DONATE
Back to: Monstrum
S1E8
Golem: The Mysterious Clay Monster of Jewish Lore
July 17, 2019
Made from clay and animated by the sacred word of G-d, the golem of Jewish origin has evolved from a 6th-century meditation of creation, to a source of labor, and finally, an avenging symbol of redemption. The golem many people recognize today wasn’t invented until the 19th century--but how did it become so influential?
TV Schedule
Thursday
October 30, 2025
9:00PM | WFYI 1 (20.1)
Tune-in Reminder
Friday
October 31, 2025
1:00AM | WFYI 1 (20.1)
Tune-in Reminder
Watch
Modern Zombies: The Rebirth of the Undead
October 29, 2020
In the final episode of our three-part series, we bring us to the 21st-century zombie.
Why George Romero Changed Zombies Forever
October 21, 2020
In this second episode of our special series, we move from the zombi to the Romero zombie....
The Origins of the Zombie, from Haiti to the U.S.
October 14, 2020
The first episode of our three-part special series on the complex history of the zombie.
Season 2
The Original Urban Legend: Spring-Heeled Jack
S2E11
Spring-heeled Jack became both a terrifying boogeyman and an avenging hero.
Unlocking the Mystery of Loch Ness
S2E10
Find out what theories have been disproven—and what questions are still unanswered.
The Fatal Song of the Sirens
S2E9
We picture sirens as similar to mermaids, but the original first sirens weren’t fish-like....
Bunyip: Australia’s Mysterious Amphibian Monster
S2E8
A constant in the stories of the bunyip is the role of Aboriginal storytelling & culture.
Jorōgumo: The Deadly Spider Woman from Yokai Lore
S2E7
This shapeshifting female spider monster from Japan might be your worst nightmare.
Slender Man: How The Internet Created a Monster
S2E6
There are few modern monsters more notorious, or more recognized, than Slenderman.
Jinn: The Ancient Arabian Shapeshifters
S2E5
The jinni are far more important, and frightening, than pop culture would have us believe....
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (with Dr. Z)
S2E4
Why do we have such a fascination with apocalyptic scenarios?
The Dark Origins of Hansel and Gretel
S2E2
What could possibly have prompted the creation of this twisted tale?
Leshy: The Slavic Lord of the Forest
S2E1
Learn about the surprising history of this shapeshifting creature.
Season 1
The Wicked Feline Murder Floof, a Yule Cat Story
S1E20
Iceland’s murderous monster feline, the Yule Cat
Manananggal: A Flying, Disembodied, Blood Sucking Nightmare
S1E19
One of the Phillipine’s most dangerous and bizarre aswangs.
The Origin of Medusa
S1E18
Medusa has inspired art for centuries, whether as a symbol of protection or a monster.
Blame the Tokoloshe! South Africa’s Most Notorious Goblin
S1E17
They cause havoc in the lives of all those unfortunate enough to encounter them.
Cyclops: The Origin Story of this Terrifying One-Eyed Giant
S1E16
The cyclops has appeared in stories across the globe for thousands of years.
Banshee: Ireland's Screaming Harbinger of Death
S1E13
You might not think a crying, screaming ghost is a good thing, but you’d be wrong.
Post-Dracula Vampires: From Anne Rice to Twilight
S1E12
Post-Dracula Vampires: From Anne Rice to Twilight
Windigo: The Flesh-Eating Monster of Native American Legend
S1E11
Explore the symbolic interpretations of the windigo.
The Legend of La Llorona
S1E7
The legend of La Llorona, the “weeping woman,” has terrified generations.
What Dragons Say About Us
S1E5
The mythological origins of iconic dragons from Game of Thrones and The Hobbit.
Godzilla and Mothra: King and Queen of the Kaiju
S1E4
Godzilla is one of the most recognizable monsters in film, and he should be.
The Original Headless Horseman
S1E2
Meet the Headless Horseman and his terrifying cousin, the Irish Dullahan.
Are White Walkers Really Nordic Zombies?
S1E1
What do the Sagas of the Icelanders and Game of Thrones have in common?
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.