Thing facts for kids

Thing or The Thing is a word that can mean many different things! It's often used to talk about an object or something that exists. But it can also refer to specific characters, movies, or even historical events. This page will help you understand the different meanings of "Thing."

History and Assemblies

What is a Thing Assembly?

A Thing (sometimes spelled ting or þing) was a very old type of meeting or assembly in Germanic countries, like those in Scandinavia. These meetings were held outdoors and were a place where people could discuss important issues, make laws, and even settle disagreements. Think of it like an early form of a parliament or a town hall meeting.

The Thing Listening Device

During the Cold War, there was a secret Soviet spy device called The Thing. This device was hidden inside a gift given to the U.S. ambassador in the Soviet Union. It was designed to secretly listen in on conversations, acting like a hidden microphone. It was a very clever piece of spy technology for its time.

Movies and TV Shows

The Thing Movies

There are several famous science fiction horror movies called The Thing. They are all based on a scary story about an alien creature that can perfectly copy other living things.

• The Thing from Another World (1951 movie): This was the first movie adaptation, often just called The Thing.
• The Thing (1982 movie): Directed by John Carpenter, this version is known for its amazing special effects and suspense. It followed the original story more closely.
• The Thing (2011 movie): This film is a prequel, meaning it tells a story that happened before the 1982 movie.

TV Show Characters and Episodes

• Thing (The Addams Family): In The Addams Family TV show and movies, Thing is a very unusual character. It's a disembodied hand that helps the family with various tasks.
• "The Thing" (SpongeBob SquarePants episode): This is an episode from the popular cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants.
• Fred and Barney Meet the Thing: This was an animated TV series from 1979 that featured characters from The Flintstones meeting the superhero character, The Thing.

Comic Book Characters

The Thing Superhero

The Thing is a well-known superhero from the Marvel Universe. His real name is Ben Grimm. He is a member of the Fantastic Four, a team of superheroes. The Thing has super strength and a rocky, orange body. He often says his catchphrase, "It's clobberin' time!"

The Thing Comic Book Series

The Thing! was also the name of a comic book series published in the 1950s by Charlton Comics.

Other Interesting Uses

The Thing Video Game

The Thing is a video game released in 2002. It's a sequel to the 1982 movie, meaning its story continues after the events of that film. Players have to fight alien creatures and manage their team's fear and trust.

The Thing Roadside Attraction

In Arizona, USA, there's a famous roadside attraction simply called The Thing. It's a mysterious exhibit that people stop to see while driving.

The Volkswagen Thing

The Volkswagen 181 was a car sold in the U.S. from 1968 to 1980. It was often called "The Thing" because of its unique, boxy, and simple design. It was originally designed for military use.