Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The Mothman story is a whole and once we got into the actual research behind it... there's actually many aspects of the Mothman story and it's actually kind of complicated and oftentimes, quick, controversial." — Henry Zebrowski
"And you know, it's the same. Let's see the whole picture. Well, let's break down that Keill belief system, the breakdown. Now John Keill can be countered amongst those paranormal researchers who follow the theoretical models of Charles Fort, who maintain that all unexplained phenomena actually did have some sort of rational explanation." — Marcus Parks
"But when you look at just what this region of West Virginia has been through over the last 150 years, it very well may be that chief Cornstock's curse was one of the hexes that stuck." — Marcus Parks
The episode "Mothman Redux Part 1" begins by introducing the central cryptid, Mothman, and its association with Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The hosts discuss the initial sightings in 1966, describing the creature as a seven-foot-tall man with massive wings and blazing red eyes. They then delve into the history of the area, highlighting tragic events such as Lord Dunmore's War, the Battle of Point Pleasant, and the subsequent curse placed by Chief Cornstock. This historical context is presented as a potential contributing factor to the unusual phenomena reported in the region, suggesting a link between local trauma and the Mothman sightings. The discussion also touches on the work of paranormal investigator John Keel and his book, "The Mothman Prophecies," exploring his theories about cryptids and UFOs as part of a larger, interconnected phenomenon.
The conversation further explores the legitimacy of cryptozoology, drawing parallels to historical discoveries like the gorilla, which was once considered a cryptid. The hosts debate the scientific community's perception of cryptozoology and the challenges faced by researchers in having their findings recognized. They also examine the unique environmental and socio-economic conditions of West Virginia, characterizing it as a "forgotten state" with a history of industrial disasters, high cancer rates, and opioid deaths, suggesting these factors may contribute to the region's reputation for strange occurrences. The episode emphasizes the idea that the Mothman phenomenon is not an isolated event but rather part of a pattern of unusual activities and historical tragedies in the area.
Finally, the episode revisits the Mothman's reported appearances, noting sightings prior to the main "Mothman flap" and discussing the perceived nature of its flight and movement as possibly mechanical or machine-like. The hosts consider the possibility that the Mothman's actions might be a form of communication or a display intended to be seen, rather than conventional flight. The episode concludes by setting the stage for future discussions on the Silver Bridge collapse and other mysteries surrounding the Mothman legend, reinforcing the idea that the cryptid's existence is deeply tied to the land's history of misfortune and the human psyche's need to find explanations for the unexplained.