Monstrum - S03E03: Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous Glutton

Name: Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous Glutton
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2021-03-03

Mar 03, 2021DocumentarySeason 3, Episode 3

While its face is scarce in popular culture today, this influential ancient monster from Chinese mythology predates the written word. Inspired by ancient bronze and jade iconography detailing the face of a bulging-eyed, gapping-mouthed beast, the Taotie creature is both mysterious and notorious, inspiring fear with its horrible gluttony. The greedy, insatiable appetite of the Taotie, one of the four “legendary monsters” or malevolences of Chinese mythology, is its defining trait—but why? Explore the many theories behind this beast as you dive into a mystery that has fascinated archeologists, historians, philosophers, and authors for thousands of years.

Cast: Dr. Emily Zarka

All Episodes - Season 3

01Baba Yaga: The Ancient Origins of the Famous ‘Witch’Jan 14, 2021 02Werehyena: The Terrifying Shapeshifters of African LoreFeb 03, 2021 03Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous GluttonMar 03, 2021 04Leprechaun: From Gold-Loving Cobbler to Cultural IconMar 16, 2021 05Will-o’-the-Wisp: Monstrous Flame or Scientific Phenomenon?Apr 07, 2021 06Yara-ma-yha-who: Australia’s Regurgitating, Blood-Sucking MoApr 08, 2021 07Basilisk or Cockatrice? The Mysterious King of SerpentsMay 19, 2021 08Don’t Let Them In! The Urban Legends of Black-Eyed ChildrenJun 23, 2021 09The Macabre Origins of the Grim ReaperJul 01, 2021 10El Silbón: The Deadly Whistler of the South American GrasslandsJul 21, 2021 11Fire Cat or Fire Cart? The History of Japan’s KashaAug 11, 2021 12Death Worms: Fact or Fiction?Sep 29, 2021 13The Killer Origins of the WerewolfOct 21, 2021 14The Werewolf’s Modern MetamorphosisOct 28, 2021 15Trolls: Scandinavia’s Malevolent, Magical OutcastsNov 10, 2021 16Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science FictionNov 23, 2021 17Krampus: Origins of the Yuletide MonsterDec 15, 2021

Monstrum S03E03 Synopsis

Monstrum "Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous Glutton" is part of the 1337x catalog. Originally aired on 2021-03-03, this episode is part of Season 3 of Monstrum. Featuring performances from Dr. Emily Zarka among the cast. As part of this Documentary series, the episode continues to build on the show's compelling narrative. While its face is scarce in popular culture today, this influential ancient monster from Chinese mythology predates the written word. Inspired by ancient bronze and jade iconography detailing the face of a bulging-eyed, gapping-mouthed beast, the Tao...