Monstrum · SEASON 3
Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous Glutton
Episode 3 · 2021-03-03
- Documentary
Episode overview
While its face is scarce in popular culture today, this influential ancient monster from Chinese mythology predates the written word. Inspired by ancient bronze and jade iconography detailing the face of a bulging-eyed, gapping-mouthed beast, the Taotie creature is both mysterious and notorious, inspiring fear with its horrible gluttony. The greedy, insatiable appetite of the Taotie, one of the four “legendary monsters” or malevolences of Chinese mythology, is its defining trait—but why? Explore the many theories behind this beast as you dive into a mystery that has fascinated archeologists, historians, philosophers, and authors for thousands of years.
Season 3 episodes
1. Baba Yaga: The Ancient Origins of the Famous ‘Witch’2021-01-14
2. Werehyena: The Terrifying Shapeshifters of African Lore2021-02-03
3. Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous Glutton2021-03-03
4. Leprechaun: From Gold-Loving Cobbler to Cultural Icon2021-03-16
5. Will-o’-the-Wisp: Monstrous Flame or Scientific Phenomenon?2021-04-07
6. Yara-ma-yha-who: Australia’s Regurgitating, Blood-Sucking Mo2021-04-08
7. Basilisk or Cockatrice? The Mysterious King of Serpents2021-05-19
8. Don’t Let Them In! The Urban Legends of Black-Eyed Children2021-06-23
9. The Macabre Origins of the Grim Reaper2021-07-01
10. El Silbón: The Deadly Whistler of the South American Grasslands2021-07-21
11. Fire Cat or Fire Cart? The History of Japan’s Kasha2021-08-11
12. Death Worms: Fact or Fiction?2021-09-29
13. The Killer Origins of the Werewolf2021-10-21
14. The Werewolf’s Modern Metamorphosis2021-10-28
15. Trolls: Scandinavia’s Malevolent, Magical Outcasts2021-11-10
16. Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science Fiction2021-11-23
17. Krampus: Origins of the Yuletide Monster2021-12-15
