Weird Historical Myths That Turned Out to Be True

Weird historical myths can often seem too strange to be believed, yet history is filled with tales that have defied the odds and turned out to be true. These bizarre stories range from seemingly outlandish figures to extraordinary events that make us question our understanding of the past. The myths discussed here not only add color to history but also challenge our perceptions of what is real.

The Great Emu War

One of the most bizarre events in Australian history is the so-called “Great Emu War” of 1932. Upon hearing the term, one might imagine an organized military campaign against the flightless birds, but the reality was no less strange. After World War I, veterans were granted land in Western Australia for farming. However, they soon found their crops being destroyed by thousands of emus migrating through the area.

In a bid to control the emu population, the government dispatched soldiers armed with machine guns to cull the birds. Surprisingly, the extensive military tactics failed to significantly reduce the emu numbers, leading to embarrassing retreats by the soldiers. This strange episode is documented in Australian history, demonstrating an odd clash between humanity and nature that continues to astound.

Napoleon’s Height

A commonly held belief is that Napoleon Bonaparte was extremely short, often depicted as being around five feet tall. This notion has been perpetuated through various portrayals in literature and media, leading to the stereotype of the “short dictator.” However, the truth is more complex.

Napoleon was actually around five feet six inches tall, which was average for a Frenchman at the time. The myth likely arose from a mix of his habit of surrounding himself with taller guards and a misunderstanding of measurements. This weird historical myth not only misrepresents a historical figure but also reflects how easily facts can be distorted.

The Dancing Plague of 1518

In July 1518, residents of Strasbourg—then part of the Holy Roman Empire—were struck by a bizarre phenomenon known as the Dancing Plague. A woman named Frau Troffea began dancing uncontrollably in the streets, and soon, more than 400 people joined her in this strange, frenzied dance that lasted for days.

While many dismissed it as a collective hysteria or mass psychogenic illness, researchers later posited that a toxic mold on rye bread could have induced hallucinations. The overwhelming nature of this occurrence—even leading to deaths from exhaustion—makes it a profoundly weird chapter in history. Evidence shows that this was not a singular event, as there were other similar occurrences that further muddy the waters of societal understanding of mental health in past eras.

Viking Mythology and the Discovery of America

Many are aware of Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas in 1492, often marking the “discovery” of the continent. However, the historical narrative loses some of its credence when examined closely. Viking explorers, notably Leif Erikson, reached parts of North America around the year 1000 AD, long before Columbus set sail.

The Vikings established a settlement named Vinland, located in modern-day Newfoundland, Canada. This fact remained relatively obscure, overshadowed by the more well-known Columbus narrative. The Viking legends, once considered mere myth, have been validated by archaeological evidence proving they indeed reached North America. This historical truth shatters the simplistic view of exploration and adds layers to our understanding of global history.

The Sinking of the Titanic by Fire

The tragedy of the RMS Titanic’s sinking is often framed through the lens of its ill-fated voyage. However, many myths surround its fate, including claims that a fire weakened the ship’s structure before it even set sail. Investigative research has revealed that a coal fire indeed smoldered in one of the Titanic’s bunkers prior to its departure.

While the fire was managed and extinguished, evidence suggests that it might have compromised the ship’s integrity, making it more vulnerable to the iceberg collision. This element is seldom discussed in popular retellings, but it adds an eerie twist to the legend and serves as a reminder of how myths can evolve with time and research.

Conclusion

Weird historical myths that turned out to be true serve as fascinating narratives that enrich our understanding of the past. From the Great Emu War to the enigmatic Dancing Plague, these stories remind us that history is often stranger than fiction. By exploring such events, we not only entertain ourselves with oddities but also learn more about the complexities of human behavior and historical context. Understanding these truths helps us embrace the weird and wonderful tapestry of history, paving the way for a more nuanced appreciation of our shared past.