Folklore, Fear, and the Viral “Man vs. Bear” Debate
What do fairy tales, survival instincts, and a viral social media debate have in common? In this episode of Lexicons Unbound, we unpack the question that took over timelines: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?
We explore the bear as a powerful symbol in folklore—protector, predator, and primal force—and examine how it connects to modern conversations about women’s safety, autonomy, and survival instincts. From Goldilocks and Winnie the Pooh to viral memes, we trace how stories shape our perceptions of danger and trust.
Along the way, we discuss:
Why the bear (and other large predators) looms large in folklore and cultural imagination
How gender dynamics and survival strategies have evolved
How women today reclaim storytelling to challenge old tropes
This isn’t just about bears—it’s about the enduring stories we tell to navigate fear, find power, and rewrite the narratives handed down to us.
Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, a meme scholar, or just curious why the internet keeps asking about bears, this episode is for you.
Resources and Links: Episode blog + transcripts on Podpage
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