Lesson plan
Hidebehind
The hidebehind is a nocturnal fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, which was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp. The hidebehind is said to be able to conceal itself: when an observer attempts to look directly at it, the creature quickly hides behind an object or behind the observer and therefore cannot be directly seen. The hidebehind supposedly uses this ability to stalk human prey without being observed and to attack them without warning. Said victims, including lumberjacks and others who frequent the forests, are then dragged back to the creature's lair to be devoured. The creature is said to subsist chiefly upon the intestines of its victim and has a severe aversion to alcohol, which is therefore considered a sufficient repellent. Other sources suggest that the hidebehind makes hissing noises, such as a viper would. Tales of the hidebehind may have been used as an explanation of strange noises in the forest at night. Early accounts describe hidebehinds as large, powerful animals despite the fact that no one was able to see them.
Article summary
The hidebehind is a nocturnal fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, which was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp. The hidebehind is said to be able to conceal itself: when an observer attempts to look directly at it, the creature quickly hides behind an object or behind the observer and therefore cannot be directly seen. The hidebehind supposedly uses this ability to stalk human prey without being observed and to attack them without warning. Said victims, including lumberjacks and others who frequent the forests, are then dragged back to the creature's lair to be devoured. The creature is said to subsist chiefly upon the intestines of its victim and has a severe aversion to alcohol, which is therefore considered a sufficient repellent. Other sources suggest that the hidebehind makes hissing noises, such as a viper would. Tales of the hidebehind may have been used as an explanation of strange noises in the forest at night. Early accounts describe hidebehinds as large, powerful animals despite the fact that no one was able to see them.
Key claims
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.