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| − | [[Image:Licorne Edimbourg Scotland.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Arms of [[Scotland]] featuring a [[unicorn]]]]
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| − | A '''mystical''', '''mythical''', or '''legendary creature''' is a creature from [[mythology]] or [[folklore]] (often known as "fabulous creatures" in historical literature).
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| − | Examples of legendary creatures can be found in [[medieval]] [[bestiary|bestiaries]]. Many mythical creatures have supernatural powers (some good, some evil), powers that even in contemporary times have no physical explanation. In these cases the creatures bear more similarity to [[spirit]]ual beings, such as [[angel]]s, in [[religion|religious]] thought. Often legendary creatures came to symbolize vices or virtues, or the power of [[good]] or [[evil]]. In many cases, their actual existence was secondary to the [[morality|moral]] of the tale in which they featured.
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| − | Legendary creatures have often been incorporated into [[heraldry]] and [[architecture|architectural]] [[decoration]]. This is particularly the case with those symbolizing great strength or other power. In contemporary times, many legendary creatures appear prominently in [[fantasy fiction]]. These creatures are often claimed to have supernatural powers or knowledge or to guard some object of great value.
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| − | Mythical creatures have been part of human [[culture]] throughout the ages and across all parts of the world. They are not just the "talking" creatures, who are animals but able to [[communication|communicate]] using [[language]] and also rather clever, as in [[Aesop]]'s fables. Mythical creatures are in themselves beyond normal reality, often composites of existing animals or animals and humans.
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| − | Some are considered to have existed in the past, and many believers have produced [[fossil]]s and other evidence for their previous existence. Some, such as the [[Loch Ness Monster]] or [[Sasquatch]], continue to be "sighted" and sought to this day. While the origins of these fabulous creatures are varied, and often disputed, they have played significant roles in human society. They have been educational, helped parents to discipline their children and to inculcate cultural values and [[norm]]s, and have served to stimulate the imagination and desire that is ingrained in human nature to experience more than this physical world. Whether they truly exist in physical form is indeed secondary to their existence in the minds of so many people throughout the world and through history.
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| − | ==Origins==
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| − | [[Image:Schweizer Tapisseur 001.jpg|thumb|250 px|left|Detail of fifteenth century tapestry]]
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| − | Some mythical creatures — such as the [[dragon]] or the [[griffin]] — have their origin in traditional [[mythology]] and have at one time been believed to be real creatures. [[Greek mythology]], for example, features many creatures connected to the gods—harpies were beasts sent by [[Zeus]] to exact [[punishment]]. In mythology and [[folklore]] the world over "wonder beasts" can be found representing the powers of [[good]] and [[evil]], the [[virtue]]s and [[vice]]s of human nature, and the temptations into which human beings fall. Often incorporated into stories for children, "[[fairy tale]]s" and the like, these "fabulous creatures" were more real in what they represented than in their physical form.
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| − | Others were based on real creatures, originating in garbled accounts of travelers' tales; such as the [[Vegetable Lamb of Tartary]], which supposedly grew tethered to the earth (and was actually a type of [[fern]]).
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| − | Conversely, some creatures downplayed as just storytelling, have been rediscovered and found to be real in recent times, such as the [[giant squid]].
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| − | Often mythical creatures are ''[[Chimera (mythology)|chimeras]],'' a combination of two or more animals. Some of these are combinations of a [[human being]] and one or more other creatures. For example, a [[centaur]] is a combination of a man and [[horse]], a [[minotaur]] of a man and [[bull]]. It should be noted that these were not always intended to be understood as literal juxtapositions of parts from disparate species. Lacking a common [[Comparative anatomy|morphological vocabulary]], classical and medieval scholars and travelers would attempt to describe unusual animals by comparing them point-for-point with familiar: the [[giraffe]], for example, was called ''cameleopard,'' and thought of as a creature half-[[camel]], and half-[[leopard]]. In other cases, the beast was merely an exaggeration that made for exciting story-telling of adventures from far-off lands.
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| − | Many mythical creatures have supernatural powers (some good, some evil), powers that even in contemporary times have no physical explanation. In these cases the creatures bear more similarity to [[spirit]]ual beings, such as [[angel]]s, in [[religion|religious]] thought.
