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Life on the American frontier was filled with dangers, and many settlers relied on strange beliefs to make sense of them.
Misconceptions
From Mulan to William Tell, these icons started movements and starred in Disney movies...but weren't actually real.
While Game of Thrones showed the worst side of the bedding ceremony in its third season, the historical tradition is a little more complicated.
Frida Kahlo has become heavily mythologized, but some misconceptions—including her birth year and the idea that she was unknown during her life—are especially persistent.
From secret messages to the Liberty Bell, some of what you might believe about July 4, 1776 and the Declaration of Independence may be entirely incorrect.
Some of the Founding Fathers spread misinformation and owned slaves. Here are five false beliefs you might have about the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
From insects to the moon, people have mistaken very Earthly phenomena for UFOs many times.
The word 'honeymoon' has been around for centuries, and there are several theories about its history.
The image of Princess Diana that most people have is not entirely accurate. Here are some myths parading as facts about the former Princess of Wales.
From "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world..." to "You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled," we’re debunking the most popular quotes frequently misattributed to Frida Kahlo.
Chlorine actually has a neutral smell—so if your pool smells strongly of chlorine, it's actually not a good sign.
Did Yoko Ono break up the Beatles, and did they all really hate each other following the band's dissolution? Learn the truth about six major Beatles misconceptions.
June 19 marks Juneteenth National Independence Day. Learn more about the history here.
From "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind to Hanson's "MMMBop," these deceptively cheerful '90s songs hid dark messages behind upbeat music.
Was Marilyn Monroe a "dumb blonde"? Did she get fired for being difficult? We debunk five common misconceptions about the Hollywood legend.
Did Caligula really make his horse a Roman consul? Ancient sources and modern historians suggest the famous story isn't quite what it seems.
Did Jim Lovell really say “Houston, we have a problem”? Not exactly. Here’s the real Apollo 13 story behind the famous misquote.
The story of the first U.S. president's wooden dentures is one of history's most enduring myths, and it couldn't be further from reality.
A genetic disorder and its ghastly symptoms inspired the myths of bloodthirsty vampires.
Did ancient Romans really build special rooms where banquet guests went to vomit between courses?
One of the most recognizable Viking images may not be as historically accurate as many people assume.
More From the History Section
From the lost sequel to the poem's oral roots, here are five things you might not know about the origins and mystique surrounding Homer's epic poem, the 'Odyssey.'
These common English words—including "siren," "echo," and "narcissism"—all have roots in ancient Greek mythology.
The legendary city of Troy really existed, and the tale of the Trojan Horse might not have been the stuff of epic poetry.
Ever wonder why your right ear is ringing? Explore the fascinating spiritual history, cultural omens, and the medical reality behind this mysterious sensation.
From centuries-old crafts to surprisingly niche professions, these jobs reveal a side of Italy most travelers never see.
From quinine to amputation, medicine on the prairie could be brutal.
From 'flutterbudget' to 'sadiron', we’re decoding eight words from the new "Little House on the Prairie" series that have vanished from modern English.
Before it symbolized victory, the blue ribbon had a very different story.