In this episode of the Fully-Booked podcast, we wrap up our month-long exploration of alternate history fiction by delving into the 2018 AMC series The Terror. Based on the 2007 novel by Dan Simmons, the show’s first season reimagines the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, which set out to navigate the Northwest Passage in 1845. By blending historical fact with supernatural horror elements, The Terror offers a chilling and thought-provoking take on one of the most enduring mysteries of the 19th century.
Note
The following is an editorialized transcript of our weekly literary podcast. If you would like to listen to the podcast, click the play button above orlisten on your favorite platform with the links below.
The Real-Life Tragedy of the Franklin Expedition
To fully appreciate the creative liberties taken by Simmons and the show’s creators, it’s essential to understand the historical context of the Franklin Expedition. In May 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, and a crew of 129 men. Their goal was to chart a navigable route through the Arctic in search of the elusive Northwest Passage.
RelatedBinge-Worthy Alternate Historical Fiction Books Released In 2024
The expedition was last seen by Europeans in July 1845, after which it disappeared into the icy wilderness. Searches mounted by Lady Jane Franklin and others over the following decades uncovered grim evidence of the crew’s fate, including notes indicating that the ships had become trapped in ice and that Franklin and many of his men had perished. The surviving crew attempted to trek overland safely, but none survived.
A Supernatural Twist on a Historical Mystery
The Terror takes this historical framework and weaves in a terrifying supernatural element: a monstrous creature stalking the stranded crew. Inspired by the Inuit legend of the Tuunbaq, Simmons’ novel and the subsequent adaptation imagine the men of the Franklin Expedition facing not only the harsh Arctic environment and dwindling resources but also a malevolent force beyond their understanding.
The show masterfully builds tension by keeping the creature largely hidden, allowing the viewer’s imagination to run wild. The brief glimpses we do get of the Tuunbaq suggest a twisted, bear-like entity, both familiar and utterly alien. As the crews of the Erebus and Terror struggle to survive, they must also grapple with the mounting horror of an enemy they cannot hope to fight.
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletterHierarchy, Hubris, and Human Nature
Beyond its central mystery, The Terror offers a compelling examination of the rigid hierarchy and power dynamics within the expedition. From the early tensions between the seasoned Commander Crozier and the glory-seeking Captain Franklin to the growing resentment among the lower-ranking crew members, the show deftly illustrates how the stresses of their dire situation exacerbate existing fault lines.
Moreover, the series explores the hubris and folly of men like Franklin, whose blind pursuit of fame and glory leads them to underestimate the dangers of the Arctic. By contrast, characters like Crozier and the Inuit woman known as Lady Silence emerge as voices of reason, their understanding of the environment and respect for its power ultimately proving crucial to survival.
RelatedThe Chilling Appeal of World War II Alternate History Books
Adaptation and the Power of Research
One of the most striking aspects of The Terror is the depth of historical detail woven into its narrative. Simmons’ extensive research is evident in every aspect of the story, from the meticulously recreated ships and uniforms to the incorporation of real-life crew members and Inuit culture.
This commitment to authenticity grounds the more fantastical elements of the tale, making the horror all the more impactful. By imagining a scenario in which the Franklin Expedition was doomed not only by the unforgiving Arctic but also by a malevolent supernatural force, Simmons and the show’s creators invite us to consider the many ways in which history can be reinterpreted and reimagined.
RelatedFrom Horror to History: How 11.22.63 Showcases Stephen King’s Versatility
Conclusion
The Terror stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical mysteries and the creative potential of alternate-history fiction. By blending meticulous research with inventive storytelling, Simmons and the AMC adaptation have crafted a tale that is both deeply unnerving and profoundly human.
As we conclude our exploration of this fascinating subgenre, The Terror serves as a fitting reminder of the many ways in which the past can be mined for fresh and compelling narratives. Whether as a window into the darkest corners of the human psyche or as a means of grappling with the unknowable forces that shape our world, alternate history fiction continues to captivate and provoke in equal measure.
Subscribe On Your Favorite Platform