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| − | ==Cryptozoology==
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| − | [[Cryptozoology]] (from Greek: κρυπτός, ''kryptós,'' "hidden"; ζῷον, ''zôon,'' "animal"; and λόγος, ''logos,'' "knowledge" or "study" – ''c.f.'' [[zoology]]) is the search for [[animal]]s believed to exist, but for which conclusive evidence is missing. Among these are included some of the legendary creatures. The field also includes the search for known animals believed to be [[extinct]]. While cryptozoologists strive for legitimacy – some of them are respected scientists in other fields – and discoveries of previously unknown animals are often subject to great attention, however, cryptozoology has not been fully embraced by the scientific community.
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| − | Most criticism from the scientific mainstream is directed at proponents for the existence of the more famous "cryptids" (like [[Bigfoot]], the [[Yeti]], and the [[Loch Ness Monster]]), whose existence remain unproven, despite numerous purported sightings, and is considered highly unlikely by scientists, biologists, and zoologists alike. In fact, many of the sightings of such creatures were found to be hoaxes, which further discredits cryptozoology.
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| − | ==Types==
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| − | There are many types of mythical creatures, following are the main divisions with some examples of each.
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| − | ===Birds and serpents===
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| − | ;[[Basilisk]]: Most often depicted as a [[reptile]], the basilisk is reputed to be king of [[serpent]]s. One of the most feared of all mythological beasts, a basilisk is said to have the power to cause [[death]] with a single glance. In this aspect it bears similarity to the [[Gorgon]]s of [[Greek mythology]].
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| − | [[Image:Ancient-china.gif|250px|thumb|Chinese dragon]]
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| − | ;[[Chinese dragon]]: Also appearing in other [[East Asia]]n cultures, it is also sometimes called the ''Oriental (or Eastern) dragon.'' The Chinese dragon is easily recognizable for its long [[serpent]]ine body that is generally wingless, and its anthropomorphic face, complete with beard. The oriental dragon is generally considered a supernatural or spiritual symbol of [[heaven]]ly power.
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| − | ;[[Dragon]]: Typically depicted as a large and powerful [[Serpent]] or other [[reptile]] it has [[magic]]al or [[Spirituality|spiritual]] qualities, the most famous being the ability to breathe [[fire]] from their mouths. More often than not dragons were considered malevolent, associated with [[evil]] supernatural forces and the natural enemy of humanity.
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| − | [[Image:Phoenix detail from Aberdeen Bestiary.jpg|thumb|200px|The phoenix from the Aberdeen Bestiary.]]
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| − | ;[[Feng-huang]]: Sometimes called the ''Chinese Phoenix,'' the feng-huang is a symbol of [[summer]] and spiritual balance, and along with the [[Chinese dragon|dragon]], [[qilin]] and [[tortoise]], is one of the most high revered creatures in Chinese tradition. Its appearance is said to indicate some great event, or to bear testimony to the greatness of a ruler. It is often viewed as the sacred union of male and female, Feng being male and Huang female, but also the Feng-Huang can be regarded as a female entity in relation with the male dragon.
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| − | ;[[Phoenix (mythology)|Phoenix]]: Characterized as a bird with brightly colored plumage, after a long life the phoenix dies in a fire of its own making only to rise again from the ashes.
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| − | ;[[Ziz]]: A giant bird in [[Jewish mythology]], the ziz is the counterpart in the air of the [[Behemoth]] (giant creature of land) and [[Leviathan]] (giant creature of water). The Ziz is said to be large enough to be able to block out the sun with its wingspan.
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| − | ===Lake monsters===
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| − | [[Lake monster]] or '''loch monster''' is the name given to large unknown animals which have purportedly been sighted in, and/or are believed to dwell in freshwaters, although their existence has never been confirmed scientifically. They are generally believed not to exist by conventional [[zoology]] and allied sciences, and are principally the subject of investigations by followers of [[cryptozoology]]. Sightings are often similar to some [[sea monster]]s.
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| − | Of these, [[Loch Ness Monster|Nessie]] of [[Loch Ness]] is almost certainly the most famous, and is promoted heavily in the area's [[tourism|tourist]] industry.
