From dinosaurs to Godzilla: a 15,000-year history of monsters
Feb 7, 2025
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Guest Natalie Lawrence, a historian of science and author of 'Enchanted Creatures,' dives into the captivating world of monsters. She explores 15,000 years of storytelling, unraveling how figures like dragons and Godzilla mirror our fears and desires. Their symbolism in creation myths, especially the monstrous feminine embodied by Medusa, showcases societal anxieties. Lawrence also discusses the evolving portrayal of dinosaurs and Godzilla, revealing how these creatures transform from symbols of destruction to reflections of inner conflict and nature's power.
Monsters serve as reflections of our fears and desires, embodying societal anxieties while bridging the natural and supernatural realms.
The evolution of monstrous narratives illustrates humanity's shifting relationship with nature and the internal psychological struggles we face today.
Deep dives
The Fascination with Monsters
Monsters have been a persistent element of human storytelling, reflecting our fears and beliefs throughout history. This fascination stems from our inherent curiosity about the unknown, as well as our complex emotional responses to creatures that transgress boundaries between the human, animal, and the supernatural. From ancient manticores and hydras to modern depictions in films like 'Alien' and 'Predator', the evolving portrayal of monsters reveals how they encapsulate the anxieties and aspirations of different cultures over time. This exploration of monstrous imagery reminds us that our relationships with nature and the creatures that inhabit it are both symbolic and deeply rooted in our shared human experience.
Defining Monsters and Their Transgressive Nature
Defining what constitutes a monster is challenging, as the term encompasses a wide range of beings and entities across different cultures and periods. Monsters typically exhibit transgressive characteristics, crossing boundaries such as species or social norms, which contributes to their shocking and often horrifying nature. These entities can reflect our fears about the 'other,' as seen historically in the monstrous portrayals of different races and cultures based on skewed perceptions. The act of 'monstering' can reveal societal prejudices, often stemming from fear or misunderstanding of what is different or unfamiliar.
Monsters in Mythology and Creation Myths
Myths and religious narratives often position monsters at the center of creation stories, symbolizing the chaos and natural forces associated with the birth of the world. Creatures like Tiamat in Mesopotamian mythology or Leviathan in Judeo-Christian lore embody the immense power of nature, offering insights into how ancient cultures viewed their relationship with the world. Additionally, the evolution of these narratives reflects shifts in societal attitudes towards nature, often animating elements of the environment in ways that reveal both reverence and fear. The transformation of monstrous figures in these myths also highlights how humanity has grappled with the duality of creation and destruction present within nature.
The Internalization of Monsters in Modern Culture
In contemporary society, the conception of monsters has shifted from external threats to internal fears, mirroring our understanding of human nature and morality. This change is characterized by a fascination with psychological monsters, reflecting a growing awareness of the capacity for violence and monstrous behavior within individuals. Events of the 20th century, such as wars and atrocities, have led to a recognition that the true monsters often reside within us, prompting a deeper exploration of the human psyche in modern storytelling. As society navigates this complex relationship with its own monstrous tendencies, narratives now encourage confrontation and acceptance of these darker aspects rather than mere vilification.
What makes a monster, and why do they fascinate us? Dr Natalie Lawrence unravels 15,000 years of human storytelling through the tales of creatures like dragons, Medusa, and even Godzilla. Speaking to Rachel Dinning, Natalie explores how monsters have embodied our fears, projected our desires, and bridged the natural and supernatural worlds.
(Ad) Natalie Lawrence is the author of Enchanted Creatures: Our Monsters and Their Meanings (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2024). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enchanted-Creatures-Monsters-Their-Meanings/dp/1474619010/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.