What Animal Do You Not Feed After Midnight: The Gremlins Phenomenon Explained
The phrase "don't feed them after midnight" is instantly recognizable to millions of Americans. It's a cultural touchstone, a playful warning that conjures images of mischievous creatures transforming into something… well, less than desirable. But what exactly is this creature, and why the strict midnight curfew on feeding? The answer, of course, lies in the iconic 1984 movie, Gremlins.
The Origin of the Myth: A Pop Culture Phenomenon
The rule about not feeding after midnight is entirely fictional, born from the creative minds behind the Gremlins franchise. In the movie, the adorable, fluffy creature named Gizmo is a Mogwai. Mogwais are subject to three fundamental rules, and the most famous of these is:
- Do not expose them to bright light, which can kill them.
- Do not get them wet, which causes them to reproduce.
- Most importantly, do not, under any circumstances, feed them after midnight.
It's this third rule that has permeated pop culture and become a well-known adage. When a Mogwai is fed after midnight, a dramatic and chaotic transformation occurs. They vomit, their appearance contorts, and they essentially evolve into a Gremlin.
The Gremlin Transformation: A Detailed Look
The Gremlins are the polar opposites of their cuddly Mogwai predecessors. They are small, reptilian, mischievous, and often malicious creatures. Their appearance is far from endearing, typically featuring
- Green or brown scaly skin
- Sharp teeth and claws
- Large ears
- Red, glowing eyes
- A generally sinister demeanor
The transformation itself is depicted as a gruesome and somewhat alarming process in the film. The Mogwai seems to undergo a painful metamorphosis, shedding its soft fur and emerging as a Gremlin. These creatures then go on rampages, causing destruction, mayhem, and general terror. They are intelligent, cunning, and capable of setting elaborate traps and causing widespread chaos.
Why Midnight? The Symbolic Significance
The choice of midnight as the cutoff point is likely symbolic. Midnight marks the transition from one day to the next. In many cultures, midnight is associated with the witching hour, a time when the veil between worlds is thin, and supernatural events are thought to occur. For the Mogwai, it signifies the end of their innocent phase and the beginning of their destructive Gremlin persona. It's a dramatic shift, a point of no return, where cuteness gives way to chaos.
The rule serves as a critical plot device in the movie, driving much of the conflict and the characters' desperate attempts to contain the Gremlins. It's a simple, memorable instruction that becomes a major source of tension and humor.
The humor in Gremlins stems from the juxtaposition of the adorable Mogwai and the terrifying Gremlins, and the often slapstick-style destruction that ensues. The rule about not feeding after midnight is the catalyst for this comedic horror.
Beyond the Movie: The Legacy of the Gremlin Rule
The "don't feed them after midnight" rule has transcended its cinematic origins. It's become a common phrase used in jest, a playful warning, or a reference to the movie itself. You might hear it in casual conversation, see it on t-shirts, or find it as an Easter egg in other forms of media. It's a testament to the film's lasting impact on popular culture.
While the Gremlins are fictional, the idea of a creature with strict dietary or behavioral rules resonates. It taps into our fascination with the unknown and the potential for the familiar to transform into something frightening or unpredictable. In essence, the rule is a reminder that sometimes, even the cutest things can have a dark side, especially when the clock strikes twelve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did the "don't feed after midnight" rule come about?
The "don't feed after midnight" rule is entirely fictional and was created for the plot of the 1984 movie Gremlins. It's one of the three crucial rules governing the behavior of Mogwai, the adorable creatures that can transform into destructive Gremlins.
Why is midnight the specific cutoff time?
Midnight is a symbolic time, often associated with transitions and the supernatural. In the context of the movie, it signifies the end of the Mogwai's innocent state and the beginning of their transformation into Gremlins. It's the moment when their benign nature gives way to destructive tendencies.
What happens if you do feed a Mogwai after midnight?
If a Mogwai is fed after midnight, it triggers a painful and dramatic transformation. The Mogwai will typically vomit, contort, and then metamorphose into a Gremlin, a mischievous and often malicious creature that causes chaos and destruction.
Are Gremlins real animals?
No, Gremlins are not real animals. They are entirely fictional creatures created for the Gremlins movie franchise. The Mogwai are also fictional.