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| − | [[Image:Loch-Ness-Monster.jpg|thumb|right|250 px|Loch Ness Monster (Oilpainting)]]
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| − | Other well known lake monsters include:
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| − | *[[Champ (legend)|Champ]] of [[Lake Champlain]] in [[North America]]
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| − | *[[Bessie]] of [[Lake Erie]] in the [[United States]]
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| − | *[[Chessie (sea monster)|Chessie]] of [[Chesapeake Bay]] in the [[United States]]
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| − | *[[Ogopogo]] of [[Lake Okanagan]] in [[Canada]]
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| − | *[[Nahuelito]] of [[Nahuel Huapi Lake]] in [[Argentina]]
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| − | *[[Lake Tianchi Monster]] of [[Heaven Lake]] (known as ''Tianchi'' (天池) in Chinese and ''Chonji'' (천지) in Korean) on the border of [[China]] and [[North Korea]]
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| − | *[[Isshii]] of [[Lake Ikeda]] in [[Japan]]
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| − | *[[Brosno dragon]] of [[Lake Brosno]] in [[Russia]]
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| − | *[[Mokele-mbembe]] of the [[Congo River]] in [[Congo]]
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| − | [[Image:Behemoth3.jpg|thumb|left|180px|''Behemoth and Leviathan,'' an engraving by [[William Blake]]]]
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| − | ===Monstrous creatures===
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| − | ;[[Behemoth]]: Behemoth is the primal unconquerable monster of the land, as [[Leviathan]] is the primal monster of the waters of the sea and [[Ziz]] the primordial monster of the sky. There is a legend that the Leviathan and the Behemoth shall hold a battle at the end of the world. The two will finally kill each other, and the surviving men will feast on their meat.
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| − | ;[[Leviathan]]: Leviathan is a [[Bible|Biblical]] [[sea monster]], referred to in sections of the [[Old Testament]]. It is regarded as the monster of the waters, while the [[Behemoth]] and the [[Ziz]] are regarded as monsters of the earth and the air, respectively.
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| − | ===Chimeras and hybrids===
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| − | In [[Greek mythology]], the [[Chimera (mythology)|Chimera]] is a monstrous creature that was composed of several different animals. Other hybrids exist as combinations of human beings with animals and/or birds, as well as a variety of humanoid creatures.
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| − | ====Animals====
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| − | ;[[Griffin]]: The griffin has the body of a [[lion]] and the head and wings of an [[eagle]]. Seen as guardians of secretly buried wealth, the griffin evolved from a ferocious animal of antiquity to become a [[symbol]] of strength and valor.
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| − | [[Image:The-Winged-Horse.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Pegasus and Bellerophon, from Hamilton Wright Mabie, ed. ''Myths Every Child Should Know'' (1914)]]
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| − | ;[[Minotaur]]: In [[Greek mythology]], the Minotaur was part man and part [[cattle|bull]]. It was kept by [[King Minos]] of [[Crete]] in the center of a "labyrinth," an elaborate [[maze]]-like construction designed by the architect [[Daedalus]] specifically to hold the Minotaur. According to [[legend]], the Minotaur required human sacrifices on a regular basis. [[Theseus]] volunteered to be sacrificed, and with the help of Daedalus, was able to slay the Minotaur and escape the maze.
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| − | ;[[Pegasus]]: Pegasus is the famous winged [[horse]] of [[Greek mythology]]. Riding on Pegasus [[Bellerophon]] was able to defeat the [[chimera (mythology)|chimera]]. However, Bellerophon tried to fly to [[Mount Olympus]], the realm of the Gods, on Pegasus' back. Pegasus threw Bellerophon from his back for such blasphemous behavior, and was awarded his own place in Mount Olympus.
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| − | ;[[Unicorn]]: The unicorn, usually depicted with the body of a [[horse]], but with a single—usually spiral—horn growing out of its forehead, is one of the most revered mythical beasts of all time. Appearing in numerous [[culture]]s, the unicorn has come to be a symbol of purity and [[beauty]], and is one of the few mythical creatures not associated with violence, danger, and fear.
