Haunted Cosmos

FERAL PEOPLE! (S6, E4)

Dec 24, 2025
Dive into the wild world of feral people and the profound questions surrounding humanity. Explore chilling tales of boys raised by wolves and the tragic story of feral girls from Bengal. The conversation weaves through theological debates on the image of God and community's impact. Delve into Appalachian folklore, mysterious disappearances, and the stark reality of hermits like Hiroo Onoda and the Lykov family. This insightful discussion raises thought-provoking ideas about isolation and the essence of being truly human.
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ANECDOTE

Medieval Wolf-Raised Boy

  • A 1304 Hessian farmer found a boy running with wolves and later rescued him from a cave where the pack sheltered him.
  • The boy refused food, walked on all fours, learned speech slowly, and longed for his wolf family, per Ben Garrett.
INSIGHT

Isolation Threatens Human Flourishing

  • Feral-child stories force questions about what defines humanity and whether isolation can erode the image of God.
  • Ben Garrett contrasts Rousseau's noble-savage view with Scripture that sees isolation as a curse.
ANECDOTE

Wolf-Reared Girls In India

  • Villagers in 1920 West Bengal found two feral girls living in a termite mound guarded by a she-wolf.
  • Reverend J.A. Singh described their animal-like behavior, raw meat cravings, and one girl's death after 18 months.
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