The Origin of Cryptids

[Mako]

It seems like the origin occurs when someone finally designates the source of various unexplained experiences that have accumulated over the years, regardless of whether they are actually related. Also, examining the approximate date of origin and corresponding historical context may be helpful in understanding the cryptid phenomenon. Anyways, please share your thoughts.

[MRC_Hans]

I don't think that is correct, for most of the Cryptids. In the cases where it is, it is actually a perfectly valid basis for a hypothesis: An attempt to correlate independent observations.

However, I think most cryptids have other origins, some of which are:

- Folklore. The origin is schrouded in the past, but may come both from local adaptation of more universal legend (certainly the case for ghosts and various pixies etc.) and from the interpretation of observation(s).

- Single observation. Someone saw something, and told the tale. Others then interpret other observations as confirmative. (very common, this one)

- Fabrication. Someone started the story, for whatever reason (prank, attention seeking, madness, etc.) and people caught on.

We must remember that what cryptids we "have" today, are mostly the more durable survivers from a past where people habitually populated unexplored places with cryptids.

Hans

[blutoski]

It seems like the origin occurs when someone finally designates the source of various unexplained experiences that have accumulated over the years, regardless of whether they are actually related.

I'm having trouble parsing this sentence.




Also, examining the approximate date of origin and corresponding historical context may be helpful in understanding the cryptid phenomenon. Anyways, please share your thoughts.

It's pretty self-evident that learning the history of a myth helps us understand the myth more, so I'm not sure what you want us to 'discuss'.

[Mako]

It's pretty self-evident that learning the history of a myth helps us understand the myth more, so I'm not sure what you want us to 'discuss'.

How have changing historical contexts influenced which cryptids become more widely recognized?

[Correa Neto]

Well, its pretty much obvious. Here are two examples:

1. As understanding of life sciences increases, the most unlikely and less plausible cryptocritters will be sacked and/or have their images changed to become more palatable; their last stand will be the paranormal territory.

2. Culture A has its influence area increased; its myths will spread over new territory, eventually changing due to influences of the previous culture(s).

I can't help but consider the obviousness of the questions as being an indication that Mako, despite his/hers claims, is actually Lil'Mak or one of his "friends". Are you performing one of yours "psychological experiments" Lil'Mak?

There's space at my ignore list...

[Mako]

I can't help but consider the obviousness of the questions as being an indication that Mako, despite his/hers claims, is actually Lil'Mak or one of his "friends". Are you performing one of yours "psychological experiments" Lil'Mak?

There's space at my ignore list...

Oh geesh, I didn't think I'd have to keep dispelling this conspiracy. No, I am not Mak or one of his friends. Also, you have missed part of my question that I probably should have more explicitly stated. By "changing historical contexts," I also was referring to evolving cultures. Can various trends in our popular culture help to explain which cryptids receive more attention?

Edit: I mean popular culture

[makaya325]

Well, its pretty much obvious. Here are two examples:

1. As understanding of life sciences increases, the most unlikely and less plausible cryptocritters will be sacked and/or have their images changed to become more palatable; their last stand will be the paranormal territory.

2. Culture A has its influence area increased; its myths will spread over new territory, eventually changing due to influences of the previous culture(s).

I can't help but consider the obviousness of the questions as being an indication that Mako, despite his/hers claims, is actually Lil'Mak or one of his "friends". Are you performing one of yours "psychological experiments" Lil'Mak?

There's space at my ignore list...

I am having a ball over your belief that Mako is my sock. Continue the comical relief Correa!

[Correa Neto]

Oh geesh, I didn't think I'd have to keep dispelling this conspiracy. No, I am not Mak or one of his friends. Also, you have missed part of my question that I probably should have more explicitly stated. By "changing historical contexts," I also was referring to evolving cultures. Can various trends in our popular culture help to explain which cryptids receive more attention?

Edit: I mean popular culture
Well, I can give you the benefit of doubt but I do think the (non)existence of links between you and Lil'Mak is something not yet well established.

As for my answer, please note that there are a number of ways in which a culture can evolve and usually they are related to contacts with other cultures, since most cultures are not isolated. Note also that the notion of "culture", popular or not, will depend on the scale of observation. Thus one can say that there is indeed (sub)culture competitions.

Lets check some possibilities...

1. Slow news day at some sensationalist and/or "popular" news media somewhere say, in Latin America. Let's fill the gap with some weird creature sighting. Ratings increase, this triggers more articles. Well, in this globalized world, for whatever reason (Latin target public, slow news day, etc.) an USA-based news agency publishes the news. OK, now you may have cryptid A added to a number of USA subcultures. And this new cryptid will change in time as "details" are added or subtracted by feedback and the never ending hunger for more sensationalistic stuff...

2. Cryptid B is seen as a peacefull herbivore during the 70s; its time for love peace and harmony with nature. But then times changed, hippies are no longer in fashion and then after the 80’s it became an über-smart top-predator capable of leveling forests and cast fear in humans using infrasound…

3. Cryptid C lives in a lake. Its supposed to be some sort of reptile. As public opinion becomes more aware of some basic biology facts, it becomes unlikely that it can be a reptile given the cold climate. Now, it is becoming some sort of mammal…

4. Cryptid D is supposed to fly and have red glowing eyes. . As public opinion becomes more aware of some basic biology facts, it becomes unlikely that it can be a real animal. Now, it is moving towards the paranormal field…

Can you recognize the cryptids?

[blutoski]

How have changing historical contexts influenced which cryptids become more widely recognized?

It's more about popular media.

Books, movies, TV. Whatever the writers and supporting special effects people invent gets introduced into the myth.