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| − | [[Image:Vegetable lamb of tartary.png|thumb|200 px|The Vegetable Lamb in a seventeenth century illustration]]
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| − | ;[[Vegetable Lamb of Tartary]]:The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary (''Agnus scythicus'' or ''Planta Tartarica Barometz'') is a [[myth]]ical plant of central [[Asia]], believed to grow [[sheep]] as its [[fruit]]. The sheep were connected to the plant by an umbilical cord and grazed the land around the plant. When all the grazing material was gone, both the plant and sheep died. In the [[Middle Ages|medieval]] period, the plant was said to explain the existence of [[cotton]].
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| − | ====Part-human====
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| − | ;[[Centaur]]: In [[Greek mythology]], the centaurs are a race of mythical creatures that are half [[human]] and half [[horse]]. They are depicted as the head and torso of a man with his waist joined to the horse's withers, where the horse's neck would be.
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| − | ;[[Gorgon]]: In [[Greek mythology]], the Gorgons were three vicious female [[mythical creature]]s that lived on an [[island]] and possessed the ability to turn a person to [[stone]] by looking at them. They possessed both beautiful and hideous traits, the most famous being their head of coiled [[snake]]s instead of [[hair]]. Of the three, [[Medusa]] is perhaps the most famous of the Gorgons, being the only one of the three who was [[mortality|mortal]]. She, like many such creatures, met her doom at the hands of a [[hero]] aided by the [[polytheism|god]]s.
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| − | [[Image:Harpyje.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Harpy in [[Ulisse Aldrovandi]], ''Monstrorum Historia,'' Bologna, 1642]]
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| − | ;[[Harpy]]: Harpies in [[Greek mythology]] were winged-beasts that were sent down by [[Zeus]] to punish, most famously the [[prophet]] [[Phineus]]. Like many other second-tier Greek creatures, the Harpies were more prominent in [[art]] works than in mythological literature, and while they may occasionally be used in popular culture today, they are most widely remembered for their part in the [[legend]]ary adventures of [[Jason and the Argonauts]].
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| − | ;[[Manticore]]: The manticore of Central [[Asia]] is a kind of [[chimera (mythology)|chimera]], that is sometimes said to be related to the [[Sphinx]]. It was often feared as being violent and feral, but it was not until the manticore was incorporated into [[Europe]]an [[mythology]] during the [[Middle Ages]] that it came to be regarded as an [[omen]] of [[evil]].
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| − | ;[[Mermaid]]: (''mer'' is the French word meaning "sea.") A mermaid is an aquatic creature with the head and torso of human female and a [[fish]]-like tail. The male version of a mermaid is known as a "merman," and the gender-neutral plural is merfolk or merpeople. Merfolk appear in a plethora of cultures worldwide—[[legend]]s often tell of mermaids singing to sailors, enchanting them, and luring them to their death.
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| − | ;[[Siren]]: In [[Greek mythology]] the Sirens were creatures who lived on a remote island surrounded by rocky cliffs. The Sirens lured passing sailors by their [[song|singing]], which would enchant any sailor listening to the point that he would lose all will-power, and crash his ship upon the Sirens' rocky shore and cliffs, killing all the men aboard.
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| − | [[Image:MetCemBrunswigSphynx.jpg|thumb|200 px|Marble '''sphynx''' on tomb in Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans]]
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| − | ;[[Sphinx]]: The sphinx has had a long history of secrecy and intrigue, being viewed by many [[culture]]s as guardians of knowledge and as speaking in riddles. The sphinx varies in physical features, but is almost always a composite of two or more animals, and some versions are part-human part-animal. Whatever the form, the sphinx embodies paradox, beautiful and alluring, she is also dangerous even deadly; encountering a sphinx is described as confusing and destructive and requires great caution when approaching.
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| − | ;[[Tengu]]: Tengu ("heavenly dogs") are a class of supernatural creatures found in [[Japanese folklore]], [[Japanese art|art]], [[Japanese theater|theater]], [[Japanese literature|literature]], and religious mythology. These Japanese spirits were originally thought to take the forms of birds of prey, such that they are traditionally depicted with both human and avian characteristics. In the earliest sources, ''tengu'' were actually pictured with beaks, but, in later depictions, these features have often been anthropomorphized into unnaturally long noses. These crafty (oftentimes dangerous) bird-men were long held to be disruptive [[demon]]s and harbingers of war (much like their Chinese prototypes). Over time, this overtly negative evaluation was softened somewhat, as the Buddhists came to acknowledge the popular conception of these spirits as morally-ambivalent protectors of the mountains and forests, who were as likely to bring windfalls as calamities to humans intruding upon their domains.
