The History of Anthropomorphism: Clever Fox Academy- Episode 1

Clever Fox Academy
18 Jan 202112:48
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRProfessor Volpes from Clever Fox Academy explores the history of anthropomorphism, the artistic concept of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. The lesson delves into its origins from ancient Egyptian zoomorphic deities to modern characters like Mickey Mouse, tracing its evolution through literature, cinema, and television. This engaging journey highlights the creativity and impact of anthropomorphism in shaping iconic characters and inspiring a dedicated fandom.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Anthropomorphism is the concept of attributing human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or gods.
  • 🔍 Anthropomorphism differs from personification, which attributes human traits to intangible concepts like emotions or weather.
  • 🕰️ Anthropomorphism predates ancient Egypt by several millennia, with the oldest known example being the Löwenmensch figurine, dating back to around 40,000 years ago.
  • 🌍 The civilization of Egypt, which started around 5000 BCE, featured many anthropomorphic gods in its polytheistic religious beliefs.
  • 📖 Aesop, who lived in the 6th century BCE, wrote fables with anthropomorphic animal characters that are still popular today.
  • 🎨 Fairy tales, a genre that emerged from literature inspired by Aesop's fables, often feature anthropomorphic creatures and have been widely influential.
  • 🎭 Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is a famous example of literature featuring anthropomorphic characters, published in 1865.
  • 🎬 The first anthropomorphic character in cinema was Felix the Cat, who debuted in 1919, predating Mickey Mouse by almost a decade.
  • 📺 Television development in the 1920s used a paper mache figurine of Felix the Cat to test broadcasts, making Felix the first TV star.
  • 🎮 Anthropomorphic characters are also prevalent in video games, with Frogger and Donkey Kong being early examples from the 1980s.
  • 🎉 Anthropomorphism has been a driving force in creativity across various media, inspiring countless iconic characters and fostering a dedicated fandom.
Q & A

  • What is the main subject of today's lesson in the video script?

    -The main subject of today's lesson is the history of anthropomorphism, exploring its origins and development in various forms of media.

  • What is the difference between anthropomorphism and personification as explained in the script?

    -Anthropomorphism is a more literal term that attributes human-like characteristics to non-human things such as animals, plants, objects, or gods. Personification, on the other hand, is a more figurative term that attributes human-like characteristics to intangible concepts like time, emotion, or weather.

  • What is the oldest example of anthropomorphism mentioned in the script?

    -The oldest example of anthropomorphism mentioned in the script is the Löwenmensch figurine, discovered in Hohlenstein-Stadel Cave in southern Germany, dated to be around 40,000 years old.

  • Which ancient civilization is known for its anthropomorphic deities, and what are some examples?

    -The ancient Egyptian civilization is known for its anthropomorphic deities, with examples including Anubis, Bastet, Horus, and Ra, the god of the sun.

  • What is the significance of Aesop's Fables in the context of anthropomorphism?

    -Aesop's Fables are significant as they contain stories with anthropomorphized animal characters in human-like situations, which have influenced later works of literature and the development of the fairy tale genre.

  • What is the connection between anthropomorphism and the early development of television broadcasts?

    -During the early testing and development of television broadcasts, a 13-inch paper mache figurine of Felix the Cat was used as a placeholder to test the broadcasts due to its heat resistance and color scheme, making Felix the first TV star.

  • Which character is considered the first anthropomorphic character in cinema, and when did they debut?

    -Felix the Cat is considered one of the first anthropomorphic characters in cinema, debuting in 1919 in the film 'Feline Follies'.

  • What is the script's claim about the first anthropomorphic character in video games?

    -The script claims that Frogger, introduced in 1981, was the first anthropomorphic character in video games, predating Donkey Kong's North American debut by a few months.

  • How has anthropomorphism evolved in the context of children's literature and entertainment?

    -Anthropomorphism has evolved from its early roots in ancient civilizations and literature to become a staple in children's entertainment, with iconic characters in books, cinema, television, and video games that have captured the imagination of children for decades.

  • What was the homework assignment given by Professor Volpes at the end of the lesson?

    -The homework assignment was to like the video, leave a comment, subscribe to the channel, and share the notes with friends, with the overarching goal of learning something new every day.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Anthropomorphism in History and Literature

Professor Volpes introduces the concept of anthropomorphism, the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities such as animals, objects, or gods. The lesson delves into the history of anthropomorphism, dating back to the 40,000-year-old Lion Man figurine, and explores its presence in ancient Egyptian mythology with zoomorphic deities like Anubis and Ra. The script distinguishes anthropomorphism from personification, highlighting the difference between attributing human traits to non-human things and intangible concepts. The professor also provides a brief overview of anthropomorphic characters in early literature, such as the Egyptian scribe Inanna's 'Tale of Two Brothers,' and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the subject in subsequent paragraphs.

05:01
📖 The Evolution of Anthropomorphic Characters in Literature and Early Cinema

This section of the script traces the development of anthropomorphic characters in literature from Aesop's Fables, featuring moral lessons through animal characters, to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, which often included talking animals. The script discusses the influence of these stories on the genre of fairy tales and introduces Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' famous for its extensive use of anthropomorphism with characters like the Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit. The summary also touches on the early days of cinema, correcting the misconception that Mickey Mouse was the first anthropomorphic character in film, and instead highlights Felix the Cat as an early example, predating Mickey Mouse by nearly a decade.

