Reptilians Among Us: How a Conspiracy Theory Evolved from Fiction into a Cultural Phenomenon

What happens when a narrative born from fiction becomes a collective belief? The reptilian theory represents exactly this phenomenon: a story that has crossed the boundaries between imagination and reality, capturing the minds of thousands of people who believe in the existence of extraterrestrial beings living among us.

Origins: When fiction planted the seeds of an idea

Before today’s people talked about reptilians, classic writers laid the groundwork for this narrative. Authors like Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft introduced the concept of ancient reptilian beings in their works, providing a recurring theme in horror and fantasy literature. But literary fiction was not the only contributor. Philosophical works from the modern era, including Helena Blavatsky’s “The Secret Doctrine,” discussed pre-human races and the hidden mysteries of the universe. These elements—blending fiction and mysticism—gradually merged, creating fertile ground for a new belief: the existence of reptilian beings who could be not only cosmic but also present right among us.

Transformation: Reptilians and world governments

Over time, the theory took on new dimensions. Some conspiracy theorists linked it to the Illuminati—an enigmatic group believed to orchestrate world events from the shadows. Their hypothesis was provocative: if the Illuminati control global power, what if they aren’t even human? What if shape-shifting reptilians are the true manipulators behind this secret group? In the eyes of believers, world governments, financial institutions, and political leaders could be masks hiding reptilian overlords aiming for a New World Order.

The tipping point: From stories to claims of reality

The year 1967 marked a crucial moment in the legend of this theory. Herbert Schirmer, a police officer from Nebraska, claimed he was abducted by reptilian-looking creatures. Although skeptics questioned the authenticity of his claims, for believers in the reptilian theory, it became valuable testimony—a proof that they were not alone in their conviction. The event lent a certain legitimacy to what seemed just fantasy.

Then came David Icke, the British radio host who transformed this fragmented narrative into a comprehensive system. Icke developed and promoted the reptilian theory through books and conferences, offering a frustrated audience a simple, satisfying explanation: global dissatisfaction stemmed from a conspiracy orchestrated by extraterrestrial beings. Although his ideas faced severe criticism—including accusations of antisemitism—the theory gained a community of dedicated followers who continue to spread it today, especially through social media.

Real-world consequences

What once seemed like harmless fantasy became concerning once it exited the realm of pure theorizing. In 2020, a bomb attack was partially motivated by the author’s belief in the existence of reptilians. This incident highlighted how an apparently abstract conspiracy can inspire concrete and dangerous actions.

The hidden psychology: Why does the theory attract rational minds?

Psychologists have identified reasons why the reptilian theory and similar conspiracies gain followers. In a world driven by chaos, uncertainty, and events beyond our control, conspiracy theories offer something valuable: meaning and explanation. By attributing global problems to a concrete—and malevolent—source, people feel they understand how the world works. When reality seems uncontrollable, having an identifiable cause (even if it’s imaginary reptilians) provides a certain peace of mind and an illusion of control.

It’s a psychological coping strategy: if there’s a clear and identifiable enemy, then there might also be a way to defend oneself. Uncertainty remains hard to bear, but conspiracy theories make it tolerable.

Final reflection: Reptilians as a mirror of human fear

While scientific evidence supporting the existence of reptilians simply does not exist—and there is not even consistent proof that the theory has any basis in reality—the phenomenon of this collective belief tells us something profound about human nature. The reptilian theory is not just a bizarre story from the internet; it reflects our boundless fears, our desire to find order in chaos, and the incredible power of stories to shape our perception of reality.

Reptilians or not, what remains indelible is that human imagination continues to build narratives that captivate the collective. And as long as uncertainty and complexity exist in the world, there will be people seeking explanations in the territory between factual and fantastic.