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The enigma of the yeti, a legendary creature believed to wander the Himalayas, has captivated explorers, naturalists, and storytellers for many years. Standing tall, covered in hair, resembling an ape, and with enormous feet, this creature is known by various names: yeti (a Sherpa term for “wild man”), the abominable snowman, or migo in Bhutan. Due to its presence in horror films and Scooby-Doo episodes, skeptics question its existence – but could it be real?
In the compelling 10-part podcast series Yeti by the BBC, Andrew Benfield and Richard Horsey embark on a journey to explore yeti sightings in the mountains of India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. They start by sharing an intriguing recording of an interview with David Attenborough, where he hints at the possibility of the legend being true. Attenborough discusses photographs submitted by mountaineer Eric Shipton in the 1950s after his Everest climb, revealing large footprints in the snow. He also mentions the discovery of fossilized molar teeth and a jaw belonging to a large ape-like creature found at a Chinese apothecary by the paleontologist Gustav von Koenigswald. Attenborough concludes saying, “So… there certainly was a giant ape there, and I think it’s not impossible that one could survive.”
The podcast endeavors to balance scientific investigation with anecdotal evidence, which often seems unsubstantial – nearly every yak herder or farmer in the Himalayas knows someone who claims to have seen the yeti. Benfield takes on the role of a believer, while Horsey remains a skeptic, resulting in occasional tension arising from their differing perspectives. However, their hopes are dampened when they meet a man in Myanmar who alleges being abducted and restrained by two yeti. Furthermore, they explore the case of a construction worker from 15 years ago found dead in northeast India, with clear signs of a broken neck. Some locals attribute his demise to the yeti since they discovered a large footprint and non-human hair at the scene. Nevertheless, further investigation reveals that the hair was merely a small piece of leaf.
The series abounds with tall tales and dead-end leads, occasionally venturing into melodrama. Benfield and Horsey theatrically raise their expectations when uncovering potential evidence of the yeti’s existence, only to have them crushed roughly 15 minutes later. The later episodes are particularly captivating as they delve into yeti mythology and its significance to Himalayan communities. A historian from Bhutan reflects, “The world is vast, with countless mysteries that remain unsolved. The yeti falls into the same realm as spirits. They reside here, appearing at will and possessing the ability to vanish. That’s why yeti chasers will never find them.”
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