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| − | ===Humanoid creatures===
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| − | ;[[Banshee]]: A banshee is one of many spirits of [[Ireland|Irish]] and [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[folklore]]. Banshees are [[omen]]s of death and messengers from the [[afterlife]] who would appear and wail under the windows of a house where a person was about to die.
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| − | ;[[Dwarf]]: A dwarf, appearing most frequently in [[Norse mythology]], is humanoid in form, but short and stocky. They are connected with the Earth and are often said to be [[mining|miners]], [[engineering|engineers]], and craftsmen.
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| − | ;[[Elf]]: The elf is found in [[Norse mythology]] and still survives in northern [[Europe]]an [[folklore]]. Elves can be depicted as youthful-seeming men and women of great [[beauty]] living in [[forest]]s and other natural places, or as small trickster creatures. In early folklore, elves were generally possessed of supernatural abilities, often related to [[disease]], which they could use for good (healing) or ill (sickening) depending on their relationship toward the person they were affecting. They also had some power over time, in that they could entrap [[human being]]s with their [[music]] and [[dance]]. Some elves were small, [[fairy]]-like creatures, possibly invisible, whereas others appeared human-sized. Generally they are long-lived, if not immortal.
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| − | [[Image:I samma ögonblick var hon förvandlad till en underskön liten älva.jpg|thumb|200 px| ''At that moment she was changed by magic to a wonderful little fairy'' by John Bauer]]
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| − | ;[[Fairy]]: A fairy is a [[spirit]] or [[supernatural]] being, based on the ''fae'' of [[middle ages|medieval]] Western European [[folklore]] and romance. Sometimes the term is used to describe any [[mystical creature]] of [[humanoid]] appearance, including [[goblin]]s or [[gnome]]s, and at other times only to describe a specific type of more ethereal creature. Many folktales are told of fairies, and they appear as characters in stories from medieval tales of [[chivalry]], to [[Victorian literature|Victorian]] [[fairy tale]]s, and up to the present day in modern literature.
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| − | ;[[Gnome]]: The gnome is a class of creatures that has taken on many different meanings, but most generally refers to very small people, often men, that live in dark places, especially underground, in the depths of forests, or more recently in gardens. Most European ethnic groups have had some kind of gnome legends with local variations, some helping plants and animals, some helping humans, some reclusive ones staying underground or in dark forests, perhaps hoarding treasure, and others interacting mischievously or even harmfully with humans. Modern traditions portray gnomes as small, old men wearing pointed hats and living in forests and gardens. Despite varying forms, gnomes have the common attribute of being able to move through the earth as easily as humans move atop it.
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| − | ;[[Goblin]]: The goblin is of [[Germany|Germanic]] and [[Great Britain|British]] [[folklore]], often believed to be the [[evil]] or merely mischievous opposite of the more benevolent [[faeries]] and [[spirit]]s of lore. There is no single version of a goblin; the term is more generic for those small creatures that live in dark places and cause trouble, but in more recent years the term has come to refer to creatures that live in [[cave]]s and terrorize children. Despite local variations, goblins have almost universally been described as troublemakers. They are either simply tricksters and mischievous, like immature children, or actually malevolent, evil-doers, dangerous to human beings.
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| − | [[Image:Leprechaun ill artlibre jnl.png|thumb|170px|A [[stereotype|stereotypical]] depiction of a leprechaun of the type popularized in the twentieth century.]]
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| − | ;[[Leprechaun]]: The most famous, recognizable, and misrepresented [[symbol]] of [[Ireland|Irish]] [[mythology]] is the leprechaun. They have origins stretching back to before the arrival of the [[Celts]]. The leprechaun has evolved in popular conception from a species of [[faerie]] to an almost [[cartoon]]ish [[caricature]] of Irish [[culture]] that can both celebrate and belittle the Irish.
