That’s the thing, it’s not science fiction. He’s using actual fucking science to create scientifically plausible monsters which makes this series cool as fuck.
As a Romanian, I never saw a strigoi in the 700 years I lived thus far, nor did the others whom are much older than me. Don't worry, it's merely a legend, a fable. You're all safe. It's not like vampires would lie to people and make them believe they have weaknesses and don't exist. 😇
Same here, as a Romanian from Bucharest I haven't heard anyone in the last 5 century mention strigoi. I mean they are like a legend to scare the children faster in their coffins but nothing more . Anyway , don't you guys think garlic is so overrated, let's just ban it cuz it makes you smell bad and it's not good for you, right ?
@@jynx3978is like a small puppy compare to the true meaning of the romanian strigoi. I remember my gradmother from my mother s side...she had stories that keept us up at night for weeks
Considering how much the parasite struggles to infect a host, C. strigosa seems far from being a pandemic waiting to happen. It's more likely it was much more widespread in centuries past, Humanity has grown ever more resistant to it since then, and it's close to going the way of the smallpox by itself.
Besides the actual monster info, I enjoy the hints to a larger world of cryptozoology organizations. It really sells the idea that these are "real" and take place in a "lived-in" setting.
I like how all of these analyses tie into each other lore-wise. The character Allison was mentioned here in what she did, but was also mentioned in the werewolf video, hinting at her demise.
Garlic acts as a disruptor for the enzymes needed by parasites to enter into cells. If the parasite itself is in defacto control of the former human, it may recognize this threat by sight and smell and that's why it has an aversion. A diet heavy in garlic would also hinder its ability to infect a host in the first place.
What an ingenius way of incorporating the Nosferatu style vampires into this world you're making! Whatever folkloric/classic monster you bring to beautiful, horrific life next, I'm sure it will be amazing! Keep up the great work, Mr. Potato!
I hope you don't run out of horror creatures to bring to life with your videos! As I go through my anatomy and physiology class, I understand each video more and recognize the words and conditions I hear in class. It's very rewarding!
I’d love to see your drafting notes on these subjects haha. Must be very fun identifying the interesting traits, and then formulating a method of its occurrence. Wonderful work as always.
@@ThoughtPotato Speaking of exploring new stuff, stories of Tibetan Ro-lang, Indonesian Pocong and Chinise Jiang Shi seem to indicate that Asia has its own "monster disease" rampant too. While stories vary from place to place, one common element seems to be subject’s body stiffining up, like as a result of rigor mortis, forcing the subject to move around in stiff hopping motion.
@@ThoughtPotato I appreciate the time you put in, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Do you have medical training? The detail you include is extremely impressive.
I'm not sure if Strigoi and Vampires are the same thing myth-wise, but I do enjoy this video nonetheless. This is likely an anniversary of the series, since last year. I look forward to whatever mythical creature you have next, maybe something that can be *interviewed,* perhaps. Not only to uncover the physiology of the more sapient mythical creatures, but what their culture is like (if they have one). That would be pretty mindblowing!
From what I understand, the modern vampire (largely Dracula inspired) takes its traits from many eastern European creatures. Strigoi is a main one. There's also the Vrykolaka and general revenant folklore
I don't think people in the past cared about categories the way we do today. Nowadays scientists can describe various species among animals who look almost exactly the same (either through convergent evolution or because they're closely related). In the past people though that whales were a kind of fish As such they didn't put various creatures in strict categories. There was a lot of diversity in how "vamipires" work and a lot of local folkor. Some believed that vamipires phisically dragged themselves out of their graves. Some acted like spirits and drank blood as spectre (they would still somehow transfer blood to their bodies) If anything I would see vamipires, strigoi, ghuls and any undead creatures as subspecies (if you think about them as creatures) or strains of the same disease. Just like foxes they exist everywhere but with local variations and it's 100% to see two species in the same aera
Man I could totally see this series being a monster-of-the-week style horror/sci fi show about a biologist researching these topics with funding from a billionaire obsessed with the medical implications of the occult.
Can you do a video exploring the biology of the Gargoyle? The way I think a real living Gargoyle would look and act like is that it would be a species of carnivorous monkey that has evolved to hunt on the buildings and churches of Notre Dame. There stoney appearance and texture I imagine is the result of them producing a special oil from glands in there anus, then they rub that oil all over there bodies. When this oil drys out it begins to turn a dark grey color that allows them to camouflage along the concrete buildings where they live. Gargoyles are amazing ambush hunters of both terrestrial and airborne prey such as insects, reptiles, small birds and mammals. I’d imagine they would climb on top of a building and stay perfectly still, the dried oily liquid making them look almost exactly like a carved statue. When an animal such as a pigeon or bat comes to investigate or rest on the Gargoyle it grabs them with surprising speed and tears them apart with its sharp teeth and claws. So what do you think of that concept? Btw great video!
I'm not sure if you would ever consider doing one of these on The Creature From the Black Lagoon, but if you do I'd be all for it, great job as always!
