Mythological monsters have terrified, fascinated and inspired us for centuries. But beneath the teeth and claws lies something much deeper… our own reflection.
In a fascinating video by Dr. Emily Zarka from the PBS series Monstrum, she explores how monsters throughout history have been used to shape morality and define the boundaries between good and evil.
Dr. Zarka explains that these creatures were not just born out of superstition or fear, but out of a cultural need to teach lessons about behavior, values and consequences. As she says:
“Monsters serve as instructive metaphors to teach moral lessons or condemn and promote certain behaviors… While those horror movies and creepy campfire stories aren’t just there to scare us, they are trying to teach us something, about how to behave, what not to do, and who to trust.”
Think of creatures like Krampus, the horned punisher of naughty children. His legend was not only intended to scare children into obedience, but reinforced the idea that moral evil comes with a price.
These mythological beings created clear moral codes, helping communities define what it meant to be “good” or “bad.”
But Zarka also points out that the concept of “monsters” goes far beyond folklore. Sometimes the real monsters are human. When fear and prejudice take over, society creates its own “others” to blame.
“Monster mythology is not just about what is not human, but perhaps more importantly, about what it means to be accepted…Colonizers often labeled indigenous peoples as savages or beasts to belittle and downgrade them.
“Even today, marginalized groups are labeled as monstrous for their differences, whether race, religion, gender, immigration, status or sexuality. The monster continues to be used to justify discrimination and violence.”
This insight reveals how the stories we tell still shape how we see ourselves. Mythical monsters once taught us how to be good, but the human tendency to “monsterize” others has turned that lesson on its head.
Dr. Zarka’s exploration reminds us that the monsters of legend were not just fear, they were mirrors that showed us our darkest instincts and our brightest potential. Perhaps by understanding why we create monsters, we can learn to stop becoming them ourselves.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
