Zombies are considered dead, or more accurately, undead, according to mythology and popular culture.
Understanding the Undead Nature of Zombies
The very concept of a zombie revolves around the reanimation of a corpse. According to the reference, "A zombie (Haitian French: zombi; Haitian Creole: zonbi; Kikongo: zumbi) is a mythological undead corporeal revenant created through the reanimation of a corpse." This means that a zombie was once alive, died, and then was somehow brought back to a state that mimics life, albeit in a decaying and often monstrous form.
Key Characteristics of Zombies
To understand why zombies are considered dead, consider these aspects:
- Former Life: Zombies were once living beings, but they are no longer alive in the traditional sense.
- Reanimation: The key element is reanimation. A dead body is brought back into a state of limited "function."
- Decay: Zombies typically exhibit signs of decomposition, emphasizing their dead nature.
- Lack of Vital Functions: Although they might move and attack, zombies don't display vital functions like normal breathing, digestion, or circulation.
Examples in Pop Culture
- "The Walking Dead": Shows the clear decay and death of the reanimated corpses.
- "Night of the Living Dead": Depicts slow-moving, decaying creatures.
- "28 Days Later": Presents "infected" individuals, technically alive but exhibiting zombie-like behavior, highlighting the difference.
Summary Table: Alive vs. Dead
| Characteristic | Alive | Zombie (Undead) |
|---|---|---|
| State | Living, functioning organism | Reanimated corpse |
| Vital Functions | Breathing, eating, circulation, etc. | Absent or severely impaired |
| Condition | Healthy or ill | Decaying |
| Status | Living | Dead, reanimated |
Therefore, based on the given definition and depictions in popular culture, zombies are definitively considered dead in the sense that they are reanimated corpses rather than living beings.
