W2TCH

Monstrum (2018 – ...)

2018 • 8 seasons • Documentary
IMDb8.8/1015TMDB—No ratingRotten Tomatoes—Metacritic—
On October 2, 2026
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Season 32022

Monstrum · S3E5 — Will-o’-the-Wisp: Monstrous Flame or Scientific Phenomenon?

Season 3 episodes

1. Baba Yaga: The Ancient Origins of the Famous ‘Witch’Jan 14, 20212. Werehyena: The Terrifying Shapeshifters of African LoreFeb 3, 20213. Taotie: The Mystery of Chinese Mythology’s Famous GluttonMar 3, 20214. Leprechaun: From Gold-Loving Cobbler to Cultural IconMar 16, 20215. Will-o’-the-Wisp: Monstrous Flame or Scientific Phenomenon?Apr 7, 20216. Yara-ma-yha-who: Australia’s Regurgitating, Blood-Sucking MoApr 8, 20217. Basilisk or Cockatrice? The Mysterious King of SerpentsMay 19, 20218. Don’t Let Them In! The Urban Legends of Black-Eyed ChildrenJun 23, 20219. The Macabre Origins of the Grim ReaperJul 1, 202110. El Silbón: The Deadly Whistler of the South American GrasslandsJul 21, 202111. Fire Cat or Fire Cart? The History of Japan’s KashaAug 11, 202112. Death Worms: Fact or Fiction?Sep 29, 202113. The Killer Origins of the WerewolfOct 21, 202114. The Werewolf’s Modern MetamorphosisOct 28, 202115. Trolls: Scandinavia’s Malevolent, Magical OutcastsNov 10, 202116. Monster Bugs, Attack! The Origins of ‘Big Bug’ Science FictionNov 23, 202117. Krampus: Origins of the Yuletide MonsterDec 15, 2021

Synopsis

These elusive blue flames have been reported globally and inspired a wealth of folklore. But what exactly is a Will-o’-the-Wisp? Also commonly called “ignis fatuus” or “corpse-candle” the glowing atmospheric phenomenon has a reputation for causing mischief and even death. But are they really a supernatural phenomenon or something more worldly? Drawing on over six hundred years of literature and lore, and more than 300 years of scientific exploration, this episode presents the mesmerizing lights in all their blazing glory—from ancient legends to scientific rationalizations. And no, they aren’t glowing owls.