination turned some odd looking architecture into a legendary creature.
In the first episode of our three-part special series, we explore the complex history of the zombie—from its origins in the spiritual beliefs of the African diaspora to the development of Vodou in Haiti. Learn how one of the most enduring monsters in popular culture evolved in the midst of slavery, racism and prejudice. Featuring expert interviews from Voodoo Chief Divine Prince Ty Emmecca, Associate Professor of History at LSU Dr. Kodi Roberts, and Professor and Author Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror Dr. Robin Means Coleman, you’ll get a new perspective on the long and complicated history of Voodoo in America and some insight into how the “zombi” became the “zombie.”
In the second episode of our three-part special series, we move from the zombi which has its roots in spiritual beliefs developed during the African diaspora, to look at one of the most influential and enduring horror legacies of all time—the Romero zombie. Considered the “godfather of zombies,” Romero’s 1968 film The Night of the Living Dead introduced the flesh-eating reanimated corpse to popular culture. But that’s not all he did. More than just a reinvention of a frightening fiend, the Romero zombie’s introduction during a time of great political and cultural unrest in America impacted how it was received—and why we still talk about it. Featuring expert interviews from Author Daniel Kraus, who completed Romero’s novel The Living Dead, as well as Author, Screenwriter, and Lecturer of Black Horror and Afrofuturism at UCLA Tananarive Due, and Professor and Author Dr. Robin Means Coleman, you’ll learn just how influential Romero’s work became.
In the third and final episode of our three-part special series, we bring us to the 21st-century where the monstrous legacy of both the original Haiti zombi and the Romero ghoul play a role in the rebirth of public interest in the zombie. Modern zombies can be fast or slow, undead or clinging to life, but almost all are infected—and they all crave human flesh.
Dr. Emily Zarka will deconstruct some of the most significant moments in zombie popular culture over the last two centuries to reveal what these creatures say about us.
This horse-like horror of Scottish folklore emerges from the sea bringing death and disease. On land this gruesome creature takes the form of a fleshless horse with a single glowing red eye and an equally fleshless human torso fused to its back. With origins in Orcadian folklore this demonic creature was blamed for plagues, drought, and death in equal measure. This episode explores how the history of the Orkney Islands, the influence of Norse mythology, a real equine disease, and the kelp trade crafted a terrifying, skinless monster.
After suffering a horrible death while pregnant or during childbirth, the pontianak, or kuntilanak, has long been a staple of Malay horror. Known for her long black hair, sharp claws, and desire for blood and organs, this popular monster of Southeast Asia is as deadly as she is beautiful...(well, sometimes). In addition to serving as an allegory for the tension between traditional and modern cultural and spiritual practices, these monsters gave name to a real city. In this episode, you’ll learn how Islamic trade routes, animism, and the role of women in Southeast Asia contribute to stories of this notorious ghost.
A sky deity falling from the sky sounds bad, right? Not if it’s the Kasogonagá! From the mythology of the Toba peoples of South America, this god of lightning, thunder, and rain appears as a small, hairy anteater-like creature and needs a bit of human intervention to return to the skies. Not your typical scary Monstrum episode, this one even features guest illustrator Ellen Surrey. With a long history of helping the indigenous people of South America, this cute, benevolent ‘monster’ is what we all need to end 2020 with—a little hope and a smile.
One of the most beloved (and feared) figures in Russian and East Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is more than just a witch. She’s a rumored cannibal who lives in a strange rotating house and flies around in a magical mortar and pestle--but she’s also a helpful grandmotherly figure. Who is Baba Yaga really? Pagan goddess? Evil witch? Scary old lady? Find out in this episode, which takes a look at traditional gender roles in Slavic history, pagan deities, burial practices of Neolithic Central Europe, and why this monstrous woman continues to endure.
African folklore dictates that unlike other werecreatures this monster is an animal that disguises itself in human form. By day it walks the earth nearly indistinguishable from humans, but at night it returns to its true hyena shape to defile graves and eat the flesh within. Most often associated with artisan trades like metalworking, weaving, and pottery, the werehyenas evil powers are said to be passed on from generation to generation. How did the werehyena become associated with certain trades? To answer that questions, we’ll take a look at Beta Israel, or Ethiopian Jews, who became commonly accused of taking the guise of this monster—and why prejudice contributes to monster lore.