It could happen now after the Frankenstein Monster video which isn’t technically a folklore monster, and neither is the Gillman, but now that may not matter
Honestly I'd love to see that. Any fairytale/folklore/mythology creature would be cool, they do such a good job with these videos. I'd be interested to see how they'd approach the creature from the black lagoon though, see how they'd set it apart from the mermaid and siren!
There ARE some mythical beings that are fittingly gillman-like, such as the Finfolk of Scottish folklore, and the terrifying Inuit Qallupilluit! I'd say the Slavic Vodyanoy also counts!
Love from Romania. Love the video. Yes, Strigoi are more vampiric like (ghoulish like) and the Moroi is zombie like(in some parts of the country they refer to the same creature).
Yep, strigoi are said to be corrupted by the souls of great sinners and moroi are more like the souls of children wich died in infanthood possesing corpses
Good to see you were able to cure your ceremorphosis incident stemming from your last study. The loss of such a brilliant mind in the crypto-biology sphere would have been very regrettable. Incredible work as always
I love how this is separate from the vampire biology, highlighting that while often treated as interchangeable, they are in fact separate things. Also, have you thought of creating your own species? Which the quality of research and world building I think it would be a great idea.
Very cool. I’m a little disappointed that the narrator didn’t make any overt comparisons to his previous discussions-like Vampires and Wendigo-when there were so many opportunities, but then this video would be like 90 minutes long. That said, I like how you took the mythology of another culture’s ideas of vampires and made something distinct from the ones discussed in HVV. I also like the mention of animals being infected with the protozoa; it’s a subtle way of explaining the shape shifting myths of the Strigoi.
The Transformation reminds me of Rabies. I remember rabies makes a victim hyrdophobic: as it's transmitted by bite, it gathers in the mouth (thus the foaming mouth) and causes hydrophobia since water would dilute the concentration of the saliva. So the part of the Strigoi protozoa being vulnerable to UV damage thus causing transformation of eyes and the photophobia makes sense.
That's a very close analogy to this and many other bitey-infecty cryptids. The issue I'm seeing so far is that the host is significantly weakened, hampering the efficiency of biting to spread. At best it seems an ambush predator. Simply spreading through drinking water and saliva seem much more effective than the complex physiological changes it instigates. Makes for a fun story though.
If you have a public World Anvil profile/world, I'd subscribe the _shit_ outta that. It's bound to be filled with all sorts of amazing pages of notes and ideas and lore surrounding your growing universe, and it's making me get the itch to create a similar one of my own. You do absolutely amazing work.
I'd love the Kelpies. they are actually really scarey and their biology would be awsome to see. they are bassically semi-aquatic horses that ddragg unknown travelers to their deaths in scotish folk lore (they also exist all over europe under different names)
As a Romanian I can't get enough of this video! I've always thought yhe folklore was so interesting especially with how so much was taken into modern depiction such as the fear if garlic, needing permission to enter, etc. Ive rarely found anything with enough substance to really scratch that itch and you my friend hit the spot! Loved your video on wendigos too! You deserve at MINIMUM 10 million subs.
These videos are so great. The zombie one really helped fill in some gaps I had run into while writing my horror novel (still a WIP). While my readers don't need to necessarily know how/why certain things happen in the story, it sure helps me to know while I'm writing!
Amazing work, you’re so good at these that I almost forget it’s not real! The nucklavee could be a horrifying video if you’re looking for more folklore monsters. Here’s my pitch: Horseman riding through Nordic bogs occasionally fall into the water, where the incredibly low ph gives them a mummified appearance. A fungus will use the perfectly preserved corpses as hosts, warping the bodies into one mass of flesh and fungal tissue. The resulting creature avoids any flowing water because the more alkaline water could kill the fungus.
I really enjoyed this! I often find myself coming up with scientific answers and rationales to fantasy situations, so listening to someone making a scientific theory for a 'supernatural' being like the Strigoi is a treat not to be missed.
Cool seeing ya do basically a Dracula after the Grafted Homunculus episode, may we be getting a "gillman" of sorts too, be it a Finfolk, Qalupalik, or Vodyanoy? Also a certain furry beastman of the Himalayas distinct from the fabled apemen like Woodwose and Sasquatch could be fun tackled for December/winter time!
Great video as usual! You made this vampire variant feel something totally different. shouldn't the binomial name be Strigosa carpathii, as the location is usually given to the species, not the genus?
I think it would be interesting to do an episode on Onryō, which as a ghost might seem odd for biology but hear me out. In the book the Ring the reason why the curse is contagious is explained, she was sick when she died and this further explored in the books. One could then focus specifically on the virality of the "curse". Sort of like how one could argue there were no ghosts in the Haunting of Hill House, it was the effects of black mold. You can't hurt the ghost because the ghost is simply a hallucination caused by the virus or fungus affecting the brain. You can't punch those, you have to quarantine. Could be fun.
Dude, back in the glory days of the Art Bell radio show, you would have been one of his most popular regular guests. I could listen to this stuff for hours. If you don't have a podcast, you should think about starting one.
