Monstrum · SEASON 3
The Macabre Origins of the Grim Reaper
Episode 9 · 2021-07-01
- Documentary
Episode overview
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.
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
