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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.

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Season
Dracula: The First Modern Vampire (ASL)
7:02
Post-Dracula Vampires: From Anne Rice to Twilight
The Original Headless Horseman (ASL)
5:51
Meet the Headless Horseman and his terrifying cousin, the Irish Dullahan.
Release the Kraken! (ASL)
6:07
Legend has it this monster could take down ships and create whirlpools.
Medusa: Victim or Villain?  (ASL)
5:44
Medusa has inspired art for centuries, whether as a symbol of protection or a monster.
Are White Walkers Really Nordic Zombies? (ASL)
6:12
What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common?
El Chupacabras, a Modern Mystery (ASL)
6:27
Did you know there are two different types of chupacabras?
The Legend of La Llorona (ASL)
5:33
The legend of La Llorona, the “weeping woman,” has terrified generations.
Golem: The Mysterious Clay Monster of Jewish Lore (ASL)
6:15
How did Golem become so influential?
Martians! How Aliens Invaded Earth (ASL)
7:59
The stories of Martians have changed throughout time. Find out how aliens invaded Earth!
Windigo: The Flesh-Eating Monster of Native American Legend  (ASL)
8:32
Explore the symbolic interpretations of the windigo.
Cyclops: The Origin Story of this Terrifying One-Eyed Giant  (ASL)
10:59
They cause havoc in the lives of all those unfortunate enough to encounter them.
Blame the Tokoloshe! South Africa’s Most Notorious Goblin (ASL)
6:24
They cause havoc in the lives of all those unfortunate enough to encounter them.
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