Amazing presentation as Always!!! Honestly I can see a similarity between these and the Lovecraftian/ Howardian race of Ghouls. Maybe this could be a potential topic to look into? Though from my memory the Ghoulic race is somewhat more like Strigoi or wendigo that wee able to keep their intelligence and just altered their moral viewpoints on life and the world.
This is admittedly well above my head when we get into the microbiology; but I understand just enough to keep up. I love the scientific discussions in the comments sections, and admire how way over my head they can get. xD Drives me to learn more.
HELLLOOO?? WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THE SUBTLE LORE DROPS?? HIS TEAM???!?!? WHAT DID I MISS?? WHERE DID THEY GO?? DID WE JUST GET A NAME DROP FROM ONE OF THE MEMBERS i love the subtle lore its i go so insane over these videos
I love how this channel's use of science terminology to make the Ludicrous seem absolutely believable. Just like just like high school and college professors do.
I remember when I was young my mother told me stories about the Strigoi, also there is like a natural reservation that I went that was full of thin rocky hallways and the legend goes that the mythical creatures called "Zmeii" live there
It's best to think of Strigoi and other such creatures as European counterparts to Onryou. Female Vampires over there are often depicted as wearing white burial dresses, and having power over butterflies.
As a romanian I love that our country is even mentioned by other, more so if it is the country where the action happens. Also when i first drank Carpatian water i felt very sicj but i survived and I am not a strigoi
Well, well, well. I did NOT expect our version of the vampire and ghoul to be present here. First, I really, really like what you did here, and especially the way you made it distinct from the vampire. Even if I, as a Romanian, had some...dislike that you did not use some of the other elements, like how the child of a Strigoi would become a Strigoi. You could have done something about it, like the parasite spreading from parent to child under specific conditions, or of having some less affected individuals, who have lesser negative effects. Now, for the trully negative part. The image at 0:14, and reused at 3:32 (and in several other parts). Were did you get it from. The texture there, reminds me of....„AI” generated images. Now, as I looked closer, I started to osbserve that most of the signs of it being AI generated are...absent, and the context in which it is used makes me doubt it. But still, were did you get it from? Also, thanks for not having the immersion breaking add in the middle.
Have you covered the kelpie? I also like the selkie myth. I think theyre interesting Also, harpies would be cool to see done Love these videos! I have watched many of them. I also love your channel name. I also resinate with a potato. Ive been calling myself jokingly a potato since i was 12 aha 😅
I know you probably won't view this. But i have a few ideas that you might like....might. Minatours, centaurs and satyr: these three hooves specious who seem mostly masculine can all be relatives to some degree. Minatour- reclusive, smart enough to build long winding maze like dens, omnivores and uses primitive weaponry. Satyr - much more intelegent, but still someone primitive, coverd in symbiotic algae and fungus that produces hallucinaetic fumes (since satyrs are often near drunkards and those under the influence.) Centaur - intelegent and capable of socialization, the trope of "kidnapping" human woman can be just that, simply for insiting conflict against humans within their territory, or ritualistic reasonings. Will-o-wisp: floating air plankton that swarm in large collonies in misty, damp swamps where the air is filled with low floating microorganisms to eat. Banshee: a howling monkey like being who uses it's highly advanced senses to sense danger, and scream (like how banshees scream when death is iminent.), Alerting their elusive brethren. Orcs/ogre: in ogre myths (from france) ogres are depicred as large gluttonous men. What if ohres were men (or people with hgih enough testosterone.) That removes the growth limit of the body and causes them to become more hungry, eating will be concerted to energy that'll help the body grow. Witches (stryga): in some romanian mythos, stryga are vampire witches. What if witches were just woman (or people with high estrogen) who obtain a special mold in their body that specifically effects the neurons of less neurally complex creatures. If a human is infected, they become like carriers as the mold doesn't have enoufh strength to decay the neurons....yet. while all other creatures (bugs, pets, and babies.) Will have their neurological pathways hijacked and begin responding to the main carrier (or any large source of molds) chemical emissions (like familiars or witches who bewitch children.) Phoenix: giant flying axolotls, with hardend-feather like scales. Wulver: different from werewolves, the original wolf people. Could just be humans who are extra furry and muscular, live in isolated groups, and where wolf skulls Unicorns/kirins: horned horses who use horns as sensory organs (to sense the electro magnetic fields of other creatures allowing them to run away before interactions.) And as weaponry. Kirins being more mountain based. Possibly related to goats. Succubi/incubi: a parasite (or symbiotic) body worm that causes a increase in libido and desire (dimilar to a brain tumor), while also forcing the host to go through a slow change in metabolism to eat human flesh and bodily fluids..... to absorb more necessary protiens/dna that can better familiarize the symbiote with the human body to even more generations. voodoo zombies: controlling corpses with intact nerves controlled with fungi using chemical signatures. Spider women (multiple mythos): a giant spider that puppeteers a portion of a human body, walking around with it at night and producing aphrodisiac mist in order to attract pray. Able to do this to both animals and humans. Dryad/spriggans: a parasitic "plant" that is familiar homo-sapaian (and other specious) body structure. Will grow through corpses profously. And will latch onto the brain and musxle fibers of a human dimilar to a fungus (which it could be more closely related to.). Latching them onto surfaces and forming nutrient pathways between it, other vines and other plants nearby. Ok, those are all my suggestions. Bye.
