Freezing Fear? Yeti The Abominable Snowman Is Not That Terrible
When you hear “snowman,” who exactly do you think of? The answer may depend on your background. If you grew up in the 90s, like the writer of these lines, the first name that comes to mind might be Bouli the Snowman, from that French animated series we could see on television then. Children of the 2000s might mention Olaf, the snowman created by sisters Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” when they were children and reappeared later in their lives. Horror fans might remember the much-forgotten 2017 film “The Snowman,” based on the thriller by Norwegian author Jo Nesby, about a killer who builds snowman dolls and leaves headless bodies next to them.
With all due respect to these characters and stories, we’re here to talk about the Yeti, known as The Abominable Snowman. Yeti is a terrifying creature that supposedly lives in the Himalayas and causes horrific acts, such as the disappearance of travelers. Stories about this giant, hairy creature have been around for a long time. They are an integral part of the mythology of the Himalayan region, but is there anything real behind them? What are the most prominent potential explanations that science has found for the phenomenon? And why are there mainly terrible horror films about the Yeti, and much better films in other genres?
What Is The Abominable Snowman Yeti?
The Yeti is a mythological figure of a giant creature. It rises to a height of about 2-3 meters and resembles in its appearance a combination of a man and a bear or an ape.
The Yeti has several names, varying between regions and periods. The common term in the Tibetan language is “Yeti,” which we can translate as “mountain region” and “bear.” Some natives call the giant creature “Ma Te” (“bear man”), “Mi Goi” (“wild man”), “Dzu Te” (“cattle bear”), “King Adami” (“snowman”), and “Mirka,” another type of “wild man” that, according to legend if you see it – a sign that you are about to die.
The Nepalese also call it by different, slightly more complicated names. One of them is “Kangchenjunga Rachias,” for goodness sake, which we can translate to “the demon from Kangchenjunga,” that is, the mountain in the Himalayan range that is today considered the third highest in the world, with a peak that reaches about 8,586 meters.
Where Is The Abominable Snowman From?
According to mythology, the Yeti live in the remote and high regions of the Himalayan mountain range, mainly in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, at an altitude of several thousand meters above sea level. ‘
He adapted to living in the extreme conditions of these regions, thanks in part to its thick fur, its vast feet adapted for walking in the snow, and its developed sense of survival.
Why Is The Yeti Called The Abominable Snowman?
Over the years, stories have proliferated about the dangerous aspects of the Yeti, and they probably began as early as the 19th century. People described giant footprints in the snow, seemingly incompatible with humans or familiar animals. Or mysterious sounds they heard at night without explanation. Or the unexplained disappearances of travelers in the area.
At some point, the Yeti received the nickname “The Abominable Snowman,” which is still associated with it today. Today, many believe the nickname was coined in 1921 by British explorer Lieutenant Colonel Charles Howard-Bury, who led a geographical expedition that explored the area. In his book, he describes giant footprints that the group encountered, reminiscent of a barefoot man. Although the researcher believed an enormous gray wolf was responsible for these tracks, local guides who accompanied the expedition claimed they belonged to the “snowy wild man.”
So, where did the expression “terrible” or “abominable” come from? Probably due to a translation error. When a journalist interviewed the members of the expedition, he incorrectly translated the term “Metoh” (in a loose translation, “bear man”) as “filthy.” He may have done so out of some artistic freedom and a desire for a dramatic addition that would add “ratings,” or if you like, because it’s a shame to ruin a good story with facts.
Is The Abominable Snowman Real?
Over the years, several theories have tried to explain the Yeti phenomenon: whether the mysterious creature exists and who it is. The first accepted theory is that the “creature” is a mistake when identifying familiar animals. According to this view, people encountering giant animals like Tibetan bears may mistakenly think they resemble humans, especially if those animals stand on their hind legs. The mysterious footprints in the snow can be large and distorted because they expand as the snow freezes and thaws.
If you are a history buff, you may prefer the theory that The Abominable Snowman of the Himalayas is a remains of an ancient, even prehistoric, giant ape, such as Gigantopithecus, which lived in Southeast Asia in very ancient times, several million years before us. Findings show that Gigantopithecus is the largest of the primates, reaching a height of about three meters and weighing about half a ton. Note that no skeletal bones or skulls of the giant creation have been discovered, only teeth.
