Gremlin

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Gremlins think it's fun to hurt you. Use care always. Back up our battleskies^ - NARA - 535381

B-1B Gremlin Nose Art

Gremlins are floor greasers^ Watch your step^ Back up our battleskies^ - NARA - 535378

Gremlins love to pitch things at your eyes. Wear safety goggles. Back up our battleskies^ - NARA - 535379

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Gremlins will push you 'round^ Look where you're going^ Back up our battleskies^ - NARA - 535380

Gremlin refers to a mythical creature commonly depicted in folklore and popular culture. Initially, gremlins were imagined as mischievous entities that caused malfunctions in aircraft or machinery, a concept that gained popularity among Royal Air Force pilots during World War II. Over time, the portrayal of gremlins has evolved, and they have been featured in various forms of media, including films, television series, and literature, often with differing characteristics and roles.

Origins and History

The exact origins of the gremlin myth are difficult to pinpoint, but the concept is believed to have originated from folklore associated with spirits and demons that were blamed for sabotaging equipment and machinery. The term "gremlin" gained prominence during the early 20th century, particularly among British aviators. Pilots in World War II frequently attributed unexplained mechanical failures and accidents to the actions of gremlins, which were thought to reside within the aircraft.

Cultural Impact

Gremlins have made a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in the realm of entertainment. One of the most notable representations is the 1984 film Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie portrays gremlins as small, mischievous monsters that transform from cute and harmless creatures when specific rules are broken. This film and its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, played a crucial role in shaping the modern image of gremlins as both endearing and malevolent creatures.

In literature, gremlins have been featured in various stories and books, often as protagonists or antagonists that interact with humans or other mythical beings. Their depiction ranges from sinister to comedic, depending on the narrative's tone.

Characteristics

While the characteristics of gremlins can vary widely depending on the source, they are generally portrayed as small, impish creatures with a penchant for mischief and sabotage. In many stories, gremlins possess a certain level of intelligence and cunning, which they use to outsmart their human counterparts or to cause chaos. Their appearance is often described as grotesque or peculiar, with features such as pointed ears, sharp teeth, and sometimes fur or scales.

In Modern Media

Beyond films and literature, gremlins have also appeared in video games, animated series, and comics, each medium offering a unique take on these creatures. They are often used as antagonists or obstacles that the protagonist must overcome, though some portrayals have depicted gremlins in a more sympathetic or humorous light.

See Also

• Mythical creatures
• Folklore
• Popular culture
• World War II

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