The Horror of Everyday Parlance - Page 2

Originally Posted by Abbott & Prospero

In this particular case I feel like it's the myths, superstitions and folklore concerning lycanthropes that would fall into the realms of "horror fiction" and were directly inspired by the lunar effect theory which I would categorize more as a legitimate attempt by the people of that era to explain mental illness. Granted, the attempts to understand unexplained phenomenon is the origin of pretty much all myth and superstition. I mean, sure, there's no real evidence to back it up, and it's complete pseudoscience, but it was still a theory that persisted well into the modern age and was subjected to many studies. Can't say the same for Lycanthropy. So it's the Lunar Effect theory, itself, not the stories of people turning into actual beasts in the light of the full moon, that is responsible for the popularity of the saying. Although I'll add that doesn't mean there are those who aren't familiar with the phrase only because of its horror connotations. Not meaning Iggy.

ETA: With a little further thought, I need to correct a few things. Lunar effect theory being the direct origin of werewolf myths and such being the most important. Not the case, obviously, but the whole transforming by the light of a full moon characteristic of the creatures being woven into their mythology would come from the idea that the lunar cycle causes deranged behavior. And I also didn't mean to connect the phrase "must be a full moon out" solely with werewolves as it is more intertwined with the word lunatic, which was how Iggy originally presented it. Werewolves were just one of the more recognizable uses of that "theory" in horror fiction that I could think of.

Originally Posted by horrid

You would have if you were more of a speed demon, instead of slacking around, you know what they say about idle hands.