Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes about 400 species. Some species of cordyceps are parasites of insects, mites, and other arthropods, while others are parasites of plants. Cordyceps is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including fatigue, respiratory problems, and kidney disease. Cordyceps has also been the subject of recent scientific studies for its potential benefits for athletic performance, immune system support, and anti-tumor activity.
The ideea of cordyceps taking over human minds was used by the series “The Last of Us” which is a popular action-adventure video game series developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The first game, “The Last of Us” was released in 2013, followed by “The Last of Us Part II” in 2020. The series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal pandemic has wiped out much of humanity and created infected individuals who pose a threat to the remaining survivors. The games follow the journey of two main characters, Ellie and Joel, as they navigate through this dangerous world and form a strong bond.
The games are known for their emotional storytelling, engaging characters, intense action, and survival elements. They have received widespread critical acclaim for their graphics, gameplay, and attention to detail, and have won numerous awards for their contribution to the video game industry. Overall, “The Last of Us” series is considered one of the greatest video game franchises of all time and has a dedicated fanbase.
The games success attracted movie producers to create a series of episodes using the games plotline as a base. The Last of Us has been made available on HBO Max and the action revolves around a young 14-year old girl, which might be the hope humanity has been waiting for so it can finally fight off the fungal infection.