American Horror Story: Roanoke, Season 6, draws inspiration from a real historical mystery, but ultimately presents a fictionalized and dramatized narrative. While rooted in the legend of the lost Roanoke Colony and true-crime elements, the season is a work of horror fiction, embellished for entertainment purposes.
The Seeds of Roanoke: Historical Inspiration
The core inspiration for AHS: Roanoke lies in the historical enigma of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Established in 1587 on Roanoke Island (now part of North Carolina), the English colony mysteriously vanished around 1590. When Governor John White returned after a supply trip to England, he found the settlement deserted, with only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post and “CRO” on a nearby tree. This historical event sparked centuries of speculation and theories, ranging from Native American attacks to assimilation and natural disasters.
Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the creators of American Horror Story, skillfully used this unsettling historical foundation as a jumping-off point. They wove the Roanoke legend into a modern horror narrative, incorporating elements of true crime and found footage to create a disturbing and suspenseful season. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the historical seed and the fictional tree that grew from it.
Blurring the Lines: True Crime Elements and Artistic License
AHS: Roanoke is not a documentary or a strictly historical recreation. While it borrows from historical events and legends, it takes significant artistic license to create a compelling horror story. The season presents a fictionalized account of the Miller family, who move to a farmhouse in North Carolina only to be tormented by supernatural forces connected to the Roanoke Colony.
The “My Roanoke Nightmare” documentary within the season, followed by the “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell” reality show, amplifies the meta-narrative, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This narrative strategy allows the show to explore themes of truth, perception, and the exploitation of tragedy.
Furthermore, the character of Lee Harris, played by Adina Porter, is loosely inspired by real-life figures associated with criminal activity. The true-crime elements add another layer of realism, but they are ultimately intertwined with the supernatural and fictional aspects of the show.
Distinguishing Fact from Fiction: A Necessary Caution
It’s essential to approach AHS: Roanoke as a work of horror fiction rather than a historical document. While it may spark interest in the real Roanoke Colony, viewers should not confuse the show’s dramatized events with documented historical facts. The supernatural elements, vengeful spirits, and extreme violence depicted in the season are creative inventions designed to entertain and frighten, not to accurately portray the historical events surrounding the Lost Colony. The show utilizes the idea of reality for dramatic impact but is not a truthful portrayal.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Roanoke Mystery
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between AHS: Roanoke and the historical events that inspired it:
FAQ 1: What is the real story behind the Roanoke Colony?
The actual fate of the Roanoke Colony remains a mystery. Theories range from assimilation with local Native American tribes (particularly the Croatoan tribe) to attacks by other Native American groups, starvation, disease, and even unsuccessful attempts to return to England. No definitive evidence has ever been found to confirm any single theory.
FAQ 2: Is the Butcher of Roanoke a real person?
The Butcher, played by Kathy Bates, is a fictional character inspired by elements of early colonial figures and folklore. While there were undoubtedly harsh leaders during that period, The Butcher’s specific character and actions are creations of the show’s writers.
FAQ 3: Did the colonists really practice blood sacrifices?
There is no concrete historical evidence to suggest that the Roanoke colonists engaged in blood sacrifices as depicted in AHS: Roanoke. The show uses this element to enhance the horror and explore themes of savagery and survival, but it is not based on documented historical practices.
FAQ 4: Was there a real reality show called “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell”?
The reality show featured in AHS: Roanoke is entirely fictional. It is a narrative device used to explore the consequences of exploiting tragedy and the dangers of confronting the supernatural.
FAQ 5: Does the word “Croatoan” hold any real significance?
The word “CROATOAN” carved into the post at the deserted Roanoke settlement is a genuine historical detail. Croatoan was the name of a nearby island and the tribe that inhabited it. This clue has fueled theories that the colonists assimilated with the Croatoan people.
FAQ 6: How much historical accuracy is in AHS: Roanoke?
AHS: Roanoke utilizes the historical mystery of the Lost Colony as a launching pad for a horror story. While it incorporates some historical details, it primarily relies on creative license and fictional elements to create a terrifying narrative. It is important to separate the historical inspiration from the show’s fictional portrayal.
FAQ 7: Were the colonists truly haunted by supernatural forces?
The supernatural elements depicted in AHS: Roanoke are fictional creations. There is no credible evidence to suggest that the historical Roanoke colonists were haunted by vengeful spirits or supernatural entities. The show uses these elements to create a compelling horror experience.
FAQ 8: Is there any evidence of surviving Roanoke colonists elsewhere?
Theories about the fate of the Roanoke colonists often suggest they might have integrated with local Native American tribes. Archaeological evidence has offered some support for this theory, but no definitive proof has been found. DNA testing of modern-day descendants offers limited and inconclusive insights, though research is ongoing.
FAQ 9: How did the show creators research the Roanoke Colony?
The show’s creators likely consulted historical records, documentaries, and scholarly articles about the Roanoke Colony to gather information and inspiration. However, their primary focus was on creating a compelling horror narrative, not on presenting a strictly accurate historical account.
FAQ 10: Are there other theories besides the Croatoan assimilation?
Yes, numerous theories exist regarding the fate of the Roanoke colonists. These include attacks by Spanish forces (who also had a presence in the area), disease outbreaks, starvation, and attempts to return to England that ended in disaster. The exact cause remains a subject of historical debate.
FAQ 11: What is the best way to learn about the actual Roanoke Colony?
For accurate information, consult reputable historical sources such as academic journals, books by historians specializing in early American history, and the official websites of historical societies dedicated to the study of the Roanoke Colony. Avoid relying solely on fictional portrayals like AHS: Roanoke for historical facts.
FAQ 12: Does AHS: Roanoke offer any valuable insights despite being fictional?
While not historically accurate, AHS: Roanoke raises interesting questions about the nature of fear, the power of storytelling, and the exploitation of tragedy. It can also spark interest in the real mystery of the Roanoke Colony, prompting viewers to seek out more reliable historical information.