I think Vita Nova/Project Starfall and the name checked Samaza in this episode might be related to the manticore in addition to the Frankenstein’s monster. When they bring the narrator to their compound they’re looking for a way to renew the genetic diversity of the remaining manticores
As a Romanian I have to say that, the Strigoi is the ancient ancestor of the modern day vampire… Also, the fact that you mention water ties beautifully with one of the legends which goes something like this .. if a pregnant woman was to be drinking water from a Fountain from which the devil may have slipped his drool and mixed with the water.. than that child would become a Strigoi. Upon the birth of the child. The newly born will present itself with the following signs. Chest and neck as well as forearm hair, pointy ears, upper as well as lower frontal teeth and an elongated tail bone which will resemble a small tail…
This series would be great world building for a larger science fiction horror story.
I mean technically it’s speculative biology for our own world
On god bro
That’s the thing, it’s not science fiction. He’s using actual fucking science to create scientifically plausible monsters which makes this series cool as fuck.
Like ”The Strain”
I'm a fantasy writer/ paranormal romance novelist, and I am here for it. Lols.
As a Romanian, I never saw a strigoi in the 700 years I lived thus far, nor did the others whom are much older than me. Don't worry, it's merely a legend, a fable. You're all safe. It's not like vampires would lie to people and make them believe they have weaknesses and don't exist. 😇
Are you the vampire in question or do Romanians in general live for 700+ years?
@@adwitatherealadwita vampires don't exist, silly. 😋
Also some, not most. It's al because of a healthy diet which consists of a lot of iron.
@@2Fat2Furi0us Bloodiest beef in the reach one can say
Ayo-
Same here, as a Romanian from Bucharest I haven't heard anyone in the last 5 century mention strigoi. I mean they are like a legend to scare the children faster in their coffins but nothing more . Anyway , don't you guys think garlic is so overrated, let's just ban it cuz it makes you smell bad and it's not good for you, right ?
As a Romanian, I am happy to see our Strigoi being a possible global threat. 😅
Don't let the United States get them. We may try to weaponize them.
how do you feel about strain series ?
@@jynx3978is like a small puppy compare to the true meaning of the romanian strigoi. I remember my gradmother from my mother s side...she had stories that keept us up at night for weeks
Un strigoi ești un vampir interesat
How do you feel about Romanians being the real threat to Europe?
Considering how much the parasite struggles to infect a host, C. strigosa seems far from being a pandemic waiting to happen. It's more likely it was much more widespread in centuries past, Humanity has grown ever more resistant to it since then, and it's close to going the way of the smallpox by itself.
Very fair point
I would dare say that it seems more like a transitionary stage between two distinct species.
Why the fuck ya'll talking as if this video has *any* sources for it's claims?
@@ThoughtPotatowill we ever see a wikia or internet site for this fascinsating world of yours?
@@scientistx5717I hope it's not Fandom at least.
"Powerhouse of the cell" just HAD to be stated!
Great video, as always, and the first creature in the cryptobiology series I had no idea existed.
Activate the neurons!!!
Besides the actual monster info, I enjoy the hints to a larger world of cryptozoology organizations. It really sells the idea that these are "real" and take place in a "lived-in" setting.
I like how all of these analyses tie into each other lore-wise.
The character Allison was mentioned here in what she did, but was also mentioned in the werewolf video, hinting at her demise.
Garlic acts as a disruptor for the enzymes needed by parasites to enter into cells. If the parasite itself is in defacto control of the former human, it may recognize this threat by sight and smell and that's why it has an aversion. A diet heavy in garlic would also hinder its ability to infect a host in the first place.
TFW mosquitos hate me a little more now that i put garlic powder in most of my food
@@infinitetroll03Now wear a necklace made of them.
@@al-imranadore1182 awwww hell no. garlic powder is as close to that vile family of foods ill get
@@infinitetroll03 Garlics delicious😋
@@infinitetroll03Spotted the strigoi.
What an ingenius way of incorporating the Nosferatu style vampires into this world you're making! Whatever folkloric/classic monster you bring to beautiful, horrific life next, I'm sure it will be amazing! Keep up the great work, Mr. Potato!
I hope you don't run out of horror creatures to bring to life with your videos! As I go through my anatomy and physiology class, I understand each video more and recognize the words and conditions I hear in class. It's very rewarding!
Thank you! That’s very awesome to hear.
There’s thousands upon thousands of cryptids and mythological creatures to choose from, they’ve barely scratched the surface.
The more of you people I see getting even more love for this, the more it makes me wanna learn... if only my int wasnt +0
I’d love to see your drafting notes on these subjects haha. Must be very fun identifying the interesting traits, and then formulating a method of its occurrence. Wonderful work as always.
Thank you! Research takes sooooo much time, but it’s a ton of fun to explore this stuff!
