PBS
The Origins of the Loch Ness Monster
Loch Ness, the largest lake along Scotland's Great Glen, is famously known for its legendary resident, the Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie." Described as having a small head, long neck, and flippers, the creature's legend dates back to a...
PBS
Mothman in Popular Culture
John Keel's book "The Mothman Prophecies" and its 2002 film adaptation significantly popularized the Mothman legend beyond Point Pleasant. Keel, a journalist and paranormal investigator, visited Point Pleasant in 1966 to investigate...
PBS
The Legend of Mothman Grows
Following the initial sighting of Mothman on November 15, 1966, at least eight more people reported seeing similar creatures over the next three days. Eyewitnesses described the creature as large, with wings and glowing red eyes, often...
PBS
Mothman: the Winged Monster of West Virginia
The legend of Mothman began in Point Pleasant, West Virginia in the 1960s. He is described as a six-foot humanoid creature with massive wings and glowing red eyes. Eyewitness accounts from the 1960s detail encounters with the creature,...
PBS
The Enduring Legend of the Loch Ness Monster
The infamous "Surgeon's Photograph" of the Loch Ness Monster, taken in 1934, greatly boosted the legend's popularity. The photo made Nessie a cultural icon and international tourist attraction. Despite later information that proved the...
PBS
How Advances in Science Changed the Zombie Narrative
Films like 28 Weeks Later (2007), [REC] (2007), Quarantine (2008), and Deadgirl (2008) depict the zombie plague as a result of scientific misjudgment, reflecting society's growing anxieties around technology and experimentation. At the...
PBS
21st Century Zombies: Evolving Fears and Cultural Reflections
In the 21st century, zombie narratives have evolved, reflecting new societal anxieties such as terrorism, bioengineering, pandemics, and environmental crises. With iconic video games like Resident Evil and films like 28 Days Later,...
PBS
Trolls in the 20th Century
At the turn of the 20th century, trolls transitioned from fairy tales into novels, most notably in science fiction and fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series brought trolls into the mainstream, where they...
PBS
The Return of Trolls in Folklore and Literature
As science and formal education spread, belief in trolls began to fade until a resurgence of folklore interest in the 19th century. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen included trolls in his fairy tales, and Norwegian illustrators like...
PBS
The Significance of Trolls in Medieval and Scandanavian History
Since the publication of troll sagas in the Middle Ages, these mythical creatures have continued to captivate popular imagination, particularly in Scandinavian countries. Medieval Norwegian law even recognized the existence of trolls,...
PBS
Trolls: From Folklore to Social Media
Modern trolls, lurking on social media, harass and antagonize others while concealing their identities are much like their ancient counterparts who hid in dark, isolated spaces. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, trolls originally...
PBS
Bioengineered Terrors: Killer Plants in Modern Fiction
In the 1970s and 80s, advances in bioengineering fueled narratives about dangerous plants, reflecting anxieties about genetic experimentation. Stories like Super Mario’s piranha plants and Godzilla, popularized the theme of killer flora....
PBS
Monstrous Flora: From Science to Fiction in the 20th Century
At the turn of the 20th century, plants in both science and horror fiction were increasingly viewed with curiosity and fear. The 1920s and 30s saw a surge in monstrous plant narratives, with fears of nuclear mutation, extraterrestrial...
PBS
Exotic Dangers: The Rise of Killer Plant Myths in the 19th Century
In the 19th century, advancements in trade and greenhouse technology enabled the global transport of plants, sparking fascination with exotic and sometimes dangerous flora. This led to a rise in fictional tales of carnivorous plants,...
PBS
Why Are Alien Stories So Popular?
The 1990s saw a boom in alien abductions in popular culture, fueled by shows like The X-Files and Hollywood blockbusters such as Independence Day. UFO enthusiasts, ranging from skeptics to believers, grew in number, driven by both...
PBS
The Rise of UFO Encounters and Pop Culture Influence
There was a surge in UFO sightings from the 1940s through the 1980s, with the "flying saucer era" beginning in 1946. Significant events like the Roswell incident in 1947 and the first widely publicized alien abduction case of Barney and...
PBS
Consumerism and Social Critique in Romero's Dawn of the Dead
In 1978, George Romero released Dawn of the Dead, moving the zombie apocalypse to a shopping mall, symbolizing the growing influence of American consumerism and suburban life. This film continued his critique of society, with zombies...
PBS
The Origins and Evolution of Deadly Plant Myths
For millennia, humans have used plants for healing and protection, but myths have also depicted plants as conscious killers. Stories of poisonous plants, such as the deadly Javanese upas tree, have been sensationalized throughout...
PBS
The Evolution of Extraterrestrial Encounters
There are many common depictions of extraterrestrials, but the "gray aliens," which are known for their humanoid forms, large black eyes, and gray skin are among the most common. This video traces the origins of extraterrestrial...
PBS
The Cultural Significance of the Romero Zombie
Slavery's influence on the creation of the zombie can be traced back to its roots in Haitian folklore, where zombification was linked to slavery and control. Romero's reimagining of the zombie, however, took on new political and cultural...
Curated Video
George Best: The Flawed Genius of Football
George Best was a handsome and talented footballer who captivated the world with his skills on the field. Despite his success, he battled with alcoholism throughout his life, making him a flawed but beloved figure. His story is one of...
Bedtime History
History of St. Patrick's Day for Kids | Bedtime History
Learn about the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and the origin of St. Patrick's Day. Also learn how the holiday is celebrated by millions of Irish around the world.
Curated Video
History of Dragons for Kids | Bedtime History
Learn more about the history of these mythical, fearsome creatures across many cultures throughout time.
Curated Video
History of Mermaids and Mermen for Kids | Bedtime History
Join us as we dive into the enchanting history of mermaids, mythical sea creatures that have captured the human imagination for centuries. Mermaids, depicted as half-human, half-fish beings, appear in folklore across various cultures,...