The chilling premise of American Horror Story: Roanoke hinges on the supposedly true story of a haunted farmhouse and the ill-fated Lost Colony of Roanoke. While the season weaves elements of historical events and folklore into its narrative tapestry, the events depicted are largely fictionalized for dramatic effect.
The Seeds of Roanoke: Historical Inspiration and Creative License
American Horror Story: Roanoke cleverly blends historical events with fictional embellishments, creating a narrative that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. To understand how much of the season is “true,” we need to dissect the historical inspirations from the purely creative elements.
The Lost Colony: A Historical Mystery
The real Roanoke Colony, established in 1587 on Roanoke Island (now part of North Carolina), remains one of the great mysteries of American history. When Governor John White returned from England in 1590, he found the colony deserted, with only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post. This historical fact serves as the central, unsettling foundation upon which AHS: Roanoke builds its horror. The show draws upon the unsolved disappearance and the enduring mystery surrounding the colonists’ fate.
Agnes Moorehead: The Poltergeist That Wasn’t
The show heavily features a character named Agnes Moorehead, loosely based on the actress of the same name who starred in a 1943 radio play titled “The Hitch-Hiker.” In AHS, Agnes becomes obsessed with her character as the Butcher, the vengeful spirit of Thomasin White. While the real Agnes Moorehead didn’t encounter a demonic entity, this creative element speaks to the psychological effects of acting and the blurring of boundaries between character and performer. The connection is a symbolic one, linking the power of storytelling with the potential for obsession.
The Murders of the “Polk” Family: A Fictional Depravity
The cannibalistic Polk family, depicted as savage inhabitants of the Roanoke wilderness, is entirely fictional. While instances of cannibalism have occurred throughout history due to famine or survival situations, there is no historical record of a family like the Polks engaging in ritualistic cannibalism tied to the Roanoke Colony. This aspect of the show is purely a product of the writers’ imagination, designed to amplify the horror and exploit primal fears.
The “True Crime” Format: A Deceptive Strategy
The first half of AHS: Roanoke is presented as a true crime documentary titled “My Roanoke Nightmare.” This format utilizes reenactments and testimonials, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The show deliberately mimics the style of popular true crime series to create a sense of authenticity, drawing the viewer into the story and making them question what is real and what is staged. This technique heightens the suspense and allows the creators to explore the power of perception and the unreliability of memory.
FAQs: Deeper into the Roanoke Rabbit Hole
1. Is there a real Roanoke farmhouse?
No. The farmhouse depicted in American Horror Story: Roanoke is a fictional structure, created for the show. While there are historic homes in the Roanoke area, none are specifically linked to the events portrayed in the series.
2. Did the Lost Colony actually worship a blood moon?
There is no historical evidence to suggest the Lost Colony engaged in blood moon rituals or supernatural worship. The blood moon aspect of the show is a creative device used to amplify the horror and introduce a supernatural element. It’s important to remember the show is primarily entertainment, not a historical documentary.
3. Who was Thomasin White, the Butcher?
Thomasin White, the character of the Butcher, is entirely fictional. She is presented as the vengeful spirit of the Roanoke Colony’s governor’s wife, driven mad by starvation and betrayal. While the real colony faced hardships, there’s no historical basis for this specific character.
4. Are the historical figures in the reenactments accurate?
While the reenactments attempt to portray historical figures like Governor John White, the portrayal is dramatized and fictionalized. The show takes liberties with historical accuracy to create a more compelling narrative, prioritizing entertainment over strict adherence to historical fact.
5. Was there a real Edward Mott who built the house?
Edward Mott, the character who built the farmhouse in the series, is a fictional character, although his name is likely a reference to Lucretia Mott, a 19th-century American abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and social reformer. The character’s backstory and connection to the Roanoke Colony are purely imaginative.
6. Are the “found footage” elements authentic?
The “found footage” elements in the second half of AHS: Roanoke, which depict the actors returning to the house, are entirely staged. They are designed to heighten the horror and create a sense of realism, but are ultimately part of the fictional narrative.
7. How much of the show is based on documented historical events?
The show draws loosely on the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony and general historical information about the period. However, the supernatural elements, the specific characters, and the events depicted are largely fictional. The historical inspiration serves as a jumping-off point for the show’s creative license.
8. Did the Roanoke colonists really carve “Croatoan” into a tree?
Yes, the carving of “CROATOAN” into a post is a documented historical fact. This is perhaps the most well-known detail of the Lost Colony mystery and serves as a crucial plot point in the show. The mystery surrounding this word remains unsolved, fueling speculation and historical investigation.
9. Is there any archaeological evidence of the events depicted in the show?
While archaeological digs continue to explore the Roanoke area, there is no archaeological evidence to support the specific events depicted in the show, such as the existence of the Butcher or the blood moon rituals. Archaeological findings primarily focus on understanding the daily lives and potential fates of the colonists.
10. What is the main reason the show isn’t historically accurate?
The primary reason for the historical inaccuracies is the show’s focus on horror and entertainment. Strict adherence to historical accuracy would limit the creative possibilities and diminish the suspense and terror that are central to the American Horror Story franchise.
11. What is the “Roanoke Nightmare” within the show’s narrative?
Within the show, the “Roanoke Nightmare” refers to both the fictionalized horrors experienced by the characters in the reenactment and the real-life consequences faced by the actors who revisit the house. It’s a layered narrative that blurs the lines between performance, reality, and the supernatural.
12. Is the Roanoke story still being investigated by historians?
Yes, the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke continues to be investigated by historians and archaeologists. New discoveries and research methods offer potential insights into the colonists’ fate, keeping the historical mystery alive and relevant. However, these investigations are focused on uncovering historical truths, not validating the fictional horrors presented in American Horror Story: Roanoke.
In conclusion, American Horror Story: Roanoke is a work of fiction inspired by historical events. While it utilizes elements of the Roanoke Colony mystery and American folklore, the show’s primary purpose is to entertain and scare, not to provide an accurate historical account. Separating fact from fiction is essential for understanding the show’s creative intent and appreciating its dramatic flair without misconstruing it as historical truth.