Glossary of Mythical Creatures
Part:1: A-L

Angels: Angels are the spiritual helpers of God. They appear as humans with wings springing from their backs and halos of light around their heads. Generally Jews, Christians, and Muslim sacred texts tell the most about them.
Banshee: The Banshee was a spirit of the fairy folk. If a person was talented with the fairy arts which were dance, song, or art she would follow them in life. When such a person neared death the Banshee's wailing was forwarning.
Basilisk: This creature looks like giant lizard with four pairs of legs. It's gaze will turn any living creature to stone. This creature comes from medieval legends.
Bigfoot: also known as the yeti and various other names. This large manlike creature is said to dwell in the hills and mountains of the wilderness. Often described as being covered with hair and standing 8-9 feet tall. Legends of the Bigfoot have been around for centuries. Except for some odd footprints, some hair found on a branch, or strange blurry pictures, it is still not known if this creature really exists.
Centaur: Depicted as half man half horse. Represented wisdom and old age. These excellent archers can be found in many Roman and Greek legends.
Cerberus: was three headed dog that guarded the entrance to the underworld in Greek legends. The picture shows Hercules son of the god Zeus fighting with the creature.
Chimera: This strange beast comes out of Greek legends. It is said to have the head of a goat, lion, and dragon (or snake depending on the source)with various different parts of the three beasts making up the rest of the animal. One legend tells of Bellerophon (Greek hero) taming Pegasus to aid him in battle against the Chimera.
Cockatrice: This creatures looks like a strange cross between a rooster and a dragon or snake. It's gaze can turn a person to stone. Often in legend this creature is confused with the Basilisk.
Cyclops: Barbaric Giants that have only one eye. They are evil and have been known to eat the flesh of humans.
Dwarves: A race of beings found within most modern fantasy books. A people of short stature that have a liking for stone. Dwarves are a warrior race and are good blacksmiths. For some reason they are also noted for their dislike for elves.
Elves: A mythical people that have a strong ability toward magic. Said to dwell in woodlands and to enjoy a lifespan of centuries. Depending on the legend Elves can be short pixie like creatures or a tall people of uncommon grace and power.
Tree Ents: (Tree Folk) These are truely the folk of the forests. These intelligent trees guard the ancient forests. In Tolkien stories they guarded holy forests from those whom would destroy them.
Fairies: small people with insect like wings. Sometimes known as sprites these winged spirits of the forests are known for the tricks they play on mortals or in some cases the magical aid they can give. On midsummer nights it is said they can be seen dancing in the forest clearings.
Gargoyles: Gargoyles are guardian statues placed into the decoration of many castles and buildings. How can a lifeless stone statue guard anything? Perhaps they are not as lifeless as they seem...
Ghosts: Half seen spectral apparitions thought to be the souls of people long dead. In stories they either inspire fear or give warning to the living.
Griffin: A lion with the head, front claws, and wings of an eagle. Often seen in European coat of arms. The most noted can be seen of the coat of arms of the English royal family.
Gnomes: Gnomes are a small folk similar to elves. It is said they are the Fairy shoemakers. If a Gnome is found he will have gold because fairies pay them to make their dancing shoes. But, like the Lepricans don't take your eyes off them for they will vanish. In fantasy stories they are a people similar to the dwarves. They live underground and make fanastic inventions.
Goblins: These small creatures are found in many stories. Most often portrayed as evil imp-like creatures that delight in playing tricks on humans. In role playing games they are a tribe of demi-humans that are often found in wilderness areas that attack travelers.
Harpy: A woman with the bottom portion and wings of a vulture. These creatures were originally sent by the Greek Gods to torment the evil doer. To the Greek the Harpy repersented justice. Later on in the middle ages they came to symbolize greed and the devil.
Hippocampus: The Hippocampus is a horse with the back half of a fish. This creature springs from Greek legends.
Hippogryph: The Hippogryph looks like a horse but with the head, front claws, and wings of an eagle. This creature is said to come from the union between a grphon and a horse.
Hobbit: Hobbits are a cheerful folk, fond of eating and friendship. They are shorter than dwarves and have hair on their toes. Hobbits are a people onto themselves.
Hydra: A serpent or dragon with five or more heads. In Greek legends this creature could only be defeated by cutting off it's heads and then burning the neck. If this was not done where one head was cut off two more would grow in it's place. Hercules had to defeat this monster in one of his 12 labors.
Imp: These small devilish creatures love to play tricks on mortals. Often their tricks tend toward the cruel side. In some stories mages were able to sometimes summon these creatures to do their bidding.
Jersey Devil: Within the Pine Barrens of New Jersey dwells a devil like creature. Where did it come from, how did it get there? Click the link to find out.
Leprechauns: The small elves, or gnomes dwell in the hills of Ireland. It is told that each owns a pot of gold. If a human is lucky enough to catch them then they must have the Leprechaun lead them to where the gold is hidden. But beware, catching a Leprechaun is not easy for he is clever and once caught never take your eyes off of him for he will be gone in the blink of an eye.
Loch Ness Monster: Within Scotland there is a large deep lake called Loch Ness. For ages people around the lake have told stories of seeing a strange creature or sea serpent within the Loch's dark waters. Some people have even been able to get pictures although they are blurry. Scientists are even probing the Loch's depths in hope of finding proof of it's existence.

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