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| − | ;[[Nix]]: The Nix is the most popular term for the [[shapeshifting]] water spirits of [[Germany|Germanic]] and [[Norse|Nordic]] [[folklore]]. Often times they appear as humans, and are sometimes linked with such similar creatures as the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[Siren]]s or the [[Europe|European]] [[Mermaid]]s; however, more often than not they are closer to [[nymph]]s or [[faerie|sprite]]s in both demeanor and appearance. The Nix may take different forms, but their message is one of warning of impending [[death]] by drowning.
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| − | ;[[Nymph]]: In [[Greek mythology]], a nymph is any member of a large class of female nature entities, either bound to a particular location or land form, such as [[mountain]]s, groves, springs, [[river]]s, valleys, and cool [[grotto]]s, or joining the retinue of a [[god]], such as [[Dionysus]], [[Hermes]], or [[Pan (mythology)|Pan]], or a [[goddess]], generally [[Artemis]]. Nymphs were the frequent target of lusty [[satyr]]s, their male counterpart. Worshipped by the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] and said to come from the earth, they were seen to be care givers of the land and life in general. Although not [[immortality|immortal]], they lived extremely long lives.
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| − | [[Image:Lechatbotte4.jpg|thumb|250 px|"Puss in Boots" outwits the Ogre by Gustave Doré]]
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| − | ;[[Ogre]]: An ogre is a large and hideous [[humanoid]] [[monster]] often found in [[fairy tale]]s and [[folklore]]. While commonly depicted as an unintelligent and clumsy enemy, it is dangerous in that it feeds on its human victims. The idea of the ogre has been used as a method of instilling good behavior in children by suggesting that bad behavior attracted and excited ogres, who would then attack, [[kidnap]], or even eat the perpetrator.
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| − | ;[[Orc]]: Orc refers to various tough and warlike humanoids in various [[fantasy]] settings, particularly in the stories of [[Middle-earth]] written by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] and derivative fictions. Often [[barbarian|barbaric]] and unintelligent, Orcs are usually seen as the most [[war]]-mongering and violent of all mythical creatures.
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| − | ;[[Pixie]]: Pixies are creatures of [[England|English]] [[folklore]]. They are considered to be particularly concentrated in the areas the [[downs and moors]] of [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]]. Like [[sprite]]s and other different types of [[Faerie|English faeries]], pixies are often considered mischievous, but not overtly malevolent creatures of nature. Their most commonly depicted image is a wingless and pointy-eared fairy-esque creature dressed in green.
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| − | ;[[Sasquatch]]: Sasquatch, colloquially known as "Bigfoot," is a [[primate]]-like animal believed to inhabit the forests of [[North America]], although people claim to have sighted the creature in every part of the [[United States]] and most of [[Canada]]. Akin to the infamous [[Yeti]] of the [[Himalayan Mountains]], Sasquatch lore dates back to the earliest [[Native American]] tribes.
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| − | [[Image:642px-John Bauer 1915.jpg|thumb|256px|Trolls with an abducted princess (John Bauer, 1915)]]
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| − | ;[[Troll]]: The troll is of [[Scandinavia]]n origin but has international popularity in the realms of [[legend]], [[folklore]], and fantasy. One of the most anthropomorphic fantasy creatures, trolls have been depicted in vastly different ways. Generally considered somewhat dangerous, whether through their larger than human size and strength or through more [[magic]]al means, trolls are recognizably similar to human beings.
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| − | ;[[Vampire]]: Vampires are [[folklore|folkloric]] beings that subsist on the life force of a [[human being]] and/or [[animal]]. In most cases, vampires are represented as reanimated [[corpse]]s who feed by draining and consuming the [[blood]] of living beings. [[Bram Stoker]]'s ''[[Dracula]]'' has arguably been the definitive version of the vampire in popular fiction.
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| − | ;[[Werewolf]]: A werewolf in [[folklore]] is a person who [[shape-shifting|shape-shifts]] into a [[wolf|Gray Wolf]] or wolf-like creature, either purposely, by using [[magic]], or after being placed under a [[curse]], often at the time of a full [[moon]]. Given that they were a threat to people, tales often focus on methods of revealing werewolves, protecting oneself from them, and killing them.
