BEASTS OF LEGEND
Wings And Horns! The 10 Most Scary Mythological Creatures And Monsters
Published on April 19, 2024
Credit: Alyzah K
What was your room like when you were a little kid? Do you remember fearing that monster lurking under the bed or inside the closet, waiting for the light to fade? Don't worry, you're not alone. Since ancient times, humans have conceived and perpetuated myths and stories about supernatural beings, monsters, or creatures with terrifying physical attributes and shocking powers dwelling in the remote corners of our world.
Steel yourself and come with us to learn about these 10 terrifying mythical creatures of history! Are you brave enough to meet them?
Loch Ness Monster
Credit: Ramon Vloon
Even before earning the nickname " Nessie ," the legendary creature from Loch Ness has appeared in countless tales from Scottish mythology.
The story of the Loch Ness monster can be traced back to ancient times , with the earliest written mention dating back to the 7th century.
The myth gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century when some defining features of the monster emerged, such as its immense size and long, dinosaur-like neck. To this day, brave adventurers still dare to explore the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland in the hope of encountering this elusive creature.
Bashe
Credit: David Clode
This is one of the most feared monsters in Chinese mythology. Once you discover the qualities of this beast, the reasons behind its scary reputation won't be a mystery.
The origins of this legendary creature go back to ancient Chinese texts dating as far back as the 5th to 3rd centuries B.C. Bashe is described as a giant serpent blending the features of a dragon and a python , renowned for its insatiable appetite for elephants , devouring them whole after chasing them.
But the nightmare doesn't end there. Legend has it that after three years of feasting, the Bashe regurgitates the bones of its prey. Creepy detail!
Cerberus
Credit: Yaopey Yong
In Greek mythology , Cerberus stands as one of the most renowned creatures. As the watchdog of the underworld, Cerberus's duty was to prevent the escape of souls and to stop any living mortal attempting to cross the gates of Hades' realm.
But Cerberus is no ordinary dog. Described in ancient Greek texts dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries B.C., Cerberus is a colossal hound with three ferocious heads , and snakes growing out of his back. While accounts vary, some sources, like Hesiod's Theogony , even attribute the impressive amount of fifty heads to this not-so-friendly dog.
Namazu
Credit: Jakob Owens
Have you ever experienced that chilling sensation when something touches your leg in a river or ocean? Terror! Now, imagine what roams beneath the water's surface is a colossal fish capable of stirring the very earth with a flick of its tail.
In Japanese mythology, this creature is known as Namazu , a giant catfish dwelling beneath the islands of Japan, wielding the power to cause earthquakes . As you can guess, this myth is deeply linked to the usual seismic activity in Japan.
Griffin
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The Griffin is a beast with the head and claws of the majestic eagle combined with the body and tail of the powerful lion . A good fusion of two revered symbols of strength and nobility.
This creature was venerated, embodying power, prestige, and protection. But tread carefully, provoking its anger was a risky venture few dared to attempt.
While Griffins can also be found in artistic representations from Ancient Greece and Rome, evidence reveals early depictions of these beasts in the ancient lands of Egypt, back to the 2nd millennium BC.
Sirens
Credit: K. Mitch Hodge
When it comes to unique combinations, Greek sirens take a special place. We're talking about a woman's head and torso fused with a bird's body. But this is not the creepiest part.
In Greek mythology , these evil creatures that live near the sea are said to use their captivating voices to tempt sailors to their demise.
The tale of Odysseus , renowned for resisting the sirens' enchanting song, is a well-known example. He cleverly tied himself to the mast of his ship to experience the song but not succumb to it . Then, he instructed his crew to plug their ears with wax, ensuring they would not be seduced by the sirens.
Kraken
Credit: Dustin Humes
As if an ordinary squid wasn't creepy enough, ancient Scandinavian folklore brings us a mythological monster that challenges even the bravest.
The Kraken , feared by all sailors crossing the sea between Iceland and Norway, is described as a monstrous cephalopod of colossal proportions, capable of destroying ships and sinking them with all their crew members.
While tales of this beast's sightings date back to ancient times, one of the earliest surviving written descriptions of the monster dates back to the early 18th century.
Banshee
Credit: Keagan Henman
Have you ever ventured through a forest at night ? If not, learning about this myth might deter you from ever doing so. While not technically a monster, Banshee , from Celtic folklore, ranks among the most terrifying legends, with tales dating back to the 8th century or earlier.
She is often described as a spectral female figure with fiery red eyes and baggy, ragged clothing. Banshee is said to roam the forests at night, emitting scary screams and wails, announcing catastrophes to those who can hear her.
Yeti
Credit: Slava Auchynnikau
Any beast walking upright on two legs is enough to cause chills. But if that creature doubles or even triples your size, fear intensifies.
That is the case of the Yeti , the famous bipedal monster that lurks in the Himalayas. Described as an ape-like creature , but distinguished by its large size, it is often compared to our Bigfoot .
Countless tales from both locals and intrepid adventurers speak of sightings from afar, encounters with its huge footprints , or creepy echoes of its deep grunts at night.
Medusa
Credit: Olena Lev
O ften hailed as one of the most fearsome figures in mythology, Medusa is also among the most famous.
With her impressive visage adorned by demonic eyes and snakes for hair, she strikes terror into the chests of all who encounter her. Legend has it that her power lies in the ability to turn anyone who meets her eyes into stone.
According to Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the three Gorgons , but she possesses a distinctive factor: mortality. In multiple interpretations of the myth, it is the Greek Perseus who ultimately seals her fate, wielding his sword to behead the mighty Medusa.