The True Story of the Gremlins
The Gremlins are mythical creatures from folklore that became particularly famous during World War II. Their legend is primarily linked to stories told by pilots of the Royal Air Force (RAF), who attributed unexplained malfunctions and failures in their aircraft to these mischievous little creatures.
Origins of the Legend
The first accounts of Gremlins date back to the 1920s and 1930s, but it was during World War II that their legend spread widely. Pilots told stories of Gremlins sabotaging their aircraft, causing accidents and air disasters. These creatures were described as small, oddly-shaped beings capable of infiltrating engines, wings, and electrical systems to wreak havoc. Of course, this was a mythological and humorous explanation for otherwise inexplicable mechanical problems.
The True Story of the Gremlins in Popular Culture
The fame of the Gremlins extended far beyond the armed forces, becoming part of popular culture. In 1943, writer Roald Dahl published a book titled The Gremlins, which told the story of these creatures. The book caught the attention of Walt Disney, who considered making it into an animated film, though the project never materialized.
However, the Gremlins continued to grow in popularity, and in 1984, director Joe Dante directed the famous horror-comedy film Gremlins, produced by Steven Spielberg. This film presented a new interpretation of the Gremlins, depicting creatures that start as cute and harmless Mogwai but transform into terrible and destructive Gremlins if fed after midnight or exposed to water.
Characteristics of the Gremlins
According to tradition, Gremlins are mischievous and dangerous creatures capable of causing malfunctions and failures, especially in technological settings. Their nature ranges from mischievous to genuinely threatening, and they are often associated with accidents and bad luck. In the 1980s film version, Gremlins are depicted as beings that can mutate from a cute and docile form into an evil and destructive one, embodying the concept of good-versus-evil dualism.
Cultural Impact
The legend of the Gremlins has had a significant impact on popular culture, becoming synonymous with unexplained technical problems. The word “gremlin” has entered common vocabulary to describe any mysterious mechanical or technological issue. Gremlins have been referenced and parodied in numerous films, TV series, comics, and games, keeping their legend alive over time.
In conclusion, Gremlins represent an interesting example of how military legends can evolve and become embedded in popular culture, becoming a symbol of technical mishaps and mysterious malfunctions.