Of course, like other legends and mythological figures, part of the story may be… well – mythology. Some argue that the Yeti is primarily a product of rich local folklore, reflecting the deep connection between the inhabitants of the Himalayas and their mysterious and threatening natural environment.
What Does Science Say About The Legendary Snowman?
In recent years, some critical studies have tried to discover who the snowman is, thanks to advanced technologies, such as improvements in DNA testing technology. In 2013, researchers from the University of Oxford and the Natural History Museum of Lausanne in Switzerland conducted a comprehensive study examining in-depth DNA samples allegedly attributed to the Yeti. The researchers found a genetic link between these samples and an ancient polar bear. As a result, they believed that some of the evidence about the mysterious snowman could be related to a relatively rare species of bear that evolved over the years in the Himalayan region.
A significant study from 2017 received a lot of headlines around the world. Here, a large team of scientists also examined a wide range of samples collected over the years and attributed to the same Yeti, for example, hair, bones, tissues, or even feces, some of these from museums and collections worldwide. The results of the DNA tests were surprising: most of the samples belonged to three different species of local bears – the Himalayan black bear, the brown bear, and the Tibetan bear. These findings strengthened the theory that many sightings attributed to the Yeti are encounters with local bears.
Although these studies provide a relatively well-founded scientific explanation for the origin of some of the evidence about the Yeti, they do not yet provide a definitive answer. Equally important, the studies do not explain the rich cultural phenomenon developed around the snowman. Local traditions, folk tales, and beliefs that have developed over centuries continue to be a significant part of the culture of the Himalayan region, and science cannot eliminate them.
Is Yeti And Bigfoot The Same Thing?
There are many mythological monsters, and sometimes people get confused between them. In our case, quite a few people confuse Yeti with Bigfoot (or Sasquatch). After all, both are described as giant humanoid creatures identified with giant footprints and malicious acts if we listen to the stories. Both also form an essential part of the world’s monster mythology, which leads to various studies trying to find out if there is a monster in reality or if these are fraudulent attempts (pictures of The Abominable Snowman turned as a fake), a mistaken identification of an animal, a relatively ancient animal, and so on.
In practice, there are some fundamental differences between Yeti and Bigfoot, for example:
Living Area: According to legends, the Yeti live in the Himalayan mountain range in Asia. Bigfoot, on the other hand, has been “seen” in forests, mainly in the western United States and southwestern Canada.
Fur: As mentioned, the Yeti has, in most descriptions, light fur in shades of white or gray, which fits like a glove in its snowy habitat. On the other hand, Bigfoot has dark fur – brown or black – which is supposed to help it blend in with the forest environment.
Size: Both monstrous creatures are tall, and there are different descriptions regarding how tall is The Abominable Snowman. Still, according to most mythologies, Bigfoot is a bit taller.
Culture: The Abominable Snowman is rooted in Tiv culture and Buddhist tradition and, in some cases, is seen as having spiritual significance. Bigfoot is more associated with the tradition of the Indigenous tribes in North America and more modern folklore.
The Adorable Snowman? The Representation of Yeti In Family Movies
Western culture has happily adopted the Yeti, and as we will see later, some horror works. The Yeti snowman appears in many more friendly and childish content. In some, he is presented as a friendly character, as proof that the monster is not so terrible, even though his name suggests otherwise. Sometimes, the content plays precisely on the contrast between “The Abominable Snowman” and his actual positive behavior.
Smallfoot (2018)
“Smallfoot” by Warner Bros. (which previously created Hugo The Abominable Snowman as part of the “Looney Tunes” series) includes an awe-inspiring cast of voice actors: Channing Tatum, Zendaya, Danny DeVito, and even LeBron James. The hero here is Migo, a yeti who embarks on a somewhat ironic journey: to reach a village with proof that there are creatures with tiny feet, “Smallfoots,” who are, of course, humans. The film combines original music and humor with more profound messages about faith, skepticism, and acceptance of others.