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| − | ;[[Wendigo]]: The Wendigo is a malevolent [[cannibalism|cannibalistic]] spirit into which humans could transform, or which could possess humans, appearing in [[Algonquian]] [[Native American mythology|mythology]]. Humans who indulged in cannibalism were at particular risk, and the legend appears to reinforce this practice as [[taboo]].
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| − | ;[[Yeti]]: The yeti, also known as the "Abominable Snowman," is an alleged [[ape]]-like animal said to inhabit the [[Himalaya mountains|Himalayan]] region of [[Nepal]] and [[Tibet]]. Most mainstream scientists, explorers, and writers consider current evidence of the yeti's existence to be weak and better explained as a hoax, [[legend]], or misidentification of known [[species]].
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| − | ===Other===
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| − | [[Image:Theodor Kittelsen Gutt pa hvit hest ver2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Boy on white horse" by [[Theodor Kittelsen]].]]
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| − | ;[[Kelpie]]: The kelpie is a [[supernatural]] [[shape-shifting]] water horse from [[Celt]]ic [[folklore]] that is believed to haunt the rivers and [[loch]]s of [[Scotland]] and [[Ireland]]. It generally has grayish black fur, and will appear to be a lost pony, but can be identified by its constantly dripping mane. Its skin is like that of a [[seal]] but is deathly cold to the touch.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | *Ashman, Malcolm and Joyce Hargreaves. 1997. ''Fabulous Beasts.'' Overlook. ISBN 978-0879517793
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| − | *Barber, Richard. 2006. ''Bestiary: Being an English Version of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, MS Bodley 764.'' Boydell Press. ISBN 978-0851157535
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| − | *Borges, Jorge Luis. 2005. ''The Book of Imaginary Beings.'' Amazon Remainders. ISBN 0670891800
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| − | *Conway, D.J. 2001. ''Magickal Mystical Creatures: Invite Their Powers Into Your Life.'' Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 156718149X
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| − | *Costello, Peter. 1979. ''The Magic Zoo: The Natural History of Fabulous Animals.'' St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0312504217
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| − | *Dubois, Pierre, Claudine Sabatier, and Roland Sabatier. 2000. ''The Great Encyclopedia Of Faeries.'' Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0684869578
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| − | *Eason, Cassandra. 2002. ''A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings: Explore the Mystical Realm of the Little People.'' Boston, MA: Red Wheel/Weiser. ISBN 978-1578632671
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| − | *Ellis, Richard. 2006. ''Monsters of the Sea.'' The Lyons Press. ISBN 978-1592289677
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| − | *Evans-Wentz, W. Y. 2004. ''The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries.'' New Page Books. ISBN 978-1564147080
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| − | *Hassig, Debra. 2000. ''The Mark of the Beast: The Medieval Bestiary in Art, Life, and Literature.'' Routledge. ISBN 041592894X
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| − | *Keightley, Thomas. 2000. ''The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves & Other Little People.'' Gramercy. ISBN 0517263130
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| − | *Nigg, Joe. 1995. ''Wonder Beasts: Tales and Lore of the Phoenix, the Griffin, the Unicorn, and the Dragon.'' Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 156308242X
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| − | * Nigg, Joseph. 1999. ''The Book of Fabulous Beasts: A Treasury of Writings from Ancient Times to the Present.'' Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN 978-0195095616
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| − | * Nigg, Joe. 2001. ''The Book of Dragons & Other Mythical Beasts.'' Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 978-0764155109
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| − | == External links ==
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| − | *[http://www.theoi.com/Bestiary.html Bestiary: Fabulous Beast, Men, Spirits]. Theoi Project. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
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| − | *[http://www.pantheon.org/areas/bestiary/articles.html Encyclopedia Mythica's Bestiary]. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
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| − | *[http://www.nal.usda.gov/pgdic/Probe/v2n3/legend.html Legend of the Lamb Plant]. National Agricultural Library. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
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| − | *[http://www.lizaphoenix.com/encyclopedia/ Phoenixian Book of Creatures]. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
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| − | {{Credit1|Legendary_creature|107586266|}}
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