The new horror movie "The Boogeyman" adapts both a Stephen King short story and a centuries-old piece of folklore. You've probably heard about the boogeyman before — or maybe it was even something that frightened you as a child — but how much do you know about the origins of this common monster story?
What Is the Boogeyman?
The boogeyman is a generic monster, used throughout history, as a means of frightening children against misbehavior. There are plenty of other names that the creature has been given, including "bogeyman," "bugabear," or "bugaboo." Different cultures, and even different groups or families within a given culture, have different conceptions of the boogeyman. In general, though, the idea is that it is a monster that will come after individuals (usually children, given the context of the mythology) who misbehave and frighten them into behaving better.
Is the Boogeyman Real?
The boogeyman is not real, but most cultures have some version of the boogeyman myth, although they go by many, many different names. The actual "boogeyman" name most likely originated sometime in the 19th century, but the mythology of these kinds of "monsters" have been around for much longer than that. Like many other creatures of myth and fairy tale, they most likely evolved as part of cultural practices to teach children lessons, such as how to behave, respect authority figures, avoid common dangers, and so on.
What Does the Boogeyman Look Like?
Because there are so many different variations on the boogeyman mythos, there are many different descriptions of what the monster supposedly looks like. The majority have standard-issue "monster" physical traits, such as claws and sharp teeth or other animal-like features. They usually have a somewhat humanoid form (usually male-appearing) combined with these supernatural or animal features to make them more haunting. Some of them might conceal their faces or wear a cloak or hood, making them look even more mysterious and frightening.
In different myths, the boogeyman may be more or less monstrous-looking depending on its purpose. The more mischievous or scary-but-harmless versions are likely to be described in less grotesque terms than the ones that have more violent mythos.
Stephen King's "The Boogeyman" Summary
It's unsurprising that the king of horror, Stephen King, took inspiration from boogeyman mythology for one of his own stories. The movie version of "The Boogeyman," which hits theaters on June 2, is adapted from King's 1973 short story of the same name. The story features a framing device in which the main character, Lester Billings, visits a psychiatrist, Dr. Harper, to talk about the mysterious and traumatizing deaths of his children. According to Lester, his first two children both died under strange circ*mstances that were found to be tragic but coincidental and unrelated. The only thing they had in common was that both shouted, "Boogeyman!" before being left alone, and a closet door was found open in their rooms after their deaths.
When Lester's wife, Rita, finds out she's pregnant again, they decide to move far away in hopes of leaving their tragic past behind. Lester still fears that the monster will track them down, and things take a very creepy turn from there, complete with a final major twist in the story. The film version gives the story a fresh twist, focusing on two sisters and their recently-widowed father (a therapist) as they come into contact with a malevolent entity. King's take on the mythology draws on the versions of the monster that do actual harm, rather than just frightening people, but it's far from the only version of the "boogeyman" story out there.
FAQs
The nature of the creature also varies from culture to culture, although most examples are said to be a kind of spirit, with demons, witches, and other legendary creatures being less common variants. Some are described as having certain animal features such as horns, hooves, and buglike appearances.
What did The Boogeyman look like? ›
The Boogeyman is depicted as having claws, talons, and sharp teeth. Along with that, the Boogeyman is of the spirit variety, while the minority are demons, witches, and other legendary creatures. Some are even described to have certain animal features such as horns, hooves, and bug like appearances.
What is the real story of The Boogeyman? ›
The boogeyman is not real, but most cultures have some version of the boogeyman myth, although they go by many, many different names. The actual "boogeyman" name most likely originated sometime in the 19th century, but the mythology of these kinds of "monsters" have been around for much longer than that.
What is The Boogeyman legend? ›
In America, Bogeyman urban legends describe him as a scary figure with no consistent shape or form. He hides under the bed, in dark corners, or in a child's closet waiting for his prey. In other countries, he's a man who wears all black with a sack and kidnaps bad children to either keep them or eat them.
What is The Boogeyman's weakness? ›
Fire is the Boogeyman's weakness, as it stays in the shadows and fears light. Humans can wield fire to combat the creature. The Boogeyman preys on emotionally vulnerable victims, primarily targeting children.
Who killed Boogeyman? ›
Actually, in the movie it is mentioned that there was another mafia who was called Baba Yaga/The Boogeyman. John Wick was hired to kill him which he obviously did after which he was know as the Boogeyman.
How to find The Boogeyman? ›
The Boogeyman, a thriller movie starring Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, and Vivien Lyra Blair is available to stream now. Watch it on Hulu, Disney Plus, ROW8, Fandango at Home, Prime Video or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Is The Boogeyman alive? ›
Martin Wright (born July 15, 1964), better known by the ring name The Boogeyman, is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE under a legends contract, and is an aerobics instructor.
What are the powers of The Boogeyman? ›
The Boogeyman often has supernatural powers which allow it to punish those it deems fit. These powers can include flight, witchcraft, shapeshifting, and the ability to camouflage.
How much of chasing the boogeyman is true? ›
However, at the very beginning of the book, Chizmar divulges that Chasing the Boogeyman is indeed a work of fiction. Mystery solved. So, yes, for those inclined to pick this book up with the notion that it is a true crime tale, take note that this is not that book and this is, indeed, a work of fiction.
The boogeyman is a symbol of fear and evil.
Is The Boogeyman good or bad? ›
The Boogeyman might fall short of its terrifying source material, but a spooky atmosphere and some solid performances help keep the chills coming. If you don't mind spending a lot of time waiting for things to happen, The Boogeyman is worth watching for some solid jump scares.
What is the real meaning of boogeyman? ›
noun. , plural bo·gey·men. an imaginary evil character of supernatural powers, especially a mythical hobgoblin supposed to carry off naughty children.
What does The Boogeyman look like? ›
Bogeymen have no specific appearances and conceptions vary drastically by household and culture, but they are most commonly depicted as masculine or androgynous monsters that punish children for misbehaviour. The bogeyman, and conceptually similar monsters can be found in many cultures around the world.
Is The Boogeyman real in real life? ›
The Boogeyman may not be real or based on a true event, but that doesn't mean that it won't make you think twice while in a dark room.
How did The Boogeyman end? ›
A battle with the Boogeyman ensues, in which it tries to suck the life out of Sadie, but the family fight back and Sadie sets the creature on fire using her mother's lighter and an aerosol can. Eventually, the monster is defeated, and Will, Sadie and Sawyer escape their house, which is now engulfed by flames.
Was The Boogeyman missing teeth? ›
Boogeyman's return to wrestling action was initially delayed due to a torn calf muscle, but it had also been reported that he was having dental surgery done to replace missing teeth. On the October 7 episode of ECW a vignette was aired promoting The Boogeyman's return.
What depictions of The Boogeyman? ›
Many variations of the Bogeyman are depicted as having claws, talons, and sharp teeth. Along with that, the majority of Bogeyman depictions are of the spirit variety, while the minority are demons, witches, and other mythical creatures.
What was the monster in The Boogeyman? ›
The Boogeyman is the titular main antagonist of the 2023 horror film The Boogeyman, based off the Stephen King short story of the same name. It is a monster of unknown origin that targets and murders entire families, usually ones that have experienced a loss of a family member. For its literary counterpart, see here.
Was The Boogeyman good? ›
The Boogeyman might fall short of its terrifying source material, but a spooky atmosphere and some solid performances help keep the chills coming. If you don't mind spending a lot of time waiting for things to happen, The Boogeyman is worth watching for some solid jump scares.