“Smallfoot” was mainly successful overseas (it grossed about $218 million, over 60% in the rest of the world), which perhaps indicates to some extent that the myth of the snowmen goes far beyond the borders of the United States.
Abominable (2019)
“Abominable” is a charming animated film by DreamWorks that was created in collaboration with the Chinese Pearl Studios. Probably for this reason, the plot this time takes place in Shanghai and centers on Yi, a Chinese girl who discovers a very young and lovable Yeti on the roof of her house, whom she calls “Everest.” She embarks on a journey with her friends to return the “creature” to his parents in the Himalayas. Along the way, they encounter several evil characters until the exciting ending.
“Abominable” received positive reviews and was a good box office success, with about $188 million worldwide: about two-thirds outside the United States. Then came a two-season series called “Everest and the Lost City,” a continuation of the group’s travels, this time in the big city.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
We have already included the 2001 Pixar animated film “Monsters, Inc.” in our review of (very light) horror films that are also suitable for children. In the current context, Yeti is a likable secondary character in the film’s plot, whom the monsters meet when they reach the Himalayas. In the film, Yeti works for Monsters, Inc. but is expelled. Yet he enjoys living in the human world and wants to make other outcast monsters feel welcome.
The charming Yeti protects Michael and Sally when they are banished to the Himalayas, displays a healthy sense of humor, and addresses his unfairly threatening image. “Abominable. Can you believe that? Do I look abominable to you?” he asks. “Why can’t they call me the Adorable Snowman or the Agreeable Snowman for crying out loud? I’m a nice guy. Snow cone?”
The Abominable Snowman In Books And Video Games
Tintin In Tibet
“Tintin in Tibet” is the 20th book (!) in the comic series “The Adventures of Tintin” by Belgian illustrator Hergé. According to many, the book is considered the finest and most significant in the series: it was voted the best comic in French, has been translated into more than 30 languages, and according to reports, Hergé himself prefers it more than the other books.
The Yeti snowman is a significant part of the plot. As in other texts about “The Abominable Snowman,” the narrative is very threatening at the beginning (some sufferers run away when they see the footprints of someone they think is a Yeti), whose heroes arrive in his threatening cave. Later, it turns out that the Yeti has human feelings and a good heart, and the guys decide not to reveal his true identity to the public so that he will not be a target for the curious.
The Abominable Snowman Of Pasadena / Goosebumps
We continue with the “Goosebumps” series of books, which many – including me – grew up with. “The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena” is the 28th book in the original series, and it introduced many of us to the myth of the Abominable Snowman for the first time.
Pasadena, California, is a hot spot, so the two kids there are happy to hear they are joining their father, a nature photographer, on his trip to Alaska. It starts very fun, with all sorts of nonsense related to snow games, until the stories about the Abominable Snowman arrive, and later an encounter with him. The guys take the Snowman to California, and of course, he comes alive and causes a mess involving someone who might become a “human popsicle.”
Tomb Raider
Suppose you’re looking for a slightly scarier representation of the Yeti. In that case, you’ll find him in some of the ‘Tomb Raider” games as one of the menacing enemies Lara Croft faces between her visits to the plastic surgerer. It’s been years since I’ve played some of these games, but some gamers say that the Yetis are fast, very strong, and have a penchant for lifting Lara Croft into the air (which is no easy feat, considering her ample chest) and throwing her to the ground when they win, a victory that ends with a terrifying roar.
Tomb Raider’s Yeti monsters can jump high, hit hard, and absorb quite a bit of ammo, but in the end, no one can beat Lara.
Some Yeti Horror Movies
At last, we will talk about horror movies that are supposed to portray the Yeti in a more monstrous light, justifying its “disgusting” name. The bad news is that most films you’ll see on the following list are pretty mediocre and probably fall short in quantity and quality compared to Bigfoot, the Yeti’s “brother.”
The Snow Creature (1954)
“The Snow Creature” is one of the first science fiction horror films to feature Beatty. The film, directed by W. Lee Wilder, is about a scientific expedition to the Himalayas that encounters Yeti, captures him, and brings him to Los Angeles in an ice box for research purposes.
The problem is that at some point, the Snowman (or “half-man, half-monster”) manages to break free and sets off on a journey of destruction and death in Los Angeles, in a story that in many ways resembles “King Kong.” Although the film was produced on a low budget and received terrible reviews, fans of old monster movies can still watch it. Don’t expect “King Kong” or a masterpiece in the style.
The Abominable Snowman (1957)
We continue with a much more significant film in developing monster movies. “The Abominable Snowman” comes from Hammer and offers, if we listen to its poster, “A timeless terror to freeze you to your seat.” The film was directed by Val Guest and stars Forrest Tucker and Peter Cushing, who also starred in the television play on which it is based.
In “The Abominable Snowman,” a scientific expedition sets off to the Himalayas to search for the Yeti, discovers giant footprints in the snow, and then a family of Yetis – until a twist that takes the film into the realms of science fiction. The film received a lot of praise, among other things, for creating the atmosphere, the cinematography, and the acting, and it is one of the highest quality on this list (not that that’s saying too much, but we’ll get to that later).
Shriek Ff The Mutilated (1974)
“Shriek of the Mutilated” is a low-budget independent horror film that follows a group of students who go out with their professor to investigate reports of a Yeti in Upstate New York. At a certain point, the students start dying one by one, and we discover what exactly is behind the murders and whether it’s related to the Yeti (we have no idea because, like most of the world, we haven’t seen the film yet).
Here, too, it’s a movie whose quality seems low, based on the clips we’ve seen and the reviews, far from being a classic, but – hey – we found another Yeti horror movie.
Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century (1977)
“Yeti: Giant of the 20th Century” is an Italian-Canadian monster movie, with the idea that recurs in many films in the genre: an expedition finds a giant Yeti buried in a block of ice, this time off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, and uses it for economic purposes. When the Yeti wakes up, he panics because a creature that has been frozen for an extended period is probably not very comfortable seeing lighting or flashes of light. The Yeti kidnaps several characters, who later discover he is not terrible.
What is probably abominable, again, is the movie, which has received pretty bad reviews from the few who have managed to see it in over four and a half decades. But again, if you are looking for silly plots, ridiculous effects, or an attempt to take the American monster movies of that time in a different direction, you can try it.
Abominable (2006)
Jump forward a few decades to “Abominable,” which mainly proves that it’s possible to keep dropping the score (2.6 out of 10 on IMDB) when discussing Yeti horror movies. If you can call it that, in a low-budget film that lasts only about 70 minutes, the plot focuses on a scientific expedition team that arrives in the Himalayas to search for a rare plant that could change humanity or some lie that seems far from scientifically or logically based. The problem, as you’ve probably already figured out, is that the expedition’s members find themselves being hunted by a Yeti.
The writer of these lines managed to avoid the film. Still, from the reviews – which include, for example, references to random people appearing in the background, strange changes in the timing of events, or weird sound effects – it seems that this is a pleasure for those who like to watch films that are so bad that there’s something… good about them.
Yeti: Curse Of The Snow Demon (2008)
Fast forward to 2008, and to a TV movie called “Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon” that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel then. The protagonists here are members of a high school football team whose helicopter crashes in the Himalayas. They find traces of blood and arrive at a cave, which is – you guessed it – the cave of a murderous Yeti, or probably an actor dressed up in a pretty terrible murderous yeti costume. From there, the team’s fight for survival begins against the Yeti, the forces of nature, and probably the stupidity of other characters.
In this case, too, it’s worth lowering your expectations regarding the quality of the film, as evidenced by the fact that it currently has a score of 3.3 out of 10 on IMDB.
Do You Wanna Be An Abominable Snowman? You Can Try
As you have seen from the review we have provided here, the Yeti snowman likely became a mythological creature for other reasons that are not related to fine horror films about him. The more successful attempts in cinema and television have presented other sides of him, focusing on the contrast between the frightening-looking character and his friendly and lovable nature.
Like many other mythological characters, the Yeti snowman has also been the subject of various products, including cool collectibles.
Among other things, we found in an Internet search:
Yeti The Abominable Snowman costumes
Yeti Funko Pop from the movie “Monsters, Inc.”
Other shirts and fashion items