While its face is scarce in popular culture today, this influential ancient monster from Chinese mythology predates the written word. Inspired by ancient bronze and jade iconography detailing the face of a bulging-eyed, gapping-mouthed beast, the Taotie creature is both mysterious and notorious, inspiring fear with its horrible gluttony. The greedy, insatiable appetite of the Taotie, one of the four “legendary monsters” or malevolences of Chinese mythology, is its defining trait—but why? Explore the many theories behind this beast as you dive into a mystery that has fascinated archeologists, historians, philosophers, and authors for thousands of years.
Leprechauns are associated with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture, but do you know why? The jovial, red-haired little man dressed in green standing next to a pot of gold is a modern invention—the diminutive faerie folk was once more popularly known for their role as tricksters and expert cobblers. In this episode, you’ll learn how ancient Irish mythology, Irish immigration, and some crafty marketing resulted in one of our most recognizable folkloric figures.
These elusive blue flames have been reported globally and inspired a wealth of folklore. But what exactly is a Will-o’-the-Wisp? Also commonly called “ignis fatuus” or “corpse-candle” the glowing atmospheric phenomenon has a reputation for causing mischief and even death. But are they really a supernatural phenomenon or something more worldly? Drawing on over six hundred years of literature and lore, and more than 300 years of scientific exploration, this episode presents the mesmerizing lights in all their blazing glory—from ancient legends to scientific rationalizations. And no, they aren’t glowing owls.
The Australian wilderness is a dangerous place—in part because it’s the rumored hunting ground of a vampiric creature who uses its fingers and toes to suck your blood. Fall prey to the Yara-ma-yha-who and you risk not only being swallowed whole but becoming a monster yourself. In this episode, you’ll learn about how Aboriginal communities’ deep connection to the land contributed to the creation of these diminutive humanoid “spirit men'' whose purpose goes beyond scaring children into staying close to home. So what purpose does a red-skinned, tree-dwelling, vomiting creature with suction cup fingertips serve? Find out as you learn how the Yara-ma-yha-who’s story is intrinsically tied both to the cultural identity and to the history of the Aboriginal people who tell its stories.
A venomous snake who can kill with its gaze alone, the basilisk has terrified us for thousands of years. But it also has another name—the cockatrice. That’s right, the reptile-chicken hybrid creature and the poisonous snake are actually the same monster. Find out how a real snake likely inspired tales of a mythological serpent in the 1st century CE that over time turned into a mythological beast. Crowned “king of serpents” it temporarily grew some feathers, and eventually managed to become the literal embodiment of evil.
An urban legend that exploits our fears of an obstructed gaze and the deeply unsettling idea that the youngest of our species are out to destroy us, the lore of Black-Eyed Children, or Black-Eyed Kids, is a modern construction. Powered by the ever-broadening influence of the Internet, B.E.K stories began circulating in the final years of the 20th century, but the “evil spawn” child archetype of the horror genre and hundreds of years of social expectations of childhood inform these unsettling monsters. Find out how the Black-Eyed children challenge biological impulses and cultural expectations—and learn why you should never blindly open a door to a stranger, even a small one.
There are fewer images of Death personified than the scythe-wielding skeletal form of the Grim Reaper. But where did it come from? You may have heard that this haunting figure emerged as a result of the Black Plague, but that’s only a fraction of the story. Featuring @Caitlin Doughty – Ask A Mortician, this episode looks at the long history of skeletal Death in religion, literature, art, and pop culture. From violent reaper to dark lover and virtually everything in between, there’s a lot more to Death than, well, Death
The “Terror of the Plain,” this emaciated, whistling devil is cursed to wander the South American countryside carrying the bones of his victims. Intimately tied to the cattle ranching history of Latin America, the myth of El Silbón remains an active albeit terrifying part of folklore. Featuring Argentinian film director Juan Fernández Gebauer, this episode looks at why a murderous ghost became a symbol of Llanos culture—despite the fear he still inspired today.
Swooping down from the heavens on a fire ball, the Kasha drags the bodies of the dead to the underworld for a life of damnation. Most frequently depicted as a demonic, flaming cat, the kanji for ‘Kasha’ actually translates to “Fire Cart”—so why did this malevolent yōkai take on a feline appearance? Featuring the author of numerous yōkai books, Hiroko Yoda, this episode explores the religious and artistic history of the Kasha and takes a look at the significant role of cats in Japanese culture.
