Zombies are iconic undead creatures and they have been a staple in horror fiction for decades. From movies to television shows, zombies continue to capture our imaginations.
But have you ever wondered what these flesh-eating creatures hate? In this article, we’ll explore the world of zombies and delve into their dislikes.
- Noise
Zombies, surprisingly, hate loud noises. While they may not cover their ears or cringe, loud sounds can attract their attention. In a world where survival is key, the last thing you want is a horde of zombies trailing behind you. So, whether it’s a blaring car horn or a loud party, remember that zombies aren’t fans of noise.
- Bright Lights
Contrary to popular belief, zombies are not fans of bright lights. Many horror movies depict zombies as mindlessly wandering in the dark, but the truth is, they prefer shadows. Bright lights can be disorienting for them, and it’s safe to say they’d rather shamble away from the spotlight.
- Fire
Zombies may be impervious to pain, but they’re not fireproof. Fire is a great tool for fending off zombies. The sight of flames seems to repel them, and the heat can even cause damage to their decomposed bodies. So, if you find yourself facing a zombie horde, a well-placed fire could be your ticket to safety.
- Water
Surprisingly, zombies hate water. In many zombie stories, we see them mindlessly walking into bodies of water, but the truth is, they sink. Zombies lack the buoyancy that the living possess, making them averse to water. So, if you ever find yourself surrounded by zombies, heading towards a river or lake might just be your escape route.
- Certain Smells
Zombies have a heightened sense of smell, and some odors are particularly repugnant to them. Interestingly, the smell of decay and rotting flesh doesn’t bother zombies – they’re quite accustomed to it. However, certain scents, like strong perfumes or chemicals, can deter them. It’s like zombie repellant for your olfactory senses.
- Decomposed Flesh
Zombies may feast on living flesh, but they’re not too keen on their own kind. In a peculiar twist, zombies seem to avoid other zombies in an advanced state of decay. Perhaps it’s a survival instinct, a way for them to recognize the fresher, more appetizing humans from their decomposed counterparts.
- Fast Movements
Despite their seemingly slow and clumsy gait, zombies have a dislike for fast movements. Sudden bursts of speed or quick, unpredictable actions can confuse and startle them. It’s a common misconception that zombies are unbeatable in close combat, but a well-executed sprint can give you the upper hand.
- Intelligent Behavior
While zombies are not known for their intellect, they seem to have an aversion to intelligent behavior. In many fictional scenarios, characters who act with purpose and strategy can navigate through zombie-infested areas more successfully. It’s as if zombies are repelled by the idea of someone outsmarting them.
- Isolation
Zombies, despite their desire for human flesh, are not social creatures. They don’t form alliances or work together. If you find yourself facing a lone zombie, your chances of survival increase significantly. However, the danger escalates when they gather in groups, creating the infamous zombie hordes we often see in popular media.
- Weapons
In a bizarre twist, zombies seem to have an aversion to weapons. While they may not consciously fear firearms or melee weapons, the noise and movement associated with using these tools can draw their attention. It’s a delicate balance – you need weapons to defend yourself, but the act of using them might attract unwanted zombie attention.
Read also: Can Zombies Swim?
Understanding what zombies hate can be crucial in a world overrun by the undead. From avoiding loud noises to utilizing fire and water strategically, there are various ways to outsmart and evade these flesh-eating creatures. Keep these simple principles in mind, and you might just increase your chances of survival in a zombie-infested world.
How fast can zombies run?
The speed of zombies has been portrayed in diverse ways across movies, TV shows, and literature. Traditional depictions often show zombies as slow, lumbering creatures, barely able to keep pace with a brisk walk. Classics like George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” established the image of the slow-moving undead, creating a sense of dread as survivors faced hordes of relentless but sluggish foes.
However, modern interpretations have introduced the concept of fast zombies, characterized by rapid, aggressive movements. Films like “28 Days Later” and TV series like “The Walking Dead” have popularized the idea that zombies can break into a sprint, making them more formidable and harder to evade.
Pop Culture Depictions:
The portrayal of zombie speed varies widely in pop culture, and different storytellers take creative liberties to enhance the drama and tension in their narratives. Slow zombies create a sense of inevitability, as survivors must contend with the sheer numbers of the undead. On the other hand, fast zombies heighten the intensity, turning the undead into more immediate threats.
The slow zombie archetype often emphasizes the decayed nature of the undead, suggesting that rigor mortis and physical deterioration limit their mobility. In contrast, fast zombies are often depicted as victims of a more aggressive infection or as freshly reanimated corpses with preserved physical capabilities.
Scientific Considerations:
While zombies are purely fictional, discussions about their speed have led to scientific inquiries about the feasibility of such creatures in reality. Biologists and medical professionals have explored the idea of reanimation and its effects on the human body.
One argument against fast zombies is the physical limitations imposed by death and decay. Rigor mortis, the stiffening of muscles after death, could hinder quick, coordinated movements. Decay also weakens tissues, making it improbable for zombies to sustain the agility required for sprinting.
Furthermore, the lack of a functioning circulatory system and oxygen transport would lead to rapid muscle degradation, questioning the viability of sustained physical activity. In a scientific sense, the notion of fast zombies challenges the fundamental principles of human anatomy.
The Need for Suspension of Disbelief:
While scientific reasoning may debunk the feasibility of fast zombies from a biological standpoint, it’s essential to remember that the entire concept of reanimated corpses is inherently fantastical. The existence of zombies already defies the laws of nature, requiring audiences to suspend their disbelief for the sake of enjoying the story.
Creators of zombie fiction often prioritize the narrative impact and emotional engagement over strict adherence to scientific principles. Whether slow or fast, the speed of zombies serves as a narrative tool to evoke fear, suspense, and excitement in the audience.
Practicality in a Zombie Apocalypse:
If we were to entertain the idea of a zombie apocalypse, the practicality of zombie speed becomes a crucial consideration. Slow zombies, while less intimidating on an individual basis, could pose a significant threat in large groups, especially in confined spaces. Survivors might find it challenging to navigate through swarms of relentless undead.
On the other hand, fast zombies would make escape more difficult, requiring survivors to be agile and resourceful. The intensity of a fast zombie horde could elevate the stakes, forcing survivors to make split-second decisions and rely on speed and cunning to avoid being overwhelmed.
Ultimately, the practicality of zombie speed depends on the narrative goals of the storyteller and the desired atmosphere of the fictional world. A slower pace may create a more methodical and suspenseful survival scenario, while faster zombies may contribute to a sense of urgency and immediate danger.
The Evolution of Zombie Lore:
The portrayal of zombies has evolved over the years, with each generation of storytellers adding their own twist to the lore. From the voodoo origins of the early 20th century to the virus-induced outbreaks in contemporary narratives, zombies have undergone significant transformations.
In the early days of zombie cinema, such as in the 1932 film “White Zombie,” zombies were often depicted as mindless slaves controlled by a voodoo master. The slow, shuffling zombies we associate with the genre today didn’t become prominent until George A. Romero’s groundbreaking film “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968.
Romero’s zombies laid the foundation for the modern zombie archetype, characterized by reanimation due to a mysterious contagion and an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Subsequent films, like “Dawn of the Dead” and “Day of the Dead,” continued to solidify the image of slow, relentless zombies.
The shift toward faster zombies gained momentum in the early 2000s with Danny Boyle’s “28 Days Later.” Unlike traditional zombies, the infected in this film were not reanimated corpses but rather living humans driven into a frenzied, aggressive state by a virus. This marked a departure from the slow, methodical pace of classic zombie films and introduced a new level of intensity and fear.
“The Walking Dead” television series, based on the comic by Robert Kirkman, also contributed to the evolution of zombie lore. While the show predominantly features slow zombies, it occasionally introduces faster, more dangerous variants, keeping the audience on their toes.
Survival Strategies:
Whether facing slow or fast zombies, survivors in a zombie apocalypse would need effective strategies to navigate and overcome the undead threat. In scenarios with slow zombies, the emphasis might be on fortifying shelters, creating barriers, and developing long-term survival plans.
For fast zombies, the focus would shift to agility, speed, and resourcefulness. Evading a sprinting horde would require quick thinking, effective teamwork, and possibly even sacrificing some members to ensure the survival of the group.
Weaponry and defenses would also need to adapt to the speed of the undead. Slower zombies may be easier to dispatch with traditional melee weapons, while faster ones might necessitate more advanced firearms and tactics. The choice between stealth and confrontation would become a crucial aspect of survival strategy.