For centuries, mystical creatures have been the subject of fascination for humans. In fact, stories of mythical animals and monsters continue to spread throughout the world to this day through films, books, and television shows. And while some mythical creatures are purely symbolic, others are based on human traits.
But regardless of their origin, it’s clear that everything that is mysterious or plain terrifying attracts people of all cultures. So, let’s check a few of those mythical creatures and see what makes each one of them unique.
List of Mythical Creatures
1. Chimeras
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The Chimeras were first described in Greek mythology as a fire-breathing mythical creature and were depicted as a combination of a lion, goat, and snake. According to the same mythology, Chimera was the offspring of Typhon and his half-human bride, which explains its twisted appearance.
Nowadays, people use the term Chimera to describe any hybrid of different animals, often featuring totally different parts. Actually, many of the creatures on this list can be described as chimeras, even though they are completely different things.
2. Hydras
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The Hydra is another creature originating from Greek mythology that has the appearance of a huge, snake-like monster with multiple heads. What’s interesting about Hydra is that cutting off one head would result in two more growing to replace it.
In other words, you couldn’t defeat this creature with sheer power and instead had to use fire to prevent its heads from regrowing. Even so, its final head was immortal, meaning that you could never kill it for good.
Ultimately, according to Greek stories, Hercules was the one that managed to end Hydra’s reign of terror and freed the people of Lerna from this monster.
3. Sphinxes
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If you have ever been to Egypt, you already know what a Sphinx looks like. More specifically, those mythical creatures have the body of a lion and the head of a man and are usually adorned with the Pharaoh’s crown.
As a matter of fact, their faces were carved to resemble rulers, showing that Egyptian kings were half-man, half-lion deities. When it comes to their power and intelligence, Sphinxes are considered to be one of the most dangerous and destructive creatures in existence.
And worst of all, Egyptians believed that Sphinxes used their wits to trick and prey on their victims.
4. Krakens
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Krakens are sea monsters that lie dormant underwater in order to ambush and pounce on passing ships. Therefore, sailors were always in danger, as one Kraken had enough power to destroy an entire ship and kill every member of its crew. As a result, sailors would do their best to avoid areas where Kraken attacks were reported.
However, only a handful escaped and were able to spread tales about the Kraken and its gigantic tentacles that can reach even the deepest parts of the ocean. It’s worth mentioning that the legend of the Kraken has been featured multiple times on the big screen in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
5. Camazotz
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In Maya mythology, Camazotz was a bat god encountered by Hunahpu and Xbalanque during their trials in the Underworld. Later stories and legends describe Camazotz as a purely evil entity whose only purpose is to cause terror and destruction.
In fact, Mayans believed that their gods freed Camazotz in order to destroy them and as a punishment for failing to provide enough human sacrifices.
6. Gorgons
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Gorgons were vicious creatures that had the power to turn their victims into stone with one single look. One of the most famous Gorgons was Medusa, which was a mix between a snake and a beautiful woman, with her hair featuring young snakes instead of hair.
Although many died at the hands of Gorgons, Perseus managed to kill Medusa and use her head and power in his future endeavors.
7. Griffins
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Similar to a Chimera, a Griffin is a hybrid between a lion and an eagle. Simply put, its body, hind legs, and tail are those of a lion while its head, talons, and wings are those of an eagle.
Traditionally, griffins are described as majestic and powerful creatures that guard great treasures and riches. While there are many depictions of griffins, those from Egyptian and Persian mythology are the most popular.
8. Cerberus
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Cerberus is a three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the Underworld. His job is to allow the dead to enter and prevent anyone from leaving. What’s unique about Cerberus is that each of its heads has its own meaning, denoting the past, present, and future.
Other interpretations mention that the heads of Cerberus could be symbols of birth, youth, and old age. Besides its heads, Cerberus has a mane of snakes, the claws of a lion, and the tail of a serpent. In other words, you could say that Cerberus is a Chimera of sorts, as both come from Greek mythology.
9. Amarok
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Amarok is a gigantic wolf in Inuit mythology who stalks and devours anyone who decides to hunt at night. Unlike other wolves, Amarok doesn’t hunt in a pack, and instead, prefers to meticulously prey on its victims by himself. But what makes the legend of Amarok fascinating is the fact that it might have some truth to it.
According to historians and researchers, the area where the story of Amarok first started used to be populated by large varieties of wolves, including dire wolves. So, it’s safe to say that Amarok might be based on dire wolves or other big species of wolves.
10. Grootslang
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Grootslang is a mythological creature that dwells in a cave in Richtersveld, South Africa, and preys on anyone venturing deep inside. Local legends describe Grootslang as a huge serpent that can outsmart any human using its superior intellect.
Some stories even mention that Grootslang is the first creature made by God and that once he realized how dangerous this monster truly is, he tried to destroy it. And while the powers of Grootslang were split between two species, the snake and the elephant, the creature still haunts local caves.
11. Pulgasari
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The legend of Pulgasari is maybe one of the most interesting stories on this list. To put it simply, it all started when an evil government ordered the arrest of every Buddhist monk. In response, one monk hid in his sister’s drawer where, in order to pass time, he made a creature using rice grains.
After a while, the creature came to life and was hungry, prompting the monk to feed it steel needles. In a matter of hours, the creature grew considerably larger and started to devour every piece of metal in its way. And, due to its twisted appearance, which was similar to a stretched-out bear with needles poking through its skin, Pulgasari wreaked havoc all across the area, terrorizing the townsfolk.
12. Wendigos
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Wendigos are man-eating creatures that live near the Great Lakes. Their appearance is quite shocking, as their bodies are abnormally thin with ribs sticking through their very pale skin.
To get a better idea of what a Wendigo looks like, think of someone that has died of starvation and is now walking around after years of decomposing in a grave. Legends state that Wendigos are always looking for food and no matter how much they eat, they still want more.
And since every bite makes a Wendigo bigger, eventually, they will grow into giants that put even the tallest trees to shame.
13. Basilisks
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Basilisks are mythical creatures that, like Gorgons, can kill anyone with just one look. Their bodies are similar to those of serpents, with some interpretations mentioning that basilisks have wings and even legs. But what’s frightening about Basilisks is that they are immortal, or at least, nobody has found a way to kill them yet.
However, some speculate that those creatures are vulnerable to their own reflection and that’s how you can finally defeat them. So next time you decide to visit the deep forests of Europe, make sure to pack a mirror!
14. Qallupilluit
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Qallupilluit is another mythical creature from the Inuit folklore that kidnaps misbehaving children. Legends describe Qallupilluit as a water monster who digs its nails into the flesh of its victim and drags it back into the water. The process is so quick that you can only catch a brief look at the creature before it disappears back to its lair.
Most stories mention that Qallupilluit looks like a woman who has drawn and is now green and bloated because of the sea. Nevertheless, the legend of Qallupilluit is an effective way to keep children away from bodies of water or thin ice, as that’s where this creature usually grabs its victims.
15. Oni
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An Oni is a human that, due to his sins and wickedness, has been transformed into a demon in hell. In fact, depending on the severity of the sins, some people can get transformed into an Oni while they are still alive. Those giant monsters have red or blue skin, tusks, and horns and are usually servants of other demons.
Their goal is to punish evil-doers and eat everything that stands in their way, including humans. And while there are many stories and legends about Oni, one thing is clear: they are extremely dangerous and powerful.
16. Ogres
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Regardless of which culture you take a look at, chances are that you will find a local legend or story about ogres. Although the word Ogre has a French origin, the creature itself is inspired by the man-eating Etruscan god, called Orcus.
And while movies such as Shrek portray ogres as lonely yet friendly creatures, European tales tell a totally different story. Those large, tall, and strong creatures are said to be extremely violent and stupid. So don’t expect to be able to befriend an Ogre, especially if he is hungry.
17. Gnomes
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When you think of a Gnome, the first thing that comes to mind is a small and friendly protector of fauna and flora. However, according to European folklore, gnomes are dwarf-like spirits that guard underground treasures. Fortunately, they are not aggressive unless you try to steal their treasure, similar to Leprechauns.
Other medieval stories depict gnomes as creatures similar to hunchbacks, whose purpose is to protect the forest. But regardless of what legend you want to believe, it’s safe to say that you should stay away from Gnomes.
18. Minotaur
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It’s time to go back to Greece and check out another mythical creature, called the Minotaur. Legends say that the Minotaur was the offspring of the queen of Crete and a bull that came from the sea. As a result, the creature has the body of a man and the head and tail of a bull.
Once he found out about the affair, King Minos was so horrified that he created a maze called the Labyrinth and trapped the Minotaur inside. And, according to local tales, the Minotaur walks mindlessly trying to find his way out to this day.
19. Erymanthian Boar
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The Erymanthian Boar is an enormous creature that lives in the vicinity of Mount Erymanthus, thus the name. The boar is said to have strong and sharp canines that it uses to impale anyone who dares to wander too close to its lair.
Interestingly enough, some legends describe the Erymanthian Boar as another form of the Greek god Apollo, who chose to transform in order to punish Adonis. Unfortunately for Apollo, the demigod Hercules was the one who managed to capture and imprison the boar, forever sealing its fate.
20. Golems
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A Golem is a mythical creature that is very popular amongst Jewish and European folklore. Usually, golems are described as being created from lifeless materials such as clay or mud, which are brought to life to serve a higher purpose.
As an example, according to legends, some Golems were created to defend the Jewish people against antisemitic attacks. And, if local stories are true, then Golems are extremely obedient creatures that will follow their creator’s orders without question.
21. Goblins
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Goblins made their first appearance in British and Germanic folk tales, although their origin is unknown. Generally speaking, goblins are monstrous creatures that have various abilities and purposes, depending on the story they are involved in.
And while goblins live in large groups, they often fight with each other as each goblin has its own temperament and personality. Even so, goblins are known troublemakers that use their devious tricks to cause real harm, so beware if you encounter one while you visit Europe.
22. Cyclops
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The Cyclops was first talked about in Greek mythology and is depicted as a one-eyed giant. What’s fascinating about Cyclopes is that they live in isolation without any government or laws, tending sheep or goats.
Not only that, but it was the Cyclopes who gave Zeus his famous thunderbolts, Poseidon’s trident, Artemis’ silver bow, and Hades’ invisibility helmet. So, while they aren’t the most friendly mythical creatures on the list, they were still helpful for other members of the Greek pantheon.
23. Nian
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According to Chinese mythology, a Nian is an immortal beast that lives under the sea or far away from the mountains. Its appearance is similar to that of a lion but with a flat face and two horns on its head and a very sharp set of teeth.
While its motives are still under debate, the Nian used to terrorize the rural areas of China, kidnapping and killing villagers. And worst of all, no one could kill it or make it go away, and, instead, locals had to appease the creature using food and rituals.
24. Fairies
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Fairies are very popular across all sorts of myths, legends, and stories, all dating back to Medieval France. Those supernatural creatures are known to have magical abilities that they use to play tricks on locals.
However, while most media portray fairies as small winged creatures, their original depiction is a bit different. In fact, fairies flew using magic and would sometimes hitch a ride on the back of a friendly bird. And, according to local tales, you can shoo faeries away using protective charms or wards.
25. Mermaids
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Mermaids are half-human, half-fish hybrids whose origins date back to ancient Babylon and have a role in Polynesian, Greek, and Syrian mythologies. While most depictions of mermaids present them as beautiful and romantic women, their motives are very sinister.
More specifically, mermaids use their singing abilities to lure vessels into rocks or dangerous areas of the sea. Additionally, some legends state that mermaids also eat human flesh and can change their appearance from that of a gorgeous woman to a seafaring monster when captured by sailors.
26. Centaurs
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Similar to the Minotaur, Centaurs are human-animal hybrids that made their debut in Greek mythology. Usually, legends depict centaurs as having the body of a horse and the chest and head of a human.
And while centaurs are wild creatures that roam the land, hunting and living in packs, some possess an impressive intellect. As a matter of fact, a Centaur named Chiron tutored several characters of Greek mythology, including Heracles, Achilles, and Asclepius.
27. Phoenix
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The Phoenix is a mythical creature, similar to an eagle, that has the ability to burst into flame at the end of its life, and then reemerge from the ashes as a young version of itself. Therefore, it’s no mystery why so many mythologies depict the Phoenix as a symbol of eternity, immortality, and resurrection.
For example, Egyptian mythology associated the Phoenix with sun worship and described it as a large bird, with red and gold feathers that lived for hundreds of years. But if you are a Harry Potter fan, you already have an idea of what a Phoenix is, all thanks to Fawkes, Dumbledore’s trusty companion.
28. Unicorns
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Unicorns are horse or goat-like mythical creatures that have a single horn on their forehead. Due to their unique appearance and interesting abilities, unicorns have made their way through a variety of myths and legends. From ancient Greek and Chinese mythologies to movies and TV shows, unicorns seem to be everywhere.
But what makes them so special? Besides their majestic appearance, unicorns possess magical healing properties. For instance, some legends mention that drinking from a cup made using the horn of a unicorn can protect you from poisons and heal your wounds.
29. Banshee
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A Banshee is a female spirit that haunts people and warns them of the impending death of a family member. According to Irish folk tales, the Banshee will shriek and wail to let people know of the coming disaster. Appearance-wise, there are conflicting stories and legends, making it harder to imagine what a Banshee looks like.
On the one hand, several reports describe the Banshee as a very old and short woman. On the other hand, some locals believe that she is a beautiful woman that died at a young age. But, regardless of which stories you believe, meeting a banshee is never a good omen.
30. Bogeyman
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The Bogeyman is one of the most popular and widespread creatures in the world, with each culture having its own take on this frightening monster. As an example, some stories depict him as having claws, horns, and hooves. Other legends describe the Bogeyman as a normal-looking man with supernatural powers.
But what’s the purpose of the Bogeyman? To put it simply, people came up with the idea of a creature that punishes children that don’t behave. And while nowadays, children aren’t too afraid of the Bogeyman anymore, the legend still lives through modern media and stories.
31. Aqrabuamelu
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Last but not least, the Aqrabuamelu are a race of scorpion men that appear in the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh. According to Babylonian legends, the Aqrabuamelu are the guardians of the sun god Shamash that live around his home in the Mashu mountains.
In terms of appearance, the Aqrabuamelu are gigantic scorpion-man hybrids that could kill humans with a mere look. Luckily, they are usually benevolent creatures that warn travelers of impending danger on their journey.
