Hydra

The hydra is a giant beast found in Ancient Greek mythology. It was later adