Monsters of Horror: The Mothman
Have you ever heard of the Mothman? It is a strange creature that has been sighted in West Virginia since the 1960s. Some people believe it is a harbinger of doom, while others think it is a misunderstood animal or a hoax. In this blog post, I will explore the history, sightings, and theories of the Mothman.
The first reported sighting of the Mothman occurred on November 12, 1966, near Clendenin, West Virginia. Five men who were digging a grave at a cemetery claimed to see a man-like figure fly low over their heads. They described it as having large wings and glowing red eyes.
Three days later, on November 15, two young couples from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, reported seeing a similar creature near an abandoned World War II munitions plant known as the TNT area. They said it was about seven feet tall, with grey skin and glowing red eyes. It chased their car at speeds of over 100 mph as they tried to escape.
These sightings sparked a wave of panic and curiosity in the area. More people claimed to see the Mothman in the following weeks and months, often near the TNT area or along the Ohio River. Some witnesses also reported hearing a loud screeching sound or feeling a sense of dread before encountering the creature.
The Mothman also became associated with a tragic event that occurred on December 15, 1967. On that day, the Silver Bridge, which connected Point Pleasant to Ohio, collapsed during rush hour, killing 46 people. Some people believed that the Mothman was somehow responsible for or connected to the disaster, as some witnesses claimed to see it near the bridge before it fell.
The sightings of the Mothman declined after the bridge collapse, but they did not stop completely. Some people have reported seeing it in other parts of West Virginia, as well as in other states and countries. The most recent sighting was in Chicago in 2017, where several people claimed to see a large winged humanoid flying over the city.
The Mothman remains a mystery to this day. No one knows for sure what it is or where it came from. There are many theories and speculations about its nature and origin. Some of them are:
- The Mothman is a mutated bird or animal that was affected by the chemicals or radiation in the TNT area.
- The Mothman is an alien or an interdimensional being that visits Earth for unknown reasons.
- The Mothman is a cryptid, a creature that exists but has not been scientifically proven or classified.
- The Mothman is a supernatural entity that can predict or cause disasters.
- The Mothman is a hoax or a misidentification of other animals or objects.
The Mothman has also inspired many books, movies, documentaries, and podcasts. One of the most famous ones is The Mothman Prophecies by John Keel, which was later adapted into a film starring Richard Gere. The Mothman also has its own museum and festival in Point Pleasant, where fans and enthusiasts can learn more about it and celebrate its legend.
The Mothman is one of the most intriguing and mysterious creatures in American folklore. Whether you believe it is real or not, you have to admit that it has captured the imagination of many people for decades. What do you think of the Mothman?
Have you ever seen it or know someone who has? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
© Colin Lawson Books