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...
Curated Video
Ancient Egypt Timeline & Mythology Family Tree
Ancient Egypt Timeline & Mythology Family Tree
PBS
How the Mummy Became Modern Horror Icon
The rise of the film industry solidified the Egyptian mummy as a foreign antagonist, beginning with its first screen appearance in 1899. Universal Pictures' 1932 film The Mummy further popularized the mummy as a horror icon, inspired by...
PBS
The Origins of Mummy Mythology
Mummies, particularly Egyptian mummies, became iconic in popular culture due to their association with ancient rituals and the afterlife. The process of mummification was initially a sacred practice tied to Egyptian religious beliefs,...
PBS
How American Culture Changed the Zombie
After the Haitian Revolution, Vodou evolved in the United States, blending West African, indigenous, and European traditions, which French slave owners brought over. By the 20th century, Vodou and zombies became intertwined with American...
PBS
Origins of the Zombie: Vodou, Enslavement, and the Loss of Free Will
The origins of the zombie are deeply rooted in the spiritual practice of Vodou, distinct from the popularized Voodoo. Vodou's zombie concept emerged as a representation of a body without free will, manipulated by spiritual forces, often...
PBS
Are Werewolves Transitioning From Monster to Metaphor?
As we continue to evolve in our understanding of nature and humanity, modern werewolf stories are exploring more sensitive and introspective themes, shifting away from the violent, tortured archetype of the past. The future of werewolf...
PBS
Renaissance of the Werewolf in 1990s and Early 2000s Pop Culture
The 1990s saw a resurgence in werewolf popularity, particularly in video games, movies, and television. Games like Altered Beast and films such as Ginger Snaps revived and modernized werewolf lore, connecting transformations to themes...
PBS
Werewolves of War: From Nazi Propaganda to Post-War Pop Culture
After World War I, some German soldiers who refused to disband formed a group called "Werewolf," which later became an elite recruiting source for the Nazi regime during World War II. Werewolves were integrated into Nazi propaganda,...
PBS
The Evolution of Werewolves in Film
The dawn of the film industry influenced the depiction of werewolves in popular culture. Beginning with early 20th-century movies that incorporated werewolf lore often included a demonization of non-white populations. Later, the werewolf...
PBS
How Industrialization and Urbanization Changed Werewolf Legends
In the 19th century, the werewolf shifted from a feared monster to a symbol of literary fantasy, fueled by industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of science. Stories about werewolves became popular in Gothic literature, penny...
PBS
The Enduring Myth and Medical Mysteries of Werewolves
Throughout history, the concept of werewolves has been closely intertwined with both supernatural and medical explanations. Initially, lycanthropy referred to both literal shape-shifting into wolves through magic and a form of mental...
PBS
Evolution of Werewolf Legends During the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, werewolf legends evolved, becoming more widespread and demonized by the church. Changes in farming, particularly the rise of sheep farming, positioned wolves as a threat to livelihood, which reinforced their...
PBS
Cultural Variations and Christian Influence on Werewolf Legends
Influenced by Germanic and Nordic traditions, werewolf legends spread throughout Europe. This resulted in a variety of werewolf stories across different cultures. From transformations caused by drinking from a wolf's footprint to legends...
PBS
Myth, Symbolism, and Cultural Origins of the Werewolf
Wolves have played a unique role throughout human history, being both feared predators and admired creatures. This video explores the origins and evolution of the werewolf myth across various cultures, emphasizing three main types of...
Great Big Story
Bali's Temple in the Sea
Discover the history and legends of Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most cherished sea temples, protected by sea serpents and shrouded in myths.
Curated Video
I WONDER - Who Was Polyphemus?
Sail into 'Who Was Polyphemus?' to meet the giant cyclops of Greek mythology! A quick, thrilling peek into ancient stories, perfect for adventurous young minds.
Curated Video
I WONDER - Who Was Pegasus?
Gallop into 'Who Was Pegasus?' to uncover the story of the most famous winged horse in mythology! A quick, magical flight through ancient tales, perfect for young myth hunters.
Curated Video
I WONDER - Where Do Ogres Come From?
Stomp into 'Where Do Ogres Come From?' to uncover the origins of these fearsome creatures in folklore and fairy tales! A quick, mysterious journey into the world of giants, perfect for brave young explorers.
Curated Video
I WONDER - Where Did The Cyclops Live?
Embark on 'Where Did The Cyclops Live?' to explore the mythical home of these one-eyed giants in ancient tales! A quick, thrilling adventure into Greek mythology, perfect for curious young minds.
Curated Video
I WONDER - What Magical Powers Did Pegasus Have?
Fly high with 'What Magical Powers Did Pegasus Have?' to discover the enchanting abilities of this mythical winged horse! A quick, magical journey perfect for young dreamers and myth lovers.
Curated Video
I WONDER - What Is An Ogre?
Stomp into 'What Is An Ogre?' to learn about these fascinating, fearsome creatures of fairy tales and myths! A quick, thrilling exploration, perfect for adventurous young minds.