@@ThoughtPotato Speaking of exploring new stuff, stories of Tibetan Ro-lang, Indonesian Pocong and Chinise Jiang Shi seem to indicate that Asia has its own "monster disease" rampant too. While stories vary from place to place, one common element seems to be subject’s body stiffining up, like as a result of rigor mortis, forcing the subject to move around in stiff hopping motion.
@@ThoughtPotato I appreciate the time you put in, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Do you have medical training? The detail you include is extremely impressive.
If anyone wants an amazing horror series and book, The Strain has the Strigoi as the main antagonists, highly recommend
I'm not sure if Strigoi and Vampires are the same thing myth-wise, but I do enjoy this video nonetheless. This is likely an anniversary of the series, since last year. I look forward to whatever mythical creature you have next, maybe something that can be *interviewed,* perhaps. Not only to uncover the physiology of the more sapient mythical creatures, but what their culture is like (if they have one). That would be pretty mindblowing!
vampire is a term for any crature that consume blood, stigois are vampires, Count Dracula or Nosferatu for example are strigois
From what I understand, the modern vampire (largely Dracula inspired) takes its traits from many eastern European creatures. Strigoi is a main one. There's also the Vrykolaka and general revenant folklore
@@angelobellizzi7918 vampire is just a translation from other older languages no?
I don't think people in the past cared about categories the way we do today. Nowadays scientists can describe various species among animals who look almost exactly the same (either through convergent evolution or because they're closely related). In the past people though that whales were a kind of fish
As such they didn't put various creatures in strict categories. There was a lot of diversity in how "vamipires" work and a lot of local folkor. Some believed that vamipires phisically dragged themselves out of their graves. Some acted like spirits and drank blood as spectre (they would still somehow transfer blood to their bodies)
If anything I would see vamipires, strigoi, ghuls and any undead creatures as subspecies (if you think about them as creatures) or strains of the same disease. Just like foxes they exist everywhere but with local variations and it's 100% to see two species in the same aera
Bram Stoker's Dracula is based on strigois. So the "mainstream" horror movies concept for vampires is just strigoi.
Man I could totally see this series being a monster-of-the-week style horror/sci fi show about a biologist researching these topics with funding from a billionaire obsessed with the medical implications of the occult.
I had a similar idea.... vitanova being owned by a man wanting to transcend human limitations. And transcend his own limitations.
Watch the strain
I’d watch that
Can you do a video exploring the biology of the Gargoyle? The way I think a real living Gargoyle would look and act like is that it would be a species of carnivorous monkey that has evolved to hunt on the buildings and churches of Notre Dame. There stoney appearance and texture I imagine is the result of them producing a special oil from glands in there anus, then they rub that oil all over there bodies. When this oil drys out it begins to turn a dark grey color that allows them to camouflage along the concrete buildings where they live. Gargoyles are amazing ambush hunters of both terrestrial and airborne prey such as insects, reptiles, small birds and mammals. I’d imagine they would climb on top of a building and stay perfectly still, the dried oily liquid making them look almost exactly like a carved statue. When an animal such as a pigeon or bat comes to investigate or rest on the Gargoyle it grabs them with surprising speed and tears them apart with its sharp teeth and claws. So what do you think of that concept? Btw great video!
That would be awesome!
Wow, fantastic idea.
@@ThoughtPotato Yep. I came up with all that right on the spot.
Aye man, why don’t YOU make it, since this like…good.
@@ThoughtPotatoyou’re now contractually obligated to use this in a video 🤣🤣🤣
I'm not sure if you would ever consider doing one of these on The Creature From the Black Lagoon, but if you do I'd be all for it, great job as always!
It could happen now after the Frankenstein Monster video which isn’t technically a folklore monster, and neither is the Gillman, but now that may not matter
Honestly I'd love to see that. Any fairytale/folklore/mythology creature would be cool, they do such a good job with these videos. I'd be interested to see how they'd approach the creature from the black lagoon though, see how they'd set it apart from the mermaid and siren!
There ARE some mythical beings that are fittingly gillman-like, such as the Finfolk of Scottish folklore, and the terrifying Inuit Qallupilluit! I'd say the Slavic Vodyanoy also counts!
@@jennyfeare1702All of those would have separate videos.
@@nathanfleischman9856 i know, just listing up some good folklore analogs to the gillman
As a biology major with a love for fantasy, these are so neat to listen to.
-Valued listener
Love from Romania. Love the video. Yes, Strigoi are more vampiric like (ghoulish like) and the Moroi is zombie like(in some parts of the country they refer to the same creature).
Yep, strigoi are said to be corrupted by the souls of great sinners and moroi are more like the souls of children wich died in infanthood possesing corpses
Love from Romania !!
Ca un fan al canalului sunt foarte fericit ca țara mea este menționată 🇷🇴 ❤
Mitochondria...the powerhouse of the cell 👋😔👊
Is this a parasite eve reference?
Good to see you were able to cure your ceremorphosis incident stemming from your last study. The loss of such a brilliant mind in the crypto-biology sphere would have been very regrettable. Incredible work as always
A new video from one of my favourites!!