Rumored to roam some of the world’s most desolate places the poisonous, killer death worm can trace its history in folklore back thousands of years. Made more famous and frightening with science fiction series like Dune and Tremors, killer worms are part of our cultural knowledge—but does any creature like them exist in the real world? This episode looks at the possible inspirations behind some of history’s most famous death worms, like the Mongolian death worm of the Gobi Desert, and takes a look at the creatures that wiggle, slither, and creep their way across our planet.
Long before a full moon could transform a human into a beast, the werewolf was present across the literature, lore, and mythologies of ancient Europe. Whether a punishment for the wicked, a cure for the unlucky, or a blessing for the strong, the human to wolf shapeshifter is almost always violent. Real wolves posed a real threat to humans and their livestock, but how did these predators come to be associated with cannibalism, sorcery, and mental illness? The first in a two-part series, featuring werewolf expert and Gothic scholar Dr. Kaja Franck, this episode tackles the rise of the werewolf in its myriad of forms, looking at what happened when Christianity interceded and turned the werewolf into the embodiment of evil—a change that reached its devastating climax with the persecution and execution of accused werewolves.
Modern interpretations of werewolves include grotesque transformations, bloodied muzzles, and loyal packs. Many of these tropes first appeared on film but how did the modern world integrate older fears of lupine shapeshifters into haunting depictions of modern anxieties? The second installment in Monstrum’s werewolf series looks at the evolution of the werewolf through Gothic fantasy, horror films, literature, and video games, exploring the monster’s evolution into one of popular culture’s most malleable metaphors. With insights from werewolf expert Dr. Kaja Franck, horror critic Meagan Navarro, and werewolf graphic novelist Olivia Stephens, this episode will help you understand why the popularity of the werewolf only continues to grow.
While modern imagination might have you picturing trolls as ugly, hairy, rather unintelligent creatures their ancient folkloric counterparts were magical, intelligent, wealthy creatures of all shapes and sizes. Defined by their status as outsiders as well and the threat of violence they represent, this episode takes you through the Nordic sagas, Medieval laws, and literary influences that contributed to the endurance of these malevolent and magical Scandinavian monsters.
Insects make up 80 percent of the world’s species, so it's not all that surprising we’ve occasionally made them into monsters in science fiction and horror. What is staggering is why the “big bug” subgenre took off in the 1950s. Find out how nuclear weapons, the suburbs, the Cold War, and the pest control industry all contributed to a beloved film subgenre in this episode featuring special footage from our friends at Deep Look.
You better watch out, you better not cry, and you certainly must behave—or else face the brutal beating of the Krampus. Why does this demonic, horned Yuletide monster exist? This episode looks at the historical origins of Krampus in the winter festivals of the Alpine region, challenging the false claim that this monster came from pagan tradition, and traces its renewed popularity across the globe.
The fairies of Celtic traditions trace their origin back to an ancient race of otherworldly royalty - the Tuatha Dé Danann. As fairy nobility, the Tuatha Dé Danann were alternatively seen as gods, monsters, demons, and even the real ancient inhabitants of Ireland. But where do the Tuatha Dé Danann come from, and how did they become the ancestors of Ireland’s fairies? The world is full of monsters, myths, and legends and Monstrum isn’t afraid to take a closer look. The show, hosted by Emily Zarka, Ph.D., takes us on a journey to discover a new monster in each new episode. Monstrum looks at humans' unique drive to create and shape monster mythology through oral storytelling, literature, and film and digs deep into the history of those mythologies.
For many of us, the firefly is a mystical, enchanting creature of the twilight. To the people of some West-African cultures, however, the firefly brings to mind a malevolent, shapeshifting, blood-sucking monster of lore: the Adze.
The Chinese dragon is one of the world’s most globally recognized monsters. Playing a major role throughout Chinese history, they were both creators and destroyers and controlled the elements. They've influenced everything from politics to religion—what is it about the Chinese Dragon that makes it such a central figure in Chinese culture?
Despite the extreme rarity of attacks on humans, Sharks have become perhaps the most widely feared animals on the planet. How did this happen? They're not naturally aggressive towards humans and kill fewer people each year than falling coconuts. So what gives?
The Griffin is a half-lion, half-eagle creature that is commonly seen adorning royal crests and perched menacingly atop buildings. Why is this ancient creature that many of us see every day largely forgotten?
Deep within the Amazon rainforest lurks a mysterious creature called the Mapinguari. Notoriously elusive, this cave-dwelling giant leaves a trail of broken trees and trampled ferns in its wake. Massive, hairy, and pungent, this beast protects the South American jungle from human threats.
