The Creation of Sherlock Holmes

In 1893, a famous author named Sir Arthur Conan Doyle made a shocking decision. He wrote a story in which his beloved detective, Sherlock Holmes, falls to his death at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. The story was narrated by Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ close friend. Watson expresses great sadness in the tale, saying, ‘It is with a heavy heart that I take up my pen.’ However, Conan Doyle seemed less emotional in private. He simply wrote in his diary, ‘Killed Holmes.’ It’s amusing to think of him enjoying the moment while writing, twirling his mustache as he planned this dramatic end.

Public Outrage and the Birth of Fandom

When the story was published, the public’s reaction was extraordinary. Many readers were furious about Holmes’ death. Over 20,000 subscribers canceled their magazine subscriptions in protest. This was an unusual reaction to a fictional character’s death, as people usually accepted what happened in books without complaint. Some fans even wore black ribbons in mourning. They expressed their anger in letters, with one reader writing, ‘You brute!’ It was clear that readers were starting to feel a personal connection to the stories and characters they loved, which led to the modern idea of fandom.

Sherlock Holmes: A Cultural Phenomenon

Holmes first appeared in 1887 in a story called A Study in Scarlet and quickly became very popular. His fans were often from the rising middle class, who loved the excitement of detective stories. Conan Doyle’s Holmes stories were a huge success, overshadowing his other works. Many readers eagerly waited for new stories, showing just how much they loved this character. Even after Holmes’ apparent death, the public’s demand for more stories led Conan Doyle to bring him back to life in later works. The return of Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventure of the Empty House thrilled fans and demonstrated the character’s lasting popularity.

The Evolution of Sherlock Holmes Fandom

Sherlock Holmes’ influence continues today, inspiring various adaptations like the BBC series Sherlock. This show has created a new wave of fandom, with fans actively engaging in the story and characters. They visit locations featured in the series and even create their own fan fiction. Interestingly, the producers sometimes include nods to fans in the show, which adds to the excitement. Despite some dismissive attitudes from the creators, the intense emotions from fans show how much they love the character of Sherlock Holmes. For over 120 years, this detective has captured the hearts of people around the world, and his stories remain timeless.