#solarpowereddancingflower

APPARENTLY THE FUCK NOT

This is a fascinating question, and one I don’t think I can really answer. I can’t really say for sure why this started becoming a thing, but I think it might be along the same lines why people are so fascinated with things like vampires, werewolves, robots, or any other kind of monster, really.

For some people, these kinds of monsters, when treated as characters, can explore complex themes about the human condition and so on - in fact, I think it’s even more effective with skeletons and ghosts because of the idea that they were once human, but lost some semblance of their humanity when they died - and now must live an existence where they try and recapture the humanity that they lost, or allow themselves to become hollow, restless, and eventually fade into nothing.

A skeleton that is created as a character and not an obstacle can also explore the themes of death, and play around with the idea of what awaits beyond the grave. I think what I find fascinating about this one is how the afterlife is often portrayed in these kinds of stories. The afterlife is treated like a party: A reward for the dead and a chance to finally relax and not have to worry about all of the things that one would worry about when they were alive. In a way, it allows someone to a way to try and wrap their heads around the concept of death, and maybe hope to some people who feel troubled by the concept of death.

For others, the reason for liking skeletons is very simple. Sometimes a person likes skeletons because they’re fun characters. I’ve noticed that over the years, skeletons tend to be portrayed with a hint of silliness to them. It’s usually along the lines of having some kind of awareness that yes, they are dead and all bones, and that there isn’t a whole lot someone can do to hurt them. So might as well have a little fun and mess with mortals. If not portrayed as fun, then there’s usually some other reason why a skeleton, or any undead character is still lingering around - whether it’s because of unfinished business that won’t let them rest, or some other reason why they can’t or refuse to leave (like exacting vengeance, or maybe wanting to protect there still-living relatives).

For me, personally, it’s kind of a mix of these reasons.