Grey Aliens, sometimes called Zeta Reticulans, Roswell Greys, or just Grays, are defined by their humanoid forms, long limbs, large black eyes, small noses, thin mouths, and of course, gray skin or gray clothing. They are some of pop culture’s most recognizable representations of extraterrestrial life. But where did this depiction of extraterrestrials come from, and why are Grays the ones mostly responsible for all the abductions? Special thank you to Josef Lorenzo and the entire Subcultured team for the delightful conversation and invaluable contribution to this episode.
Hellhounds, the fearsome canine beasts of the underworld who often serve as guardians to the very gates of hell, pop up in a wide variety of cultural folklore throughout history. They're also fairly commonplace in the stories we tell in modern times (think Cujo, Ghostbusters, The Omen). Why is that? And what can these legendary hounds teach us about humanity’s relationship with dogs throughout history?
Lumbering through the countryside blasting its eerie messages from metal speakers perched atop a forty-foot wooden humanoid frame, Siren Head is a prime example of modern folklore born on the internet. Featuring insights from Siren Head's original creator Trevor Henderson, this episode looks at how social media contributes to horror in the 21st century.
The tentacle-faced creature Cthulhu is H.P. Lovecraft’s most enduring eldritch creation. But while Lovecraft may be Cthulhu’s inventor, this monster has outgrown its creator, impacting both horror fiction and the real world in significant and unexpected ways.
For millennia humans have turned to plants to heal the sick and wounded, to ward against evil, and grant magical powers. But what happens when plants themselves become conscious, and turn killers?
A malevolent spirit lurks in the shadows of forests and the darkest mountains of the Philippines. Capable of adopting physical form, the most terrifying of which being a massive half-human, half-horse hybrid, the Filipino Tikbálang thrives on chaos.
Some monsters call to mind very specific images. Their iconic on-screen personas overshadow their earlier histories. I’m talking about: Frankenstein and his Creature, Dracula, the Invisible Man, the Wolf Man, the Mummy. Why is this? Universal Pictures. These famous Monster faces inspired decades of Halloween costumes, and make up a distinctive brand of horror that defined early Hollywood cinema.
Mummification was a sacred, transformative practice in Ancient Egypt - a ritual process that made one’s body and soul fit for existence in the afterlife. It begs the question: when and why did the Mummy become the popular movie monster that we are so familiar with today?
Across multiple mythologies, the term “mother of monsters” is used frequently on the likes of women such as Echidna, Lamia, and Angrboda. But in Mesopotamian mythology, the mother of monsters is Tiamat, who’s less of a woman, and more of an ocean, specifically, the source of all salt water. She also happens to be the mother of a lot of gods, which doesn’t do her any favors when the family reunion turns very violent.
Yuki-Onna, the icy snow maiden of Japanese lore, might steal your heart, or your life. This harsh winter monster is beautiful and dangerous, the incarnation of winter storms.
If you are unlucky enough to summon Bloody Mary, there’s no real standard of what you’ll see. By some accounts, she’s hideously mutilated but in others she is beautiful but bloody—more commonly though—every aspect of her appearance is vague. There’s even versions where she was a witch burned at the stake in Salem. In some legends, she’s connected to a cult. But where she comes from and what she looks like is less important than the ritual that summons her.
Unicorns are all over the place in popular culture these days - movies, TV shows, toys, clothing and books for children and adults alike. But you might be interested to learn that the majestic, all-white horse with a spiralized horn on its forehead is just one version of the many varieties of unicorn that have appeared in folklore throughout history.
Advances in technology are always met with some degree of technophobia—and villainization. And cyborgs represent a special kind of fear inherent in losing ourselves in the technologies we create.
Humans have domesticated animals as beasts of burden for thousands of years and the vital role horses play in the evolution of culture in particular has inspired countless equine folklore, but none are quite like the centaur.
Another @pbsstoried short from your friends at Monstrum! No wonder so many epic plants and creatures have been created from ACTUAL killer plants!
Pokémon are inspired by flora and fauna, science, religion, yokai and other supernatural beings. But the series is teeming with not just Japanese folklore, but versions of monsters from across the globe made cute with softened features.
The lines between demon, spirit, and deity are often blurred in the cultures of the Indian subcontinent, where the clear “good vs. evil” dualism that is seen more commonly in the Western hemisphere don’t exist in quite the same way. The complex nature of a nocturnal entity called Nishi reflects this, although it does fall firmly into the malevolent end of the spectrum.
