Deros

Associated Concepts: Hollow Earth, Lemuria, Shaver Mystery
Origin: United States, mid-20th century fringe cosmology

Believers in theories proposing that the Earth possesses a hollow, inhabitable interior sometimes also accept the existence of hostile subterranean beings known as the Deros. These entities are described as malevolent, demon-like creatures inhabiting the depths of the Earth, allegedly created through ancient genetic engineering. According to this belief system, the Deros periodically emerge to the Earth’s surface to kidnap human beings, whom they subject to a range of physical and psychological tortures.

In addition to abducting humans, the Deros are said to actively interfere with surface civilization. They supposedly operate advanced technological devices concealed within caves and underground complexes, using them to:

• Manipulate weather patterns
• Alter human brain waves, inducing mental illness
• Cause industrial disasters, traffic accidents, and other large-scale calamities

These acts are interpreted as deliberate attempts to destabilize and torment humanity.

Origins of the Dero Concept

The concept of the Deros originated with Richard Sharpe Shaver, who in 1943 contacted Raymond A. Palmer, editor of the science-fiction magazine Amazing Stories. Shaver claimed that he had personally encountered these beings and learned their history. According to Shaver, the term Deros was derived from the phrase “detrimental robots,” although he insisted they were not mechanical beings but living, organic creatures.

Shaver asserted that the Deros were created by an ancient race he called the Titans—enormous beings said to reach heights of up to 300 feet (91.4 meters). These Titans allegedly originated from Lemuria, a highly advanced prehistoric civilization believed by some occult and fringe theorists to have once existed on Earth’s surface. According to Shaver’s narrative, the Titans abandoned Earth approximately twelve thousand years ago, migrating to another planet and leaving the Deros behind.

Over time, the Deros reportedly degenerated both physically and morally, becoming cruel, sadistic, and destructive.

The Teros

Shaver claimed that humanity’s only hope against the Deros lay in another group of beings known as the Teros. Like the Deros, the Teros were said to have been created by the Titans, but unlike their counterparts, they were described as heroic, benevolent, humanlike entities. Though few in number, the Teros were portrayed as actively resisting the Deros and aiding humanity whenever possible.

The Shaver Mystery and Popularization

Raymond A. Palmer became deeply intrigued by Shaver’s claims and began publishing stories based on them in Amazing Stories and its sister magazine Fantastic Adventures. Although these stories were attributed to Shaver, many were in fact ghostwritten or heavily edited by Palmer. This body of work became known as the Shaver Mystery.

The most influential of these stories, “I Remember Lemuria,” appeared in Amazing Stories in 1945 and generated significant reader response. Following its publication, several readers claimed to have had their own encounters with the Deros or similar subterranean beings, lending further momentum to the phenomenon.

However, as the series progressed, the stories increasingly emphasized the sadistic and sexually perverse behaviors attributed to the Deros. This shift provoked strong backlash from readers, many of whom complained that the content had become excessive and disturbing. In response to mounting criticism, Amazing Stories and Fantastic Adventures ceased publication of the Shaver-related material in 1948.

Legacy

Although dismissed by mainstream science and psychology, belief in the Deros persists in certain occult, conspiracy, and Hollow Earth subcultures. The Deros have since become a recurring motif in fringe cosmology, symbolizing subterranean evil, technological paranoia, and fears of hidden manipulators influencing human affairs from below the surface of the world.

SEE ALSO:

• Hollow-Earth Theory

SOURCE:

The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of Paranormal Phenomena – written by Patricia D. Netzley © 2006 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning