Mythical Creatures Inspired By Real Animals

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

Mermaids

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

Himalayan Yeti

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

Dragon

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

Griffin

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

Phoenix

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

Unicorns

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

Mongolian Death Worm