Stories of mythical creatures never fail to emerge. Most global folk law describes beasts with implausible body features that make them hard to believe – but which spark curiosity in us all. The evidence provided by the creator of these ‘myths’ is often vague and open to interpretation. A multitude of evidence for each creature has been provided and the hype behind these creatures spans across the globe, fuelled more than ever by social media.
Studies from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States, explains that the psychological myth theory means “myths are based on human emotion and that they come from the human subconscious mind.” When the myth breaks out and a creature has been spotted, the human mind sees what may look like a monster, they see it as just that. The research goes on to explain that “Cultures all around the world had similar fears, questions, and wishes which, to them, were unexplainable.”
Countries around the globe lay claim to their own mythical creature. For example, in Loch Ness, Scotland, the famous Loch Ness Monster named ‘Nessie’ has been photographed a multitude of times. There was even a children’s cartoon based around the monster in the 1980s. Many of these photos have been proven fake by scientists. These may have been an attention grab by the government as these mythical creatures attract tourists and therefore income for the country. Think about how many tourists have been to the Himalayas in search of the Yeti; all more or less unsuccessful.
By potentially planting false evidence at the ‘home’ of the creature, social media will bring thousand to the country. have you never noticed that many countries have their own creature, some with similar characteristics to others. This triggers curiosity to study and understand the difference between beasts.
This leaves the question: Is the Yeti, Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot & the Kraken all just government hoaxes…
Let us know your thoughts or tell us about your favourite monster by leaving a comment in the section below.
By Charlie and Rory Yr8
Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
Fascinating article! It would be crazy if we discovered these creatures were all elaborate government hoaxes!
Great article. Who knows whether these monsters exist – wouldn’t it scary if you were on a boat trip on Loch Ness and Nessie did appear in the water! My favourite mythical creatures would be Buckbeak or Dobby from Harry Potter or ‘monster’ would be Sully from Monsters Inc – he’s nice and friendly though.
I loooove cryptids. I don’t believe in them but love the concept. I think my favourite is Mothman, this spooky humanoid moth from West Virginia with big black wings and luminous red eyes. It must be very hard to be the first person to see (or invent) a cryptid – they must be a really good story teller to get people to beleive them!
I’m sure I’ve seen Nessie…
Excellent writing Charlie and Rory. Another thought provoking article!
Wonderfully thought-provoking. I also love the psychology of confirmation bias where we spot the grainy shape in the water and know it *must* be Nessie.
These characters also play an important part in bringing tourism to many far-flung parts of the world.
Beautifully written article. Next you’ll be telling me that Father Christmas and the Easter Bunny are government hoaxes, too …..
I love the idea of mythical creatures being a government hoax … I can picture the government sat round a big table brainstorming ideas for what their monster’s characteristics should be 🤣🤣
What an interesting article! I remember visiting Loch Ness as a child, hunting for Nessie! Did you read about the Cottingley fairies? A great hoax around 1917 by two young cousins!
Excellent article and very thought provoking. Casts doubts on some real life monsters such as Nessie which obviously exists.