History

Monstrum

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 for each new episode. Monstrum looks at humans unique drive to create and shape monster mythology through oral storytelling, literature and film.

How a Children’s Book Introduced Us To Our Inner Demons

9m 12s

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. Notable for taking on the darker and more complicated emotions a child experiences, the book tackles the idea of inner demons in a way that kids and adults alike can understand.

Episodes

  • Slender Man: How The Internet Created a Monster: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Slender Man: How The Internet Created a Monster

    S2 E5 - 9m 58s

    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.

  • Jinn: The Ancient Arabian Shapeshifters: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Jinn: The Ancient Arabian Shapeshifters

    S2 E4 - 10m 25s

    Jinn is a popular character in fiction and 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.

  • How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (with Dr. Z): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (with Dr. Z)

    S2 E6 - 11m 31s

    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. In this episode you’ll find out how the horror genre can inspire real-world 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.

  • The Crazed Hunt for the Himalayan Yeti: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Crazed Hunt for the Himalayan Yeti

    S2 E3 - 12m 57s

    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.

  • The Dark Origins of Hansel and Gretel: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Dark Origins of Hansel and Gretel

    S2 E2 - 9m 9s

    Hansel and Gretel is one of the most famous fairy tales of the Western world, and contains one of the most notorious witches. 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.

  • Leshy: The Slavic Lord of the Forest: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Leshy: The Slavic Lord of the Forest

    S2 E1 - 9m 54s

    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.

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