The dark history of zombies - Christopher M. Moreman

Trace the origins of zombies from the Afro-Haitian religion of vodou, and discover how zombification was a reflection of slavery.

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Zombies have a distinct lineage— one that traces back to Equatorial and Central Africa. For three centuries, African people were enslaved and brought to the Caribbean Islands. There, a religion known as vodou developed, along with the belief that a person’s soul can be captured and stored, becoming a body-less zombie. Christopher M. Moreman uncovers the true origins of the undead.

Lesson by Christopher M. Moreman, directed by Kaspar Jancis.

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[TEDEd]

Content Warning: This video depicts racial violence and trauma.

[pisceanbeauty]

“…Transforming the victim into the monster.” That’s a powerful word right there.

[hb.raafay]

Ted Ed is the cradle of underrated education; the topics, which we have overlooked today, but hold significant knowledge in themselves. Thank you Ted Ed!

[nidhisapkale]

American pop culture also initially erased the zombies' origins, cannibalizing its original significance and "TRANSFORMING THE VICTIM INTO THE MONSTER"
What a line..

[cinemanuggets]

Interesting to know that the belief in zombies has origins in Africa. Here in Uganda it's widely believed (and for good reasons) that in some districts, there are residents with powerful medicine, who can enchant corpses and unsuspecting sleeping people to dig acres and acres of land for them at night.

[ivansyllables]

“Form of enslavement that not even death could free you from.” that’s something.

[HayashiManabu]

The Nietzsche quote (at the start of the video) is followed by the ominous:

“… when you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back into you.”

Definitely one of the most badass quotes from a brilliant philosopher

[mathishopper]

This is actually really helpful, I would love to hear anything else about the original zombie, before pop culture changed it.

[adrianbourceanu]

I always found zombies in Hollywood movies incredibly disturbing. Seeing a decomposing human figure walk stiltedly across the screen gave me goosebumps every time and made me want to turn my gaze away. It's very interesting to learn that the origins of this creature are actually much more nuanced

[FairMiles]

"The Serpent and the Rainbow" (the book) is a rather old but entertaining and informative read to understand the Haitian culture around Vodou

[l.n.]

This animation was gorgeous! Kudos to the animation team! I never knew the origins of the word zombie or the concept. Such a fascinating lesson and it really highlights how the original ideas can be corrupted and distorted beyond the original intentions.

[CookedMeat]

The animation left me absolutely speechless. TedEd never fails to amaze.

[jibberwocky]

It makes a lot of sense that modern-day Zombies are a result of culture, traditions or stories passed down being Westernised.

History still has more to teach us.

[cesar.leyvag]

I wish more people knew about zombies' true origins, I find them fascinating

[tomatoheadfd]

This was so incredibly interesting! If I ever make a game or write a story I'll incorporate the original Haitien zombies. I like the idea of zombies being victims much better.

[notabot]

it's creepy yet I enjoyed it. thanks TedEd. Keep up the good work

[phillipinek]

The animation was phenomenal. Truly striking.

[kartikchinda]

2:39 now that's a brilliant scene right there!

[DressedRunner]

I think it's also worth looking into how a simple concept like zombie/ living dead can be diversify to such an extent.

[heolyeollie]

Ted-Ed has always fascinated me with their educational content. But this video just HITS. The content is so original while raising awareness in a way that gives voice to the marginalized group. The animation is straightforward and on point. (I love the zombification of Mickey Mouse - literally the embodiment of America!). We need more educators like this.