12 June, 2024
Credit: Pixabay
Mermaids, popular in ancient tales and modern folklore like Peter Pan, captivate human imagination. Yet, Christopher Columbus, while mentioning them, likened them to manly features, debunking the myth of their ethereal beauty.
Credit: Pixabay
Centuries of Himalayan folklore spoke of the Yeti, dismissed by scientists until recent DNA tests on hairs found in the region revealed it likely to be a species of brown bear, dispelling the myth.
Credit: Pixabay
Dragons, prevalent in modern fantasy like LOTR and Game of Thrones, have ancient roots across cultures, likely inspired by creatures like alligators and Komodo dragons.
Credit: Pexels
The griffin, emblematic of Gryffindor House in Harry Potter, has ancient origins with the Scythians, possibly inspired by dinosaur bones found near Scythia in the Gobi desert, fueling mythical tales.
Credit: Pixabay
The Phoenix, symbolising rebirth, was a Greek mythological bird said to burst into flames. Dr Maurice Burton suggested ancient observers mistook eagles playing with fire for this legendary creature.
Credit: Pinterest
Unicorns, now cuddly toys and fantasy staples, trace back to ancient Greece and even appear in the Bible. Historians speculate they were inspired by creatures like the extinct Siberian Rhinoceros, narwhals, or one-horned goats.
Credit: Pinterest
The Mongolian Death Worm, a Gobi desert legend, reputedly spits venom and electrocutes victims, though no evidence exists. Researchers suggest it may be inspired by the worm lizard.
Credit: Cryptozoology/Reddit