Intro

For centuries or more, tales of mythological creatures and mythical beasts have captured our minds. Stories of mythical animals, mythical monsters, and other cool mythical creatures continue to spread across the world through books, film, television, and many other media sources. Sometimes, these mystical creatures are purely symbolic and offer us a closer look at a particular culture’s fears, desires, or values, while other folk tales about cute mythical creatures are based on human nature—or perhaps simply invented to keep disobedient children in line.

Whatever the origin or purpose of these myths and folklore, people seem to be intrinsically drawn to them. So, let’s dive in (sometimes literally—I’m looking at you, mermaids) and learn more about this list of mythical creatures. What Is a Mythological Creature?

A mythological creature, also referred to as a legendary creature or mythical creature, is a fictional, supernatural and imaginary animal or hybrid being (meaning it can sometimes be part human). The existence of legendary creatures or mythological creatures referred to in ancient traditional circles has not been proven. Do Mythological Creatures Exist?

Carolyne Larrington, a professor at Oxford, has pointed out that myths, legends and folktales sometimes share similarities across continents and cultures. One important reason for this is that they are "rooted in general human experience. Our shared biology and universally similar life-cycles, from birth, marriage, child-rearing, aging and death, may generate broadly similar stories." However, the presence of these creatures has often been described in folklore, legends, fables, poetry, mythology, fairy tales, novels, myths and other varied forms of fiction. Purists are of the opinion that mythical creatures have been described in historical accounts long before history emerged as a branch of science. The beliefs and mindsets associated with mythical beasts are varied and bring to life a plethora of theories about their existence or non-existence. However, Wiccan authors such as D.J. Conway are of a different mindset and have written manuals and books to help people from every walk of life harness the energies and abilities of mythical and magical creatures. For such thinkers, these creatures have both symbolic and literal spiritual value.

An Epic Collection of Mythical Creatures

Despite your opinion on the reality of mythological and legendary beasts and creatures, we've created a helpful list of 100 of the greatest and most iconic of these beings for you to enjoy.

This article showcases an epic collection of mythical creatures that fascinate and evoke the curiosity of the unknown. If you have a view, opinion, or creature suggestion, let us know in the comments section.

The mandrake is the root of a plant from genus Mandragora, which is part of the nightshade family. Legend has it that when it is dug up it screams and kills all who hear it. The plant was also used in the Middle Ages for magical potions.

The mandrake is the root of a plant from genus Mandragora, which is part of the nightshade family. Legend has it that when it is dug up it screams and kills all who hear it. The plant was also used in the Middle Ages for magical potions.

10 Greatest Mythological Creatures and Legendary Creatures of Myth and Folklore

Werewolf: Wolf-human shapeshifter (Global Culture)

Dragon: Depicted as fire-breathing and winged (Global Culture)

Chimera: Hybrid Fire-breathing creature (Greek Mythology)

Loch Ness Monster: Aquatic monster (Scottish Folklore)

Mermaid: Human-fish Hybrid (Global Culture)

Yeti: Ape-like being/entity (Nepalese Folklore)

Basilisk: Legendary reptile often called the “King of Reptiles” (European Mythology)

Sphinx: Human-headed lion (Greek Mythology)

Medusa: Winged female monster who had venomous in place of hair (Greek Mythology)

Griffin: Tail, legs and body of a lion and wings and head of an eagle (Ancient Egyptian Mythology)

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The Existence or Non-Existence of Legendary Creatures and Mythological Creatures

The word legend is associated with ethnic groups and animals from the ancient world and often draws a parallel as a comparison with something unknown. Thus, mythological creatures or legendary creatures are associations with beliefs that stem from the unknown. Little is known about these beings except the fact that they may only exist as beliefs.

Since the dawn of human life, unknown living beings or elusive animals seen or encountered for the first time have been accounted for in narratives that have gradually grown into legends associated with mythical beasts. This theory provides an explanation as to why humans believe in legendary creatures; however, the truth remains unclear.

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