WEIRD, WILD, AND ONCE FEARED MONSTERS LOST TO TIME
Lamia Lamia refers to “a mythological creature depicted as a woman who preys on humans, especially children, by sucking their blood,” according to the OED. In Greek mythology, Lamia was once a beautiful queen Zeus loved, but in an act of vengeance, she transformed into a monster that roamed the night, preying on children. Over time, her name became synonymous with witches and female demons. Snallygaster
Monsters have always been prominent in popular culture. Looking back through history — long before today’s iconic monsters — people had vivid and often bizarre ways of describing the monsters of their folklore. These strange creatures that time forgot may not haunt our collective imaginations today, but their names and stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the fears of the past. Bycorne Bycornes were a popular monster from the mid-1500s with the body of a plump cow and a human face. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) definition of Bycorne describes the beast’s specific diet, which consisted of “patient husbands” who kept him “always fat from the abundance of his diet.” The OED also describes Bycorne’s spouse, Chichevache, who “fed upon patient wives and was always lean.” The legacy of Bycorne shows how folklore often blended humor and fear with ideas about marriage and other cultural norms. Polyphemus
Unlike ancient legends, the Snallygaster emerged in American folklore, fueled by newspaper reports in the early 1900s. This winged beast, described as “a fabulous reptilian bird of vast size,” inspired public hysteria before the legend faded into obscurity. The creature itself has been largely forgotten, but its name left a linguistic mark, morphing into the term “snollygoster,” a term for a shrewd and unprincipled person, which is said to have originated from the Snallygaster legend. Although these creatures have faded from everyday language, their stories reflect the fears, humor, and beliefs of the past. They also remind us that monsters and the words used to describe them are constantly evolving.
Polyphemus is best known from Homer’s “The Odyssey,” in which the one-eyed giant terrorizes Odysseus and his men. By the mid-1600s, the term was generalized to describe any cyclopean creature. Traces of this linguistic shift can be seen today in science with the Polyphemus moth, which got its name from the eye-like spots on its wing.
Mental Health Matters Unlock Your Best Self With These Tips
Maximize your sleep. Sleep plays a key role in our mood, focus, and overall mental well-being. Are you getting eight hours of sleep every night? If not, you may need to adjust your bedtime routine. Avoid looking at screens and limit your caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake in the hours leading up to bedtime. Connect with others. Socializing is a great way to take ourselves out of a negative headspace. Find ways to connect with others, even if you’re an introvert. Join a book club or sports team. Call up your parents, siblings, friends, and other family members to talk and catch up on each other’s lives. You could also volunteer with charitable organizations! Pay attention to your physical health. Our physical health directly affects our mental well-being. To maximize your health, you must exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
In recent years, people have started paying more attention to their mental health. The pandemic brought forth feelings of isolation for many Americans as they could no longer connect regularly with others. Even though we’re a few years removed from the height of the pandemic, many are still recovering and trying to improve their mental health. When your mental health is suffering, you feel it in all aspects of life. Relationships become more difficult to maintain, your performance at work can suffer, and even your creativity can be stifled. Since May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s explore ways to boost your mental health. Spend more time outdoors! When we don’t get enough sunshine and vitamin D, our mental health starts to deteriorate. You don’t have to worry about the cold right now, so get outside and take a walk, go hiking, or simply bathe in the sun. Your mind will thank you!
Maintaining good physical health can help offset symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Get professional help if needed. Sometimes, the little things won’t make as much of a difference as we need. In that case, you may want to see a therapist or counselor. There is nothing wrong or weak about seeing a doctor. It might be the best possible decision you can make for your health.
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