Monster

Monsters

Monsters play an important role in history. The word monster is loosely defined as someone or something that does heinous acts. Historically, these were the creatures that inhabited far away lands. Anything unknown was to be feared. Therefore, the reality was ignored and those from unknown lands often labeled “monster.”

There have been a few really famous monsters throughout the ages. Most captured our attention through the movies, though there were some who were around long before movies came to be. Here are a few favorites, along with some of the reasons they became famous monsters.

Grendel

The epic tale of Beowulf is a must read for most high school and college students. This story has everything a great story should have – including a monster. Grendel wreaks havoc on the society of the day until he comes face-to-face with Beowulf.

At the end of the showdown fight, Beowulf holds Grendel’s life in his hands. But that isn’t the end of this story, because everyone – even Grendel – has a mother.

Godzilla

Godzilla – King of the Monsters – was bound to be a favorite monster. After all, what could be scarier than a giant, scaly lizard? Add the fact that this little gem came from the Eastern cultures and you’ve got a hit.

Godzilla has been remade several times. While the graphics, features and special effects are bound to improve with expanding technology, there’s no way to get more frightening than the original giant Godzilla lizard.

King Kong

The classic scene with King Kong hanging from the side of a building is bound to be the main reason that this monster became famous. The original King Kong film was made in 1933, but there have been remakes throughout the years.

A giant ape with an attachment to a beautiful blond? There are few famous monsters that have that kind of claim to fame.

Werewolves

Werewolves are creatures that pose as men by day but turn into howling beasts by the full moon. Only when bitten by another werewolf does one become a werewolf.

The tales of werewolves are as varied as any monsters. One important note on werewolves is that the concept has been used on other creatures as well. You’ll find there are movies depicting several kinds of animals that change at the full moon, including the recent addition of a “Were-Rabbit.”

The Bogeyman

This fictional monster has probably been used by mothers of cranky children for ages. “If you don’t behave, the Bogeyman is going to get you.” There have been dozens of Hollywood takes on the Bogeyman. Ultimately, the Bogeyman is simply anyone who can scare you.

Frankenstein

No list of famous monsters would be complete without Shelley’s “Frankenstein’s Monster.” What many people don’t know about the novel is that Mary Shelley was visiting Lord Byron in 1818 when she wrote the story. She, her fiancé, Lord Byron and another friend had spent the evening reading ghost stories.

Lord Byron issued a challenge. Each was to go to his or her room and write the more horrific tale imaginable. Lord Byron came up with a short missive about vampires, but Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein’s Monster.”

With that in mind, why not spend an evening with a good book of ghost stories and see if you can’t come up with a monster of your own. The beast may just make someone’s top ten list of monsters someday.