I love how this is separate from the vampire biology, highlighting that while often treated as interchangeable, they are in fact separate things.
Also, have you thought of creating your own species? Which the quality of research and world building I think it would be a great idea.
Very cool. I’m a little disappointed that the narrator didn’t make any overt comparisons to his previous discussions-like Vampires and Wendigo-when there were so many opportunities, but then this video would be like 90 minutes long.
That said, I like how you took the mythology of another culture’s ideas of vampires and made something distinct from the ones discussed in HVV. I also like the mention of animals being infected with the protozoa; it’s a subtle way of explaining the shape shifting myths of the Strigoi.
The Transformation reminds me of Rabies. I remember rabies makes a victim hyrdophobic: as it's transmitted by bite, it gathers in the mouth (thus the foaming mouth) and causes hydrophobia since water would dilute the concentration of the saliva.
So the part of the Strigoi protozoa being vulnerable to UV damage thus causing transformation of eyes and the photophobia makes sense.
That's a very close analogy to this and many other bitey-infecty cryptids. The issue I'm seeing so far is that the host is significantly weakened, hampering the efficiency of biting to spread. At best it seems an ambush predator. Simply spreading through drinking water and saliva seem much more effective than the complex physiological changes it instigates. Makes for a fun story though.
If you have a public World Anvil profile/world, I'd subscribe the _shit_ outta that. It's bound to be filled with all sorts of amazing pages of notes and ideas and lore surrounding your growing universe, and it's making me get the itch to create a similar one of my own. You do absolutely amazing work.
Funny you should say that, I’m working on building one currently. Stay tuned!
This is one of the most unique and well-executed channels on TH-cam. Thanks for all your hard work.
"You may discover that fact is far worse than fiction" that is a brilliant line for a series like this
I'd love the Kelpies. they are actually really scarey and their biology would be awsome to see.
they are bassically semi-aquatic horses that ddragg unknown travelers to their deaths in scotish folk lore (they also exist all over europe under different names)
Oooh I like that! Non-hominids are cool, too.
Loved seeing the series go to Eastern Europe, I’d love to see what you’d do with stuff even further east like ghouls or oni!
I love how thorough and realistic your videos sound ❤ Would you be able to do one on Gelfling from The Dark Crystal?
I love this series, its so underrated!
As a Romanian I can't get enough of this video! I've always thought yhe folklore was so interesting especially with how so much was taken into modern depiction such as the fear if garlic, needing permission to enter, etc. Ive rarely found anything with enough substance to really scratch that itch and you my friend hit the spot! Loved your video on wendigos too! You deserve at MINIMUM 10 million subs.
These videos are so great. The zombie one really helped fill in some gaps I had run into while writing my horror novel (still a WIP). While my readers don't need to necessarily know how/why certain things happen in the story, it sure helps me to know while I'm writing!
I can't stand that you don't have MILLIONS of followers. I love these videos n watch them all. Don't ever stop PLEASE!
IKR?? He really deserves AT LEAST half of a million subs, especially with popular vids like the vamp and wendy!
Amazing work, you’re so good at these that I almost forget it’s not real! The nucklavee could be a horrifying video if you’re looking for more folklore monsters. Here’s my pitch:
Horseman riding through Nordic bogs occasionally fall into the water, where the incredibly low ph gives them a mummified appearance. A fungus will use the perfectly preserved corpses as hosts, warping the bodies into one mass of flesh and fungal tissue. The resulting creature avoids any flowing water because the more alkaline water could kill the fungus.
I really enjoyed this! I often find myself coming up with scientific answers and rationales to fantasy situations, so listening to someone making a scientific theory for a 'supernatural' being like the Strigoi is a treat not to be missed.
Cool seeing ya do basically a Dracula after the Grafted Homunculus episode, may we be getting a "gillman" of sorts too, be it a Finfolk, Qalupalik, or Vodyanoy? Also a certain furry beastman of the Himalayas distinct from the fabled apemen like Woodwose and Sasquatch could be fun tackled for December/winter time!
Or the so called living dinosaurs.
The hominculus video what?
@@quempire2656 That's basically what Frankenstien's Monster is
@@jennyfeare1702 homonculi are different things though
@@quempire2656 both are artificial humans with folkloric ties to alchemy, that's why i called that creature a "grafted" one.
I like their depiction in the strain series.
I literally can not express how much I love this series it makes me so happy.
Great video as usual! You made this vampire variant feel something totally different.
shouldn't the binomial name be Strigosa carpathii, as the location is usually given to the species, not the genus?
I really like that you are putting those small glimmers of a story inside of these entries
The greatest TH-camr posts once more!
No joke, I was just thinking of what his next monster bio explained would be and my 1st thought was the Strigoi
Finally some Romanian folklore. I was waiting for this. I hope you do about the Zmeu someday
Mulțumesc pentru esplicarea biologie a strigoilor ❤️😃🥂👍
How have i overlooked this gem so far? Awsome. Cant wait for Ghouls
This has officially made my Halloween!! I was so excited to see another one of your videos on my recommended page, they’re so interesting!
