Roanoke's Portrayal in pop culture
When it comes to the spread of conspiracy theories, few mediums are more effective than pop culture in the media. Through various media outlets like television, video games, and literature, many different types of theories have been formed over time about the fate of the lost colony of Roanoke.
TelevisionLiteratureTheories on the Lost Colony have been explored in more media outlets than television. Many authors have written novels or comics regarding the disappearance of the colonists. These books range from children’s tales to adult literature, and contain a variety of genres. Some have written on the topic in order to discuss the facts and evidence found to support certain theories, while others have used the mystery of Roanoke to entertain their public with occult explanations or fun what-if scenarios. When it comes to a good mystery, naturally there will be many supernatural or occult theories thrown in the mix. Similar to the most popular way in which Roanoke is portrayed in television, there is an abundance of novels written that discuss some supernatural theories as to the Lost Colony’s whereabouts.
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The most prominent media outlet consumed by the public comes in the form of television. One of the most popular genres of television shows is mystery, and there is no shortage of conspiracy theory interpretations of the lost colony of Roanoke. Popular horror television series American Horror Story centered an entire season around Roanoke. Other popular teen dramas have used the mystery behind Roanoke as well to entertain their audiences with their explanation as to what may have occurred. These include widely popular shows such as Supernatural, Sleepy Hollow, Haven, and others that each have produced their own conspiracy about the lost colony.
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Video Games
iPossum. (2018, October 16). Roanoke- The Lost Colony Visual Novel [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/O1HomUNyy4c
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There have even been video games made based on the lost colony of Roanoke. These range from games aimed at children for educational purposes to suspense, thriller, and mystery games for the purpose of entertainment. Like most topics that are used and interpreted in popular culture, there is a wide range of purposes. The nature behind the lost colony of Roanoke makes it perfect to take in many directions, making it no surprise that there is such a wide variety of content created from this classic American mystery.
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references
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. (2015, April 14). The Roanoke Voyages in Literature. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/the-roanoke-voyages-in-literature.htm
Grant, Stacey. (2016, September 21). 9 Times Pop Culture Delved Into Roanoke Before American Horror Story. MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/2933092/american-horror-story-roanoke-croatoan-pop-culture-history/
Grant, Stacey. (2016, September 21). 9 Times Pop Culture Delved Into Roanoke Before American Horror Story. MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/2933092/american-horror-story-roanoke-croatoan-pop-culture-history/