Up Next
Back to Show
Monstrum
The Macabre Origins of the Grim Reaper
Season 3
Episode 9
There are fewer images of Death personified than the scythe-wielding skeletal form of the Grim Reaper. But where did it come from? You may have heard that this haunting figure emerged as a result of the Black Plague, but that’s only a fraction of the story. This episode looks at the long history of skeletal Death in religion, literature, art, and pop culture.
Support Provided By
17:13
Find out what theories have been disproven—and what questions are still unanswered.
10:10
We picture sirens as similar to mermaids, but the original first sirens weren’t fish-like.
7:29
A constant in the stories of the bunyip is the role of Aboriginal storytelling & culture.
9:53
This shapeshifting female spider monster from Japan might be your worst nightmare.
11:31
Why do we have such a fascination with apocalyptic scenarios?
9:58
There are few modern monsters more notorious, or more recognized, than Slenderman.
10:25
The jinni are far more important, and frightening, than pop culture would have us believe.
12:57
Does this snow monster really exist?
9:09
What could possibly have prompted the creation of this twisted tale?
9:54
Learn about the surprising history of this shapeshifting creature.
6:40
The mythological origins of iconic dragons from Game of Thrones and The Hobbit.
6:04
Rethinking the characterization of Frankenstein's Monster as more sympathetic and soulful.