Thanks for covering some of our folklore ❤🇷🇴🇷🇴
This is so well put together it almost sounds scientifically possible. ❤
You know youtube is so annoying because its a member only video i cant play this with my phone off and that sucks but man this was a great video
Oh man, I didn’t realize it worked that way… lame. But thank you!
Wait this was members only?
@@christhe2dprotogen511no
Strange. TH-cam only works on mine when my phone is turned on too
@@christhe2dprotogen511I usually do early access for members, yes 😊
Good Job, this was great, and the The Strain is a must watch
As a Romanian I can say I enjoyed this video.
I swear this guy can make everything sound scientifically plausible.
I think it would be interesting to do an episode on Onryō, which as a ghost might seem odd for biology but hear me out. In the book the Ring the reason why the curse is contagious is explained, she was sick when she died and this further explored in the books. One could then focus specifically on the virality of the "curse". Sort of like how one could argue there were no ghosts in the Haunting of Hill House, it was the effects of black mold. You can't hurt the ghost because the ghost is simply a hallucination caused by the virus or fungus affecting the brain. You can't punch those, you have to quarantine. Could be fun.
Impressive world/background building here. Very well done.
Do you think that a video on some sort of sea monster, a kraken or sea serpent, could be an idea?
Dude, back in the glory days of the Art Bell radio show, you would have been one of his most popular regular guests. I could listen to this stuff for hours. If you don't have a podcast, you should think about starting one.
One of my fav series on youtube :) would love to see more niche creatures like this!
Another banger on time for Halloween 🖤Good work
As a Romanian myself, I m so happy seeing this video!
Holy crap. I follow your content for a while now, but it's cool to see lore from around my living area.
Amazing presentation as Always!!! Honestly I can see a similarity between these and the Lovecraftian/ Howardian race of Ghouls. Maybe this could be a potential topic to look into? Though from my memory the Ghoulic race is somewhat more like Strigoi or wendigo that wee able to keep their intelligence and just altered their moral viewpoints on life and the world.
You're channel is criminally under subscribed.
Awesome content
Your mind is a wonder, thank you for sharing it with us!
That’s high praise. Thank you!!
I love these so much, I usually put them on to sleep because it helps me
This is admittedly well above my head when we get into the microbiology; but I understand just enough to keep up. I love the scientific discussions in the comments sections, and admire how way over my head they can get. xD
Drives me to learn more.
Yeeeeeesss this is one of my favorite series on TH-cam
A Munstromology game or book would be incredible with just the work done from this channel alone
bro never misses with a video
Fun Fact- It is a widely supported theory today that the Vampire myth originated from porphyria
Vampires have always been able to walk in the sun in every myth about them, it just severely weakens them
Romania is such s fascinating location on this planet. I'd love to explore and visit there some day.
HELLLOOO?? WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THE SUBTLE LORE DROPS?? HIS TEAM???!?!? WHAT DID I MISS?? WHERE DID THEY GO?? DID WE JUST GET A NAME DROP FROM ONE OF THE MEMBERS i love the subtle lore its i go so insane over these videos
Rewatching the vampire biology video after this to try find any patters or similiarities. Great work!
Criminally underated series of shows and books. Straight click for this vid.
Awesome as always. It would be cool to see a video talking about / comparing similarities between your versions of Strigoi and Vampire.
I adore this series
I love how this channel's use of science terminology to make the Ludicrous seem absolutely believable.
Just like just like high school and college professors do.
as a romanian i really appreciate this video!!!
I remember when I was young my mother told me stories about the Strigoi, also there is like a natural reservation that I went that was full of thin rocky hallways and the legend goes that the mythical creatures called "Zmeii" live there
I thought it was going to be the bloodworm strigoi from The Strain. It was equally amazing!
It's best to think of Strigoi and other such creatures as European counterparts to Onryou. Female Vampires over there are often depicted as wearing white burial dresses, and having power over butterflies.
As a romanian I love that our country is even mentioned by other, more so if it is the country where the action happens.
Also when i first drank Carpatian water i felt very sicj but i survived and I am not a strigoi
This was such a cool video! I can tell how much effort went into this.
Well, well, well. I did NOT expect our version of the vampire and ghoul to be present here. First, I really, really like what you did here, and especially the way you made it distinct from the vampire. Even if I, as a Romanian, had some...dislike that you did not use some of the other elements, like how the child of a Strigoi would become a Strigoi. You could have done something about it, like the parasite spreading from parent to child under specific conditions, or of having some less affected individuals, who have lesser negative effects. Now, for the trully negative part.
The image at 0:14, and reused at 3:32 (and in several other parts). Were did you get it from. The texture there, reminds me of....„AI” generated images. Now, as I looked closer, I started to osbserve that most of the signs of it being AI generated are...absent, and the context in which it is used makes me doubt it.
But still, were did you get it from?
