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Humans vs Superhumans | When Monsters Were Real and We Almost Went Extinct

Humans are the apex predator. Not *an* apex predator. *The* apex predator. Other than a handful of bacteria and viruses, there’s pretty much nothing stronger, more intelligent, or more adaptable than Homo sapiens. 

Telling the human story from the beginning is difficult.

It was a time when two words defined our world: fear and violence. It was a time when we were *not* the apex predator; we were their prey.

We emerged from our caves during the day. Hoping we wouldn’t be hunted by the monsters in the woods.

So vicious were these monsters they still live in our myths -- and our nightmares. They created a generational trauma embedded into our DNA over hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. 

These creatures were stronger, faster, and (when it came to combat) more intelligent than we were. It’s a miracle any of us are even here. 

This is the story of how modern humans conquered the monsters and won the battle for the world.

But here's the thing: those fearsome monsters defeated by humans? Were other humans. 

Humans vs Superhumans | When Monsters Were Real and We Almost Went Extinct

Comments

Favorite episode

Sith Retort

fabulous, love this topic. i’ve recently read that our current form may have been more muttled with contributors than originally thought. thanks for the mini dock.

David Leatherman

The volcanic explosion that nearly made us extinct was the Toba explosion, 74,000 years ago. The Cambian explosion was 538 million years ago. Also, Neanderthal is an archaic German word and only the 't' is pronounced, the 'h' is silent. Neandertal is the correct pronunciation. Neanderthals also bred with Denisovans. So, we have a small percentage of at least two, archaic humans.

Victoria Wekamp

This is in my top five as an overall episode, and it has my favorite "story time" by far. Great content, per usual, but this one gets the old 'Chef's kiss' from me, my man. 👍👍👊👊

Brian Crowder

Excellent episode! The horrors and traumas of the past are still in our psyches and dna. Thank you for covering this topic!

David Parisi

AJ - Timeline, Timeline, Timeline. There are so many stories that I think it would be good to do an episode compilation of how things fit into what time. So Anunnaki's and this episode (Same time as each other, before, or after).

Matthew Hyland

You should do an episode on Russia’s 2045 project 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

Rocky Baroli

Vulcanos are always an issue.. specially super vulcanos. Yellowstone is due for some time now. :)

Waldemar Haszlakiewicz

I have more Neanderthal dna than 98% of folks on 23 and me. I do not have a pronounced brow bone, mildly pronounced canines, but not a monster. There are archeological digs that found humans and Neanderthals cohabitating. So I really have to dig into the content presented in this episode to believe any of it.

Alicia Smith

Humans evolved differing skin colors depending on where they lived and the amount of sunlight they were exposed to. If they had pale skin and were exposed to a lot of sunlight, their bodies produced too much vitamin D and they were unable to reproduce and pass on their pale skin color to their offspring. If they had dark skin and lived in an area with less sunlight, they were unable to absorb enough vitamin D and the deficiency made them sterile, unable to pass on their dark skin color. So that's it. That's all this racism B.S. is...a simple matter of where our ancestors lived on planet Earth. Maybe one day we'll understand the most simple fact of life...we're all Human!

Susan L. Carr

I think it is great AJ touches on that at the end of the video. AJ asks the important question: Would neds be redheads or paler due to the location of their territory on the map? Always thought provoking conversation!

Tiph Tobie

Yikes! New campfire material for the win.

Wendy Middleton

This would explain why they found evidence of Neanderthals cohabitating with Homosapiens. It was a chilling episode for sure.

Wendy Middleton

I tought you Will create New exclusive material for patron. Sorry for bad my english i am from Québec city. Ave a great Day or night

Luc Grenier

Really appreciate the storyline for this episode. Fantastically thoughtful on so many levels!

Kat Wilson

This episode gave me goosebumps! Thank you for such amazing storytelling :)

Tiph Tobie

Would like to see an extended and uncensored version for us here. Yes to all " if you would like to see" ☕😃👍

Cb314

My friend, based on my own researches, spot on.

Cb314

Thanks for the gift. By the way, why are the Neanderthals portrayed as black? If they lived in ice age Europe, they'd be as pasty faced like the rest of us. Is it because black = evil? Not criticizing here, just curious. I love The Why Files and I loved this video just thought it was the most hokey and B.S. laden yet.

Susan L. Carr

This was a truly phenomenal episode. I will definitely have to get my hands on the book now. Great work as always, AJ. Now go and rest your weary head, my friend. :)

Terrence Cain

Great video! I got my signed picture in the mail. It's awesome!

Scott Crawford

I absolutely loved this episode! I mean, they’re all pretty awesome, but this one had me totally enthralled! Great work AJ and TWF Team!

Maelous

Loved it! Yes, pretty please to a Bigfoot Neanderthal episode and a volcano episode. Thank you so much for all the hard work that makes this show so excellent!

Olivia Snyder

Can't wait for mine.

Don Stewart

Imagine seeing that while out camping.

Don Stewart

I just think having a go at whyfiles isn’t necessary

rob denton

just wait till we figure out AJ has figured out how to AI himself and Hecklefish and won't even need to show up for work - and we won't be able to tell!

Bosco Lemonzit

Thank you AJ!!! Love the show all of them. A volcano episode would be interesting. As well the Bigfoot Neanderthal. Have a good night Sir!

Kelly Robertson

I got a wonderful autographed card from WF!!! Soooo proud of it! Ta, team!❤🌹

Jan Bounds

Loved it, as usual. The volcano and bigfoot episode ideas are killer. Very glad to be on your patreon. :)

Justin McKean

Great episode. I liked the AI art actually, terrifying! Well done.

Skyhammer

I'm going to stick with God made us, but I do see human monsters daily mainly in DC

Bryan Smithers

Great episode! Keep up the great work.

Dylan

I have friends who's names are on that list of genuine art theft. While you're not seeing it (maybe that's why there are art directors) there are weird defects with AI that a person like me, who used to make my living as an artist, stand out. The hands used by AI are the worst and that's i understandable. As artists we spent hundreds, maybe thousands of hours ourselves working on drawing and painting hands. The algorithm has a hard time with them while it also has a problem with teeth (also very apparent in the art used). You don't notice that, but from a production standpoint it's pretty glaring to artists and people who know good art (for me it's as bad as constantly mispronouncing words or poor sentence structure). Sorry if that bugs you. Imagine how depressing it is for me to see all the people who don't notice or don't care. The episode is still good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though I may go to just listening.

Rick Tucker

Now this probably my favourite episode yet.

John Lane

"Took us as game for his own needs" like it seems 😅 I share the theory that the devious Homo sapiens stole and graped my female ancestors (see myself as a Homo Neanderthal descendant!) and deviously killed the men, a genocide without equal! We shall not forget!

Christian Hetzel 😽

I like the Bigfoot theory.

Michael Cuevas

Didn’t have a chance to watch till today - another thought provoking episode! I would be interested in seeing a ‘Is Bigfoot Neanderthal’ episode - keep up the good work!

Peter Anniko

Well....I have blue eyes and fair skin and love eating ribs. My DNA is northern Europe. I now know why I am grumpy when I do not eat on time.

Don Stewart

Love this ep! One thing not mentioned, our abilities for very long distance running. This would be a massive advantage for survival, especially in hot climates.

Robert Boag

It was said that one would think that Neanderthals and humans would have gotten along as different species. Hell, within our own species in the 20th century alone we butchered over 100 million fellow humans. And we are supposed to be evolving… 🙁

John Battiston

A volcano episode would be AWESOME!

Mike McLoud

The comment is fair

Page

Another amazing episode! The alt science/alt history episodes are my favorite! Very smartly presented. Thank you for what you and your marvelous team do for viewers like me!

Shelby Haag

It had plenty of warnings, would pass lower age rating and was throroughly enjoyable, perhaps when AJ said put the kids to bed somebody should have listened... joking...What you see in the media everday is far more graphic, this was not in any way indecent.

Ben Dover-Nimmo

Huh, I didn't actually know a lot that was in this video. Not that during my studies I ever found it covered for more than a mention. but still interesting how basic some misconceptions can be.

Ivari Tölp

Bigfoot ?

Andrew Key

Hey, amazing episode. Haven’t gotten up to the potential debunking part at the end yet, but it’s a fascinating tale regardless of the factuality.

Jaidan

Some people always have to find fault . Sad

rob denton

I thoroughly enjoyed this potential horror story of and Neanderthals. I do have a small nitpick: the AI art, impressive as it is and CHEAP as it is is problematic and it ain't just the weird hands the AI struggles so hard to get right. I'm here for the story, not the graphics, but if you feel you need them there are great artworks available with functional hands and other more accurate depictions of the subject matter. Ultimately you're going to do what you need to do. I just wanted to point this out. I also would like to hear more of this idea that Neanderthals are alleged to be Yeti, Bigfoot, et al.

Rick Tucker

This is one of the most comprehensive summary of human evolution I’ve seen. Nice work as always AJ!

David “Kiwi” Keller

I loved loved loved this episode. Even though I heard the rough read through last week. The Why Files is the smartest YouTube channel out there.

Keri Holmes Rojas

He brought us pain and misery He killed our tribes, he killed our creed He took our game for his own need

Jim Hoffman

What a nasty comment.

rob denton

Thanks for your ❤️😊 You are the only one so far, I think we're getting old Jim 🤣

Christian Hetzel 😽

Excellent episode

rob denton

I reckon Sid and Mary Croft knew a few things what with the sletaks, portals, etc.. the death match would make for a great movie

Gavin Evans

AJ, thank you so much for all your hard work creating the most engaging, thought provoking, and entertaining show on the internet! I just joined your Patreon, and happy to support your inspiring work! Keep it up and THANK YOU!

Jason

Intriguing episode. You are the best. Thank you for all you do

Kazren

Weird it is usually just on one word

waughsome

Definitely want to hear about the Bigfoot connection.

Tripal Helix

Dude. WTF! This episode was horrible. Way too unnecessarily graphic. Not fun like most episodes. Seriously not what I expect from WF. I hope you don't keep doing this type of story. Not enjoyable.

Kristi

Yes! Miami Alien story. Kids fighting with sticks is also scary.

Nancy Kenz

Great episode! More like this please.

BD Carter

Alot of humans left out of this story. I'll leave it at that

Page

Another great episode. I would love to hear the volcano story.

Robert Snyder

Great episode. We loved it.

Michael Goad

Oh no, I fell asleep. What happened?

Nancy Kenz

Sasquatch Genome Project. Look it up

DonnieDarko27

Tremendous episode as always, thanks! One minor point that doesn't really have much bearing on this story but is worth noting: the 'out of Africa' theory has long since been disproved. Questions in particular started to arise with some important discoveries beginning in the mid-noughties. And since that time there've been many scholarly article, particularly using DNA evidence, that show conclusively that homo sapiens 'originated' from up to as many as five different regions. In fact, it would seem there was more migration into than out of Africa. A great source (and fun read) is anthropologist Robert Sepehr's book, Species with Amnesia, which not only constructs an excellent narrative incorporating these findings, but also contains citations and a detailed bibliography, in case you feel like diving further down that rabbit-hole. Finally, yes, I would love to see an episode on the world-changing volcano! I find all your videos not only hugely entertaining, but absolutely riveting and always informative. Cheers!

thormusique

Amazing episode. Thank you. I definitely wanna hear more about neanderthals

Antonio Martinez

AJ,you and Hecklefish are the best thing since sliced bread... I love your whole team but I must say hecklefish has a warm place in my heart ❤️

Michelle Powell

Was looking forward to this since the after files read, did not disappoint, great episode!

Helle

Always a great episode !

Maurizio De Nichilo

Love the story, don’t care for all of the AI though. Wish you guys would partner with a human artist but I know that would be costly.

Rob C

That was an awesome episode 😎

Delpha DiGiacomo

This was awesome!!!🤩

Everly❤️

Amazing episode like always!

Trystinee Nooner

Yes a another one

Southside

This video aside, as grest as it was...as a new patron member I'd like to say...I've been follow AJs channel from its infancy. I remember feeling like I had the "underground scoop on the good shit" saw his transformation over the years. Remember when he had the audacity to ask about removing heckle fish. (Never live that down AJ) sure it's a great channel, you did your thing. But I've recognized your perseverance and keen eye to stand outside the "norm" (dare I sound arrogant) but as I fellow curious, and inilectual mind... this world can feel alienating. Lonely. Boring. Once you've dug so deep into the questions such as "who are we?" "Who am I?" "What is this place" "Quantum mechanics, aliens, god, after death, simulation theory, conciousness, etc etc .God that is a beautiful tree..." And often. There's no one to talk about it to. The why files brings those kind of people together. I've not gotten into the discord and stuff much, but to know there's others out there...real people. Is nice to know.... Thanks AJ 👌 its wholesome to watch.

Cameron Dimond

Sad y'all forgot my name last week🥲yay something to do while I work! Thanks team!

Nette W

That was brilliant, really enjoyed it 😁

Shirley Connellan

Great Story, but on this one I find a lot I would have to double research on my own and then drop in the can of no return-sorry

John Edgeworth

I have to believe my theory, that ET used this planet as a zoo, or a place to keep species from the Galaxy that were threatened. The big underground caverns were built by man, but in order to use them they would have to have been lived in and kept stocked for such events as gigantic eruptions. The underground ark's, if ya will, to keep the animals and other foods that kept for long periods. I would go on, I hope you get it. Neanderthals definitely could have been all you said and more, the caverns would have been a safe place because only one huge being could fit as the men killed it and hung the meat up to dry in the sun. Superhuman Jerky on the menu.

John Seychel

Thanks Village Elder. Another entertaining and thoughtful episode (and a bit scary, yikes!).

Tim Murphy

Awesome job guys!

Jason Moore

By the way. Getting a Bronco Heritage edition Red/White a giant Why Files love would look great on it.

Daryl Paul Campbell

Loved It!

Daryl Paul Campbell

This is the 3rd time I've listened to this story now. Twice last week and now today. Great story! And today is the first time I've been able to watch on my computer and just saw the Shadow Man in the credits. Very creepy!

Colin Butterworth

This was an excellent episode! Thank you TWF team!!! The "cold Read" didn't detract from it at all and should be an ongoing thing!!

Scott Dalziel

Very cool story! My guppy was excited that you had a new spin on what he just learnt in school. And after listening to last week’s afterfiles, it was great to see how you put AJ in the script. I’m always excited for the latest show. Please keep it going. It’s such a bright spot every week. Thank you for everything you all do!

AnnaYaelD

I like the history of all of us but dang does this story put everything in a whole new perspective.

Jason Feaster

Great Episode once again! definitely would like an episode on the italy volcano hadn't heard about that one, let alone its over due for another eruption, would tie well in with the other few super volcanos/fault lines that are long over due, like yellowstone caldera or the cascadia subduction zone. hell i thought i was safe out here in the midwest, but apparently there is a fault line running up the mississippi river that if it goes will take out st louis/ southern Ilinois. .. lol fun times to look forward too!

Odd Marcus

I'm sure humanity spread from africa towards west also.But since the continental landmass in the atlantic has sunken 32.000 and 12.500 years ago there are of course no traces left.At the moment

the real vinyl pusher

Great episode as usual....Getting a little bit of weirdness with the right channel audio where the panning seems to go hard right for a split second like a ping efefct is being used but not going left...

Ben Dover-Nimmo

I gotta say, Hecklefish is growing on me 😂. Great show, as always. I come away from these episodes feeling a little smarter, and with a broader perspective on life and our world. Thanks so much for that, and for all you do!

Pete Mitchell

Fair point

Brenda H

I did not get an email for todays show.

Sindy Simms

Another brilliant episode! AJ. You never have to ask us if we “want an episode on that”. Of course we do! We always need more Why Files! Awesome job Why Files family. Sigh, now I have to wait another week for the next episode. Not that you’re busy or anything but how about two episodes a week?! 😉.

Valerie Brooks

Ranch is my usual go to also….but when it comes to human…you can’t top an Au Jus. 😉

JimmyJames

Love this. I took an anthropology course in community College, I will never forget learning just how many "other" hominids there were. To this when I ever bring it up it confuses people. A whole ancient world that most people have forgotten about.

Cameron Dimond

This one is amazing! My fav episode to date :) Awesome storytelling ,the entire tale of the boy to teen to on the run!

Vicky Humphrey

Even weirder is how the US national parks services refuses to keep statistics on disappearances and a lot of cases are still sealed after decades.

PadmeSkywalker

you mean like, in best Hecklefish voice, "when was the first homo erectus on Uranus"? I'll probably get suspended from Patreon for that now....

Bosco Lemonzit

So much different information, alternative ideas, to consider. I find myself feeling really resistant to accepting this different Neanderthal was the real form. I need to see some jaws containing all of those teeth! Yikes! Lots to think about. Thank you.

Laurie C

Awesome. It was...

Garett

Sweet@

recliningCheese

Awesome episode!!

Timothy W

Lol..too much vodka. How can you not giggle over words like erectus and Uranus.

Caroline Nygaard

Great episode mate. Keep it up. I can't believe how many members you have now after seeing the credits. I think I'm 2 years now if you include youtube

Daniel Nye

Honey Mustard, though in Italy it was probably a tomato olive oil based dip of some sort.

Bosco Lemonzit

Neanderthal versus The Reptilian Death Match!

Bosco Lemonzit

I will always prefer to be at the top of the food chain 😋

Brenda H

Interesting to see how you evolved and upgraded the script from the cold read last week. Good stuff. I'm left with one thought. Would a team of Neanderthals ever lose an NFL game?!

MikeD

Good job guys, this just might be my new favorite episode. Back to the science roots, where WF all started. Well written too, engrossing. Loved the LotR references. BTW folks, if you like LotR check out @airplanefactswithmax on IG. He's hilarious. AJ I think you'd get a kick out of it too.

Jim Hoffman

I had an amazing thought one night, wondering if you took the Missing 411 map and compared it to the US cave systems if they would match up, got up at 3am and started researching it and discovered about 1.5 million others had already thought of it. And they do match up very well. Which also makes me wonder why the government over the last 25 years have closed off so many cave entrances around the country, claiming to protect the bats, yea, right, it's always the bats.

Bosco Lemonzit

What an awesome episode. Orcs vs Humans!!! let’s go!!!

B.C. Schoening

Great episode...again!

Brenda H

Great episode! I think H.G. Wells had this theory of Neanderthal when he wrote about Morlocks in The Time Machine. Ironic because around 85% are Eloi...

Brad Moran

WOW 😯 thank you for blowing my mind, yet again❣️ GREAT PROGRAM!! YES, PLEASE! I really think we NEED a scary volcanoes one, and oh please!! don't tease us... we NEEEEEEED that bigfoot one, too, PLEASE and thank you so much❣️❣️ great work!! thank you for doing what you do!!

pheobekate

Can I reply with: “Not as often as I’d like” and not get into too much trouble? Lol!!

Daniel Hardt

🎶Run to the caves, run fohor youhur lahahaiv🎶

Christian Hetzel 😽

Same! I’m sure I have a scared wide eyed look 👀 on my face.

toni

do you ever see her looking at you licking her lips?

Bosco Lemonzit

Oh man, I cannot believe you left us hanging there at the end, I was expecting the whole damn show to tie Neanderthals into Bigfoot and you do, 'but that is another episode..." GRRRRR Please don't make us wait 6 months for the second part and Neanderthals/Bigfoot. Interesting show though, I'll probably be nervous walking my dog tonite in the cemetery now.

Bosco Lemonzit

Seen alllll your vids x 100 times each! You just won me over x 10000000 with one word Bigfoot! Nailed it per usual AJ & Mr. Fish! Thanks for all your hard work it’s noticed and appreciated ❤️

Made Broke

OMG this was a awesome video I absolutely loved it 🔥🔥🔥❤️👏 thanks keep up the amazing job WF team from devoted fan ❤️

Shantell Burton

Wow 🤯 Great Episode!! Absolutely terrifying, you are a great story teller. That part about being around the campfire, nightmare fuel. I definitely want to hear about how Neanderthal’s evolved into big foots. Good Job team! Thank you 😊

toni

Excellent job! Thank you. BTW, real nice job polishing the script...much improved over the cold read. The Force is strong in the Why Files.

Gus Viera

This was awesome. I had the exact same reaction as Hecklefish at the end and then I went Nooooooooo! when I realized the episode was over. lol The part about the caves makes me think of the theories that there is a huge cave complex under the US that line up with national parks and that there’s people living there that are responsible for some of the strange disappearances. Also, did you know about Cheddar Man, a 9,000 year old skeleton that they found in the UK and they identified one of his descendants living nearby and they look a lot alike? https://mymodernmet.com/cheddar-man-relative/ it made me think about the story of interbreeding.

PadmeSkywalker

Ranch is my favorite go to

Brenda H

Another great episode, as always. Honestly the only show I look forward to anymore.

Gunslingerzero

My wife did a dna test and it says that she supposedly has more Neanderthal DNA than 85% oh the worlds population. She also has extra bones in her jaw and skull. Walking cavewoman I tell ya!!

Daniel Hardt

Holy S#$# I'm listening to this while I work on my gaming headphones- I got chills during the one segment! Well done!

Sonny A

Oh this sounds good, looking forward to checking it out after work(and after the treadmill).

Dalton Bilsky

Oh man this is gonna be so GREAT!! 🔥 😍 👌 💯

JIM CASTRO

I wonder what was the choice dipping sauce when eating human? Probably some type of Au jus I’d imagine. 🍗

JimmyJames

I wonder if the planet of the apes were a means of telling this story in an “acceptable” telling? And was it these predators that drove the lizard people and others underground?

Gavin Evans

Another great episode! I love The Why Files ❤️

Brooke McMillan

Wooooot!!!

Ray S

Yes! Been waiting all day!!😍😍 wait where is part two of the last one

K Thompson

Look forward to every episode. First time watching it on patreon, we usually have to wait until Friday to watch as we are in the UK and the live goes out in the early hrs of the morning here. Thank you for everything you do.

Deepblue66

I love getting the episode a day early. Thanks aj.

Allen Moody

Firs, ah shit!

Bosco Lemonzit

🫵❤️👏👏👏 thank you WFs team

Beyond Strangeness

This is going to be good.

Garett

Finally!!! I've been waiting all week! Thanks AJ!

Sam Zpen

I always look forward to Thursday nights!

Beth S.

Looking forward to this. Heard the script last week. Looking forward to watching. Thanks for the work you do.

Azle Roth

Already excited for the jokes in this one. 😆Solid script teaser last week!

Autumn Spredemann

Thank you for this one! Happy WhyFilers Night!

Katy

I feel like I've heard this one before

Safe and effective!

Always a reason for good cheer! 😊

Rick Flynn

Thursdays are the best!

Owen Sivertson

When’s it going to be on YouTube tonight? I like to watch on the “big screen”! Lol

Matt Benfield

Ooooh, yet another I’ve been looking forward to…. Thank you ❤️🐾

Ruby Sardeson

Devouring now…

Spencer Carter (Svidur)

Thursday is the new best day!!! Thank you!

Joseph Jackson

Oh. This is that story from last week. I’ll see ya’ll for the After Files!

DS_the_RN

Why Files you're amazing

Lukas

Hooray!

PadmeSkywalker

Sweet! But now my work is gonna be 45 minutes late.... Worth it!

Trodden An3urysm

yay!

Brian Perkins


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