Haunted Cosmos: Faeries, Ghosts, and High Strangeness in the Vietnam War

Episode Release Date: March 5, 2025
Hosts: Ben Garrett & Brian Sauvé

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Haunted Cosmos, hosts Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé delve deep into the enigmatic and supernatural occurrences that plagued the soldiers during the Vietnam War. Titled "Faeries, Ghosts, and High Strangeness in the Vietnam War," the episode explores the eerie intersections between warfare, folklore, and unexplained phenomena in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia.

Encounters with the Unknown

The episode opens with a vivid narrative set in the heart of the Vietnamese jungle, where six soldiers from the 101st Airborne find themselves behind enemy lines. Amidst the oppressive humidity and the unsettling sounds of the forest, the soldiers encounter mysterious, bipedal creatures referred to as "rock apes."

"The forest dripped with stifling humidity...six men sent to die for their country in the black jungles of Vietnam" ([01:06] Ben)

As tensions rise, the soldiers witness these creatures uncoiling like snakes, glowing with an unnatural light, and exhibiting behaviors both menacing and sorrowful. Despite relentless gunfire, the entities remain unharmed, retreating only when the soldiers cease their attack.

"None of the creatures fell. They merely seemed inconvenienced...they retreated back into the thick and darkest parts of the forest" ([13:45] Ben)

Historical and Cultural Context

Garrett and Sauvé contextualize these encounters within the broader landscape of the Vietnam War, highlighting how the dense, ancient forests of Vietnam have long been shrouded in mystery and folklore. The hosts reference the Ngoy Rim, or "People of the Forest," from local oral traditions, suggesting that these beings may be rooted in ancient legends that predate the war itself.

"These rural tribes never lost their stalwart belief in this race of creature...it wasn't just a forgotten animal thus far missed by mankind" ([05:20] Ben)

Scientific Investigations

The episode transitions to discuss efforts by both military and scientific communities to investigate these unexplained phenomena. Professor Voi Koo of the Vietnam National University spearheaded an expedition to uncover the truth behind the rock apes. Initial findings, such as unusual footprints wider than human yet smaller than known apes, sparked scientific curiosity but ultimately led to dead ends as sightings continued without concrete evidence.

"After these comments and others like them, the men glanced at each other, turned, and continued their march deeper into the wilderness" ([08:10] Ben)

High-Strangeness Phenomena

Further unsettling accounts include glowing, floating beings witnessed by U.S. river patrol boats and marines near the DMZ. These entities defy conventional explanations, prompting theories ranging from advanced extraterrestrial life to spiritual manifestations tied to the intense human suffering of war.

"They seemed to take little heed of the approaching American patrol, instead maintaining their posture of upright and pointed up towards the heavens in some sort of salutation" ([12:30] Ben)

The hosts explore the possibility that these phenomena are manifestations of a deeper spiritual battle, intertwining the seen and unseen worlds, and reflecting the chaos and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the conflict.

The Unseen Battle

Garrett and Sauvé delve into the theological implications of these supernatural events, drawing parallels to biblical narratives where spiritual forces influence human affairs. They suggest that the strangeness encountered during the Vietnam War may be manifestations of an ongoing spiritual warfare, where demonic forces seek to undermine human goodness and faith.

"Behind the raging of human warring and human conflict...there are spiritual forces that are at work" ([19:55] Brian)

The episode references scriptures such as Daniel 10 and Ezekiel 28 to illustrate how spiritual entities have historically interacted with human conflicts, reinforcing the idea that the supernatural plays a pivotal role in earthly wars.

Conclusions and Reflections

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the enduring mysteries of the Vietnam War and the countless unexplained phenomena reported by soldiers. They ponder the lasting impact of these encounters on the soldiers' psyches and the broader implications for understanding the nature of reality and faith.

"The more we see, the more likely it is that the events they're all taking place within the realm of something massively important...a battle for the soul of creation itself" ([21:15] Ben)

Garrett and Sauvé invite listeners to consider the possibility that the high strangeness of the Vietnam War was not merely a backdrop for conflict but a stage where profound spiritual battles unfolded, leaving scars that go beyond the physical and into the metaphysical.

Notable Quotes

• "The forest dripped with stifling humidity...six men sent to die for their country in the black jungles of Vietnam." — Ben Garrett ([01:06])

• "None of the creatures fell. They merely seemed inconvenienced...they retreated back into the thick and darkest parts of the forest." — Ben Garrett ([13:45])

• "Behind the raging of human warring and human conflict...there are spiritual forces that are at work." — Brian Sauvé ([19:55])

• "The more we see, the more likely it is that the events they're all taking place within the realm of something massively important...a battle for the soul of creation itself." — Ben Garrett ([21:15])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Haunted Cosmos masterfully intertwines historical events with supernatural lore, providing a haunting exploration of the Vietnam War's hidden layers. Ben Garrett and Brian Sauvé encourage listeners to look beyond the conventional narratives of war, inviting them to ponder the profound and often unsettling intersections between human conflict and the mysterious forces that may lie beneath the surface of our reality.

For those intrigued by the blend of history, mystery, and spirituality, "Faeries, Ghosts, and High Strangeness in the Vietnam War" offers a compelling journey into the unknown realms that shaped one of the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century.