The half-human half-fish Nixie may look very familiar at first. But these shape-shifting monsters, with their eerie songs that lure humans to the watery depths, are much older, and much scarier, than the mermaids we know from pop-culture.
Existing somewhere between boogeyman, scapegoat, and temperamental fae, the known trickster called Púca is an animal-spirit that was once dreaded across Ireland, the Channel Islands, and England.
Uncovering the Enigma: Sasquatch Sightings and Our Deep Fear of the Wild Is Bigfoot a benevolent beast or bloodthirsty killer? Depends on who you ask, and when! Regardless, the legend of Sasquatch dates back thousands of years and still captivates us to this day.
Join us as we delve deep into the mysterious world of the SCP Foundation, uncovering the most enigmatic and anomalous objects ever contained.
Maybe it’s the unblinking eyes, staring at you, emotionless, day and night. Or, perhaps it’s their small size acting as a cloak of innocence. Or their human-like appearance that makes them seem just slightly too real. However, you want to spin it—there’s something creepy about dolls.
Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, Bloody Mary and Ouija are scary and entertaining rites of passage for kids and teens to participate in. But do these games actually work? And why do we love to scare each other so much at sleepovers?
When did clowns—the characters who filled our childhoods with juggling and balloons—become so creepy? For centuries, clowns have worn two faces: as irreverent entertainers, and tricksters who could break social norms. So when stories of scary clowns pop up all over popular culture, it's a sign that we're wondering who clowns really are behind the costume. Do they want to make us laugh? Or scream?
The coastal villages of Wales around the winter holidays have a bizarre nighttime visitor: a grim skeletal horse who roams the streets with a rag tag group, demanding food and drink from neighborhood families. But is this really a monster to be feared, or one that is rather cheered?
What looks like a reptile-amphibian hybrid, has a dish shaped skull, smells like fish, is child-like and out to steal your crops and drown your livestock? The Japanese water yokai, Kappa.
As a kid, the monsters in Where the Wild Things Are were downright frightening. But thinking about the book as an adult, it’s clear there’s something deeper to this fantastically monstrous story.
In this episode, we explore the legacy of the monumental 1933 film, King Kong, its groundbreaking special effects, and the complex racial and colonial undertones that continue to shape our understanding of this timeless classic.
Many say that the waters of America’s northern coasts are home to an elusive sea serpent of legend. Named Caddy! Or Cadborosaurus, for long. Sightings and testimonials go back generations. Who is Caddy? And why are serpentine water creatures among humanity’s most prevalent monsters?
Ever felt like a place seems real yet oddly unsettling? Welcome to The Backrooms, a digital folklore phenomenon that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, exploring the eerie and uncanny through playful, yet terrifying, community-driven digital storytelling.
Since his 1933 movie debut, King Kong’s impact on our culture has been persistent. For nearly a century, Kong’s story has changed to reflect, and sometimes comment on, our society’s issues with racism, sexism, and fear of the unknown. Let’s talk about how well this iconic monster’s evolution keeps up with our changing times.
You're walking home, a little tipsy, guided only by the moonlight. Suddenly, you sense something watching you: an unnervingly large owl with a human face! This is La Lechuza, a malevolent witch-owl from Tejano and Mexican folklore.
The big baddie in Beowulf isn't actually the monster Grendel, but Grendel's Mother. Who maybe isn't a monster at all? Often depicted in adaptations as a hideous beast or an alluring seductress, her true nature is debated. Despite appearances, she’s described in the original text in warrior terms, challenging traditional gender roles. Translation and interpretation have shaped her lore as a fearsome yet misunderstood figure.
Draped in Qing dynasty robes and sporting fanged teeth, long nails and grasping, outstretched arms, the Chinese hopping corpse, jiangshi, is a variation on the vampire that you won’t soon forget!
Featured in tabletop RPGs, card games, books, animated movies and shows, the manticore is a legend. And there’s a lot of speculation about its origins. Is it a man-eating monster from Persian myth or simply a misidentified tiger? Or both!
The 1974 movies Black Christmas and Texas Chain Saw Massacre gave rise to what would become one of cinema’s most enduring genres: the slasher film. In this special episode, we’ll talk about the origins, evolution and cultural impact of these gory popcorn films and take a close look at the key tropes—masked killers, final girls, and gore—that continue to make make slashers iconic. Here's why slashers—from Halloween to Dead By Daylight—are here to stay.