10:02
📺 The Rise of Anthropomorphic Characters in Television and Video Games

The final paragraph of the script discusses the rise of anthropomorphic characters in television, starting with the early testing of broadcast technology using a Felix the Cat figurine, which led to Felix being considered the first TV star. The summary outlines the introduction of beloved anthropomorphic characters on television in the 1950s and the impact of home television on the video game industry. It mentions the development of video games since the 1950s, the popularity of games like 'Pong,' and iconic anthropomorphic characters in video games such as those from 'Super Mario Brothers' and other modern games. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the enduring influence of anthropomorphism in creative works and its role in inspiring a community of artists and fans.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to a non-human entity, such as animals, objects, or even concepts. It is central to the video's theme, exploring its historical presence in various forms of media from ancient carvings to modern video games. The script mentions characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny as examples, illustrating how anthropomorphism has been a prevalent concept in storytelling and entertainment.
💡Personification
Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to abstract concepts or inanimate objects. While similar to anthropomorphism, it is more figurative and often used in literature and art. The script distinguishes personification from anthropomorphism by using 'Joy' from Disney Pixar's 'Inside Out' as an example of personification, as it embodies the emotion of joy.
💡Zoomorphic Deities
Zoomorphic deities refer to gods that are depicted with animal-like characteristics or forms. The script discusses this in the context of ancient Egyptian mythology, where gods like Anubis, Bastet, Horus, and Ra are represented with both human and animal features, showing the early use of anthropomorphism in religious beliefs.
💡Aesop's Fables
Aesop's Fables are a collection of short stories from ancient Greece that often feature anthropomorphized animals in human-like situations. The script highlights Aesop's Fables as an early example of anthropomorphic storytelling, with fables like 'The Tortoise and the Hare' and 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' still popular today.
💡Fairy Tales
Fairy tales are a genre of folklore that often includes magical creatures and happy endings. The script mentions the Brothers Grimm, who wrote famous fairy tales like 'Cinderella' and 'Hansel and Gretel,' some of which feature anthropomorphic characters, contributing to the video's exploration of how anthropomorphism has been used in literature.
💡Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
This is a famous piece of literature by Lewis Carroll that features extensive anthropomorphism, with characters like the White Rabbit, the March Hare, and the Cheshire Cat. The script uses 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' to illustrate the use of anthropomorphism in creating a fantastical world that has captivated readers for generations.
💡Cinema
Cinema refers to the art of filmmaking and the film industry. The script discusses the introduction of anthropomorphic characters in early cinema, such as Felix the Cat and Mickey Mouse, showing how anthropomorphism transitioned from literature to the moving images of film.
💡Television
Television is a medium that broadcasted moving images and sound, and the script notes its role in popularizing anthropomorphic characters like Felix the Cat, who is considered the first TV star due to its use in early broadcast testing. The script also mentions how television networks introduced many beloved anthropomorphic characters that became a part of viewers' childhoods.
💡Video Games
Video games are interactive electronic entertainment that often feature anthropomorphic characters. The script discusses the evolution of video games and the introduction of iconic characters like Donkey Kong, Yoshi, and Bowser, demonstrating how anthropomorphism continues to be a significant element in modern gaming.
💡Fandom
Fandom refers to a community of fans who share a common interest. The script mentions a 'fandom' based on creating anthropomorphic characters, indicating how the concept of anthropomorphism has inspired a creative community that shares and celebrates their work.
💡Cleverfox Academy
Cleverfox Academy is the fictional educational setting for the video script, where the professor, or the narrator, teaches about anthropomorphism. It serves as the context for the lesson being delivered, providing a framework for the exploration of the concept throughout history and media.
Highlights

Introduction to the concept of anthropomorphism in history and its significance in various forms of media.

Definition of anthropomorphism as attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Differentiation between anthropomorphism and personification, highlighting their distinct uses.

Historical roots of anthropomorphism predating ancient Egypt, with the Löwenmensch figurine dating back to 40,000 years ago.

Ancient Egyptian polytheistic beliefs featuring zoomorphic deities such as Anubis, Bastet, Horus, and Ra.

The emergence of anthropomorphism in literature, exemplified by the Tale of Two Brothers from 1185 BCE.

Aesop's Fables from 6th century BCE Greece, featuring anthropomorphized animals in moral stories.

The influence of Aesop's Fables on the development of fairy tales and children's literature.

Introduction of anthropomorphic characters in fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, including Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel.

Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' as a prominent example of literary anthropomorphism.

The rise of anthropomorphic characters in children's literature following the success of 'Alice in Wonderland'.

Cinema's early adoption of anthropomorphism, with Felix the Cat predating Mickey Mouse by almost a decade.

The impact of Walt Disney's anthropomorphic characters on the animation industry, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

Competition in the animation industry leading to the creation of Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes and characters like Porky Pig.

Felix the Cat's role as the first TV star due to its use in early television broadcast testing.

The prevalence of anthropomorphic characters in television shows from the 1950s onwards, such as Tom and Jerry and The Looney Tunes.

The evolution of anthropomorphism into the video game industry, with characters like Frogger and Donkey Kong.

The continued popularity and innovation of anthropomorphic characters in modern video games, including Star Fox and Crash Bandicoot.

Anthropomorphism as a driving force in creativity and its impact on art and entertainment throughout history.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

The Epic of Gilgamesh, Lecture by Andrew George

Inventions That Changed the Life of Every Student | Back To School | The Dr. Binocs Show

An introduction to the discipline of Literature

Metaphors, Similes, and Personification

The Evolution of Law Enforcement: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times

Daoism: A Brief History

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
AnthropomorphismCultural HistoryLiteratureAnimationCartoonsDisneyFairy TalesVideo GamesEducationalCreativity