Also, thanks for not having the immersion breaking add in the middle.
as a Romanian I'm so grateful for this video ♥ especially about the Strigoi which is my fav of all of or myths
You are one of my favorite TH-camrs, could you make a video talking about the pathogens of Resident Evil?❤
9:55 He said it! He said the thing!
This only having 2 likes is crazy
Have you covered the kelpie?
I also like the selkie myth. I think theyre interesting
Also, harpies would be cool to see done
Love these videos! I have watched many of them. I also love your channel name. I also resinate with a potato. Ive been calling myself jokingly a potato since i was 12 aha 😅
The strain was a great tv show that was all about strigoi, it had a really cool infection angle.
Never heard of the Strigoi, looking forward to this
I was your biology video on the owl man, thunderbird, Grootslang,mokely memby A giant Congo sauropod,Arica raptor,harpy’s,trolls
Ironically, this gets me thinking about incorporating some Strigoi qualities in late-stage lycanthropy for some of my books.
I thought this was going to be about the series called "The Strain" and their Strigoi, but this was amazing too
I have recently watched 'The Thing' (the original one) and thought that it would fit very well in this series
I know you probably won't view this.
But i have a few ideas that you might like....might.
Minatours, centaurs and satyr: these three hooves specious who seem mostly masculine can all be relatives to some degree.
Minatour- reclusive, smart enough to build long winding maze like dens, omnivores and uses primitive weaponry.
Satyr - much more intelegent, but still someone primitive, coverd in symbiotic algae and fungus that produces hallucinaetic fumes (since satyrs are often near drunkards and those under the influence.)
Centaur - intelegent and capable of socialization, the trope of "kidnapping" human woman can be just that, simply for insiting conflict against humans within their territory, or ritualistic reasonings.
Will-o-wisp: floating air plankton that swarm in large collonies in misty, damp swamps where the air is filled with low floating microorganisms to eat.
Banshee: a howling monkey like being who uses it's highly advanced senses to sense danger, and scream (like how banshees scream when death is iminent.), Alerting their elusive brethren.
Orcs/ogre: in ogre myths (from france) ogres are depicred as large gluttonous men. What if ohres were men (or people with hgih enough testosterone.) That removes the growth limit of the body and causes them to become more hungry, eating will be concerted to energy that'll help the body grow.
Witches (stryga): in some romanian mythos, stryga are vampire witches. What if witches were just woman (or people with high estrogen) who obtain a special mold in their body that specifically effects the neurons of less neurally complex creatures.
If a human is infected, they become like carriers as the mold doesn't have enoufh strength to decay the neurons....yet. while all other creatures (bugs, pets, and babies.) Will have their neurological pathways hijacked and begin responding to the main carrier (or any large source of molds) chemical emissions (like familiars or witches who bewitch children.)
Phoenix: giant flying axolotls, with hardend-feather like scales.
Wulver: different from werewolves, the original wolf people. Could just be humans who are extra furry and muscular, live in isolated groups, and where wolf skulls
Unicorns/kirins: horned horses who use horns as sensory organs (to sense the electro magnetic fields of other creatures allowing them to run away before interactions.) And as weaponry. Kirins being more mountain based. Possibly related to goats.
Succubi/incubi: a parasite (or symbiotic) body worm that causes a increase in libido and desire (dimilar to a brain tumor), while also forcing the host to go through a slow change in metabolism to eat human flesh and bodily fluids..... to absorb more necessary protiens/dna that can better familiarize the symbiote with the human body to even more generations.
voodoo zombies: controlling corpses with intact nerves controlled with fungi using chemical signatures.
Spider women (multiple mythos): a giant spider that puppeteers a portion of a human body, walking around with it at night and producing aphrodisiac mist in order to attract pray. Able to do this to both animals and humans.
Dryad/spriggans: a parasitic "plant" that is familiar homo-sapaian (and other specious) body structure. Will grow through corpses profously. And will latch onto the brain and musxle fibers of a human dimilar to a fungus (which it could be more closely related to.). Latching them onto surfaces and forming nutrient pathways between it, other vines and other plants nearby.
Ok, those are all my suggestions.
Bye.
Great stuff man!
I'm wondering if your research takes you north - The draugr, the trolls... So many areas to uncover.
Could you make a video about the biology of Skinwalker? Or about the biology of ghouls?
another cool video. would love to see the biology of the alien(s) from The Thing
I think Vita Nova/Project Starfall and the name checked Samaza in this episode might be related to the manticore in addition to the Frankenstein’s monster. When they bring the narrator to their compound they’re looking for a way to renew the genetic diversity of the remaining manticores
Nice work. Really enjoyed it. Very creative. ❤
As a Romanian I have to say that, the Strigoi is the ancient ancestor of the modern day vampire…
Also, the fact that you mention water ties beautifully with one of the legends which goes something like this .. if a pregnant woman was to be drinking water from a Fountain from which the devil may have slipped his drool and mixed with the water.. than that child would become a Strigoi. Upon the birth of the child. The newly born will present itself with the following signs.
Chest and neck as well as forearm hair, pointy ears, upper as well as lower frontal teeth and an elongated tail bone which will resemble a small tail…