14 Redditors Chime In On What They Believe Are The Most Absurd Historical Events Imaginable
How is this real life? Amazing.
History class does not usually get credit for being chaotic, but the internet keeps proving otherwise. Some of the strangest moments from the past are so unbelievable they sound made up, yet they really happened.
That is exactly what happened in this Reddit thread, where users on r/AskReddit shared the most absurd historical events they could think of. From a jealous Santa story to wartime chaos and a bear with military duties, the comments turned into a parade of bizarre facts and even stranger reactions.
The result is part history lesson, part comedy show, and completely unhinged in the best way.
Reddit user u/Aquatax posed this question to the r/AskReddit community:
Aquatax1. Imagine being jealous of Santa Claus
CatOfTechnologyThis response to the anti-Santa story is noteworthy as well, though.
Taytaystaysane
The fascination with absurd historical events highlights the human tendency to seek meaning in chaos. Our attraction to bizarre narratives may stem from a desire for cognitive closure, where we find comfort in understanding even the most irrational occurrences.
This curiosity can lead to a greater awareness of human behavior and societal norms.
2. If only they knew then what we know now
drop-in-the-dessert
3. Retreat! Retreat!
Hyval_the_Emolga
4. Wojtek: The Soldier Bear
Silver_Alpha / tiniestviolin
Moreover, the absurdity in history often serves as a reflection of the times, revealing underlying social and cultural dynamics. Narratives of bizarre events can help individuals process complex historical realities, allowing for a collective sense-making process.
This can be particularly beneficial in educational settings, where discussing absurdities can engage students and promote critical thinking about societal issues.
Dymitr Szawlugo, one of the soldiers who took care of the bear, once wrote:
“He would accept lit cigarettes, take a puff, and swallow them. He loved to drink from a beer bottle, and when it was empty, he would look through the opening to see where the rest of the beer was.”
culture
5. Here's a seriously wild ride from World War I
Infernal_Contraption
One tiny problem...
Infernal_Contraption
Storytelling is a powerful tool for understanding history, especially when it involves absurd events.
When you show up to the party dressed exactly the same as the most important person there:
Infernal_Contraption
BUT WAIT, there's more.
Infernal_Contraption
Sisterly Love
Infernal_Contraption
In practice, educators are encouraged to use absurd historical narratives as a means to engage students in critical analysis. By examining the motivations and implications behind these events, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of history and its relevance today.
Encouraging students to reflect on what these narratives say about human nature can foster empathy and a greater appreciation for diverse perspectives.
And for more “wait, that really happened?” energy, check 100 historical moments that prove the past was anything but boring.
Retrofitted Carbo Ship Inception
Infernal_Contraption
6. Poop always makes for great history
Supraspinator / Nepenthes_sapiens
According to AllThatsInteresting.com:
"It’s hard to say for sure whether the rich noblemen who died in the Erfurt latrine disaster had been killed by the fall itself or by being suffocated by the pool of filth they fell into."
tenor
7. I see nothing out of the ordinary here; what do you mean?
splitdipless / atreethatownsitself
7. What a lovely and thoughtful tradition this turned into
happybex
"I'm excited that you're excited too!"
happybex
8. A sitcom absolutely none of us are interested in
Tsquare43
9. A moment of silence for how awful North Korea is
ERankLuck
"Operation Paul Bunyan"
ERankLuck
I am struggling with this one.
ERankLuck
10. Sad Trombone Noises
wizardvictor / formeraide
giphy
11. What a legend
Sebillian
12. Come again??
mikenyle
How could he leave this part out?
gentlybeepingheart
According to Wikipedia:
"Subsequent Popes have not upheld the ruling of Sergius III. From his immediate successor, Anastasius III, to the current Pope Francis, they have all quietly reaffirmed (that is, without drawing much new attention to the topic) that the Cadaver Synod was invalid and illegal. This is why Formosus is still buried under Saint Peter's Basilica, and why he is not regarded as Antipope."
tenor
12. Well, that was not a very smart cat.
tinyyellowhouse
13. Okay, I take back my former legend and give it to this guy instead.
WasteNet2532 / sbammers
14. Now that's how you utilize a rat.
Bedlamcitylimit
Surely I'm not the only one who has been reading these true stories and thinking, "I knew history was weird, but WTF?" History was WEIRD-weird.
We often think many of our favorite blockbuster movies about history are unrealistic, but perhaps the truth is that reality is weirder than fiction? That is something of a cultural proverb, after all.
In examining the absurd historical events highlighted by Redditors, we see a compelling reflection of our intrinsic curiosity about the human experience. The narratives shared not only entertain but also illuminate the peculiarities that shape societal norms and the challenges faced throughout history. These accounts challenge the perception of history as a dull subject, inviting us to engage with the past in a more dynamic way. Furthermore, leveraging storytelling in the classroom can transform the way history is taught, encouraging students to think critically and develop empathy for those who lived through these bizarre moments. By embracing the eccentricities of history, educators can inspire a renewed interest in the subject among students who might otherwise find it unengaging.
Jealous of Santa too? Then dive into 70 bizarre events that prove our planet is weirder than science fiction.
