Stories of mysterious creatures often appear on tabloid covers lining the grocery store checkout, cult Internet sites, or even the evening news. People who claim to have seen Bigfoot’s giant footprint, or goats drained of their blood by the Chupacabra, always draw a fascinated crowd. Folks get really excited about the theories and sitings of these mythological beings roaming the world behind our backs.
Are these believers crazy, or just 10 percent off kilter? While they may not be the most realistic crowd, scientists are saying that their fascinations with Bigfoot and friends is actually healthy.
Psychologists liken the chase of mythological creatures to our subconscious battles with our own demons. We want to feel like we can conquer something. It’s our inner hero coming out to save the day.
“Some monsters are scary. Some monsters are friendly,” Karen Sharf, a psychotherapist, told CNN. “Sometimes in movies or myths, we befriend the monster, and it’s just like in our inner world: There are monsters; there are dark aspects that we have to face,” she said.
Myths of the Loch Ness Monster and Yetti, for example, may also exemplify a cultural need. Societies have been chasing down imaginary creatures for centuries. Perhaps the thought of fighting something illusive together forms a bond between people, creating stronger communities?
On the other hand, some people tend to feel the need to reach out and touch danger. Experiencing a dose of fear, through safe settings like a scary movie or a roller coaster ride, is thrilling. Believing in werewolves or ghosts can provide that outlet.
There is a reason myths stand the test of time, though there is no proof of their reality. As Sharf mentioned, ”We need these stories to teach us about what we are going to come against in life and how to overcome it.”
Photo by Chiceaux via Flickr.