The Terror showcases a terrifying small screen monster that is truly spine-chilling, and it has been revealed that this otherworldly creature is based on a real-life inspiration.
The show presents a supernatural twist on the historical mystery of Franklin’s lost expedition, which was a real tragedy, through a fictionalized account.
Despite being immobilized by ice in the Northwest Passage, the two Royal Navy ships and their crews must endure the brutal Arctic conditions and also face the threat of an unknown creature that lurks among the survivors, picking them off one by one.
This historical event transforms into a tale fit for the most chilling horror films. (Warning: spoilers ahead!)
What kills the men in The Terror?
Despite being trapped in the Canadian Arctic, the crews of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror are eventually met with their demise as they are relentlessly pursued and ultimately slain by a legendary “spirit bear”known as the Tuunbaq.
The Tuunbaq is depicted in the show as “the creature made of muscles and spells,”and “the being that consumes on both two legs and four.”It is additionally disclosed that the shamans were responsible for creating the creature.
Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the Tuunbaq bears a striking resemblance to a polar bear. At one point, the men even mistake it for a bear stalking them. However, its sheer size proves that it is much more than just a bear.
The Tuunbaq’s appearance is characterized by a head and mouth that resemble those of a human, giving it a mutated and unsettling look. Additionally, it possesses other human-like features.
The Tuunbaq is first seen in Episode 2, where it attacks a group traveling by sled from the HMS Erebus and fatally wounds Lieutenant Graham Gore. The crew’s initial reaction is to try and kill the creature, mistaking it for a bear, and they do so by using dead rats to lure it into a trap.
Despite the plan’s implementation, it proves to be unsuccessful as the Tuunbaq continues to rampage and claim the lives of more crew members, including Captain Franklin.
Throughout the course of the ten episodes, the Tuunbaq persistently assaults and mercilessly slays the crew, not sparing even those aboard the ships.
Explanation of the Tuunbaq’s Origins
Although The Terror author Dan Simmons created the fictional creature known as the Tuunbaq, its creator, the goddess Sedna, is inspired by Inuit mythology.
Sedna, also referred to as the Mother of the Sea or Mistress of the Sea, is the goddess of the sea and marine animals. Various retellings of her tale have emerged over the years, but the majority involve her father’s attempt to kill her before she attains her abilities.
According to Greenlandic Inuit religion, the Tuunbaq was created by Sedna, but there is another creature that shares similarities: the tupilaq. This vengeful monster is crafted using materials such as animal bones or body parts from deceased children.
Despite being designed to destroy a particular enemy, the tupilaq can be compelled to turn against its creator if the intended target possesses strong abilities.
In addition, Tupilaqs were often sculptures of frightening creatures, crafted from materials such as sperm whale teeth, tusks, and antlers.
In The Terror, the tupilaq takes the form of the Tuunbaq, sent by the shaman to track and attack members of the expedition. However, when the shaman is killed by the crew in Episode 2, his daughter Lady Silence assumes control over the Tuunbaq.
Does the Tuunbaq get defeated?
Despite suffering extensive injuries, the survivors continue to fight back against the Tuunbaq over time. Their efforts ultimately result in the creature’s demise as they unknowingly poison it while strangling it with a chain.
As the conflict intensifies and grows more personal between the men and the Tuunbaq, they make numerous attempts to attack the creature. As the finale approaches, it becomes increasingly bloodied and wounded.
The ultimate confrontation occurs as the men successfully entice the Tuunbaq onto the plain by singing loudly. However, upon its arrival, it inadvertently consumes a chain while attacking and killing several crew members.
Before the fight, Goodsir deliberately poisons himself and slashes his wrists in order to conceal his true cause of death. As a result, the crew unknowingly ingests the poisoned flesh and is forced to resort to cannibalism. Fortunately, Crozier manages to survive by consuming the soles of Goodsir’s feet.
Despite Hickey’s attempt to claim the beast by imitating Lady Silence’s ritual of cutting off his tongue, Crozier ultimately emerges victorious over the Tuunbaq. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he manages to remove the chain lodged in the creature’s throat.
The creature is strangled to death, bringing an end to the grueling and terrifying struggle for survival. It is uncertain whether the Tuunbaq’s demise was caused by the strangling or by consuming poisoned crew members, but in either case, it meets its ultimate fate.
Disturbing material! Additionally, you can stay updated on the latest true crime and documentaries for a more somber viewing experience, or browse through the top serial killer documentaries in history.
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