PBS
Were These Monsters Inspired by Fossils? (w/ Monstrum!)
People have been discovering the traces and remains of prehistoric creatures for thousands of years. And they’ve also probably been telling stories about fantastic beasts since language became a thing. So, is it possible that the...
TED-Ed
TED-ED: Why do we kiss under mistletoe? - Carlos Reif
The sight of mistletoe may either send you scurrying or, if you have your eye on someone, awaiting an opportunity beneath its snow-white berries. But how did the festive tradition of kissing under mistletoe come about? Carlos Reif...
SciShow
Will-o'-the-Wisps and 5 Other Mysteries Science Can Explain
The world doesn't have to be shrouded in mystery to be fascinating! Here are 6 mysteries that science has managed to solve. Chapters View all 1 THE KENTUCKY MEAT SHOWER 2:35 EASTER ISLAND HATS 3:18 EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS 5:53 4 SAILING STONES...
Curated Video
Maradona: A Football Legend's Impact on the World
This video highlights the post-retirement contributions of legendary footballer Diego Maradona. From sharing his knowledge with Boca Juniors to participating in charity events and friendly matches, Maradona's impact on and off the field...
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.
Bedtime History
History of Dragons for Kids | Bedtime History
Learn more about the history of these mythical, fearsome creatures across many cultures throughout time.
Bedtime History
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,...
Wonderscape
Pirate Myths and Legends: Separating Fact from Fiction
This video uncovers the truth behind common pirate myths, from the reality of walking the plank to the origins of the pirate accent. Discover the surprising customs, superstitions, and legends that real pirates believed, and how modern...
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...
Bedtime History
The Legend of King Arthur for Kids
Learn about the origins of the legend of King Arthur along with Camelot, Tintagel, the wizard Merlin and the Sword in the Stone.
PBS
The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science Fiction
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...