History Extra podcast
From dinosaurs to Godzilla: a 15,000-year history of monsters
Feb 7, 2025
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.
40:33
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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