Mythical Creatures – Beast or Man
Since time immemorial, the huge biodiversity on our planet has puzzled mankind. We have attributed these beasts to religion and mythology. Some to signs of good fortune and others to the bells of despair. The existence of some of these creatures is still under speculation. But until conclusive evidence is unearthed the mythical creatures can neither be taken seriously nor be forgotten completely. Here are some of the most popular mythological creatures:
1. Dragons-
These mythical beasts have varied depictions among different cultures. Both the east and west believe them to be serpentine creatures with four legs. The west gave them wings and the ability to breathe fire and the east identified them as creatures of great wisdom.
2. Griffin-
The Griffin is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle’s talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle the king of birds, the Griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature.
3. Phoenix-
In Greek mythology, a phoenix is a long-lived bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the Sun, a phoenix obtains new life arising from the ashes of its predecessor.
4. Kraken-
The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of a giant size that is said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. Authors over the years have postulated that the legend originated from sightings of giant squids that may grow to 13–15 meters (40–50 feet) in length. The sheer size and fearsome appearance attributed to the Kraken have made it a common ocean-dwelling monster in various fictional works.
5. Hydra-
The Hydra was a serpentine water monster in Greek and Roman mythology. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid, which was also the site of the myth of the Danaides. Lerna was reputed to be an entrance to the Underworld, and archaeology has established it as a sacred site older than Mycenaean Argos. In the canonical Hydra myth, the monster is killed by Hercules, using sword and fire, as the second of his Twelve Labors.
Do these mythical creatures really exist? Or are they just a part of human imagination and a result of the collective consciousness? What is your opinion?
