TikTok really has poisoned the brains of millions. In years past, if someone told you that the Earth was once ruled by giants, you’d rightfully write them off as a crank. Now, someone saying that to you with confidence means they grew up with an iPad.
Recently, this mind-numbing stupidity has inspired discussion once again after a man allegedly captured a wood elf while live streaming. Yes, people really believe this.
I know what you’re thinking: that’s clearly CGI. You’d be correct; the little creature is slightly too smooth, its movements are too rigid, and its placement doesn’t exactly line up with the shaking of the camera. Also, it’s a goddamn wood elf — if they really existed, you probably would have heard about them by now.
Despite the obviousness of this hoax, many internet users are proclaiming that this man happened to record a “duende,” which Wikipedia tells me “is a humanoid figure of folklore, with variations from Iberian, Ibero American and Latin American cultures, comparable to dwarves, gnomes or leprechauns.” Great.
Commenters across these videos insist that the creator has witnessed something extraordinary. “They are called duende and they are real. They like candy,” wrote a user. “Most things from folklore and old books are rooted in reality,” declared another. “I’ve seen these before and no one believed me,” stated a third.
Of course, the creature isn’t actually real, and there’s more to disbelieve than just the fact that the lil’ guy is clearly created by a computer.
For example, the video purports to be a live stream, yet no one in the chat goes crazy upon seeing an otherworldly creature. Plus, even if it is a live stream, you can stream pre-recorded video pretty easily — meaning we’re more likely seeing someone trying out After Effects than a true act of God.
Beyond that, the problem with this conspiracy is the same one that affects most outlandish theories: If it were true, there would be no reason to hide it.
Unlike conspiracies surrounding 9/11 or Jeffrey Epstein, there are few powerful people who would have their lives uprooted by the discovery of tiny tree men. Scientists learn about new species all the time — adding a crazy little wood nymph to the list wouldn’t really be that big of a deal, all things considered.
But if you want to believe in tree fairies, be my guest. Just don’t be too offended when we all start laughing at you.
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