Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The idea of cryptids being the ghosts of ancient animals, like things that are out in the forest that were there millions of years ago that are now just sort of like literally like the ghosts of giant apes, the ghosts of a giant prehistoric turtle that you then see." — Marcus Parks
"The squank is by no means a new invention. Accounts first appeared back in 1910, and while it's place of origin sometimes differs, its physical appearance is what the squank is known for as it is by far the least attractive of the cryptids." — Henry Zebrowski
"The Snally Gaster sounds like a Ramstein album, but it's awesome. Out of all the cryptids we talked about today, the Snally Gaster has the worst name, but it's also the creepiest." — Ben Kissel
The episode delves into the fascinating phenomenon of "cryptid towns," communities that have capitalized on local legends and mysterious creature sightings to boost their economies and forge unique identities. The hosts explore how towns like Douglas, Wyoming, embrace the jackalope, turning a taxidermy joke into a tourist attraction with hunting permits and statues. They contrast this with towns like Jean Apples, Brazil, which fears its local werewolf legends, and Chorubusco, Indiana, centered around the mythical "Beast of Busco" snapping turtle. The discussion highlights how these legends, whether rooted in disease, folklore, or imaginative marketing, become ingrained in the fabric of these towns, attracting visitors and generating revenue through festivals, museums, and themed attractions.
Further exploration includes the Hodag of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a creature that has become a successful marketing mascot and a draw for a large music festival, and the Snally Gaster of Frederick County, Maryland, a creature so fearsome it was even considered a hunting target by President Teddy Roosevelt. The hosts also touch upon the more melancholic cryptids like the "squank" of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, whose story was originally intended to raise awareness for environmental destruction. The episode emphasizes that these cryptid towns, regardless of the creature's perceived reality, thrive on the collective belief and shared narratives that define their unique appeal.
The discussion also touches upon the origins of these legends, suggesting they can stem from misidentified animals, folkloric embellishments, or even intentional fabrications for promotional purposes. The hosts ponder the psychological aspects of belief, how community investment can strengthen the perceived reality of a cryptid, and how these stories can serve as cautionary tales or reflections of societal anxieties. Ultimately, the episode celebrates the ingenuity of communities in transforming local folklore into vibrant cultural and economic assets, demonstrating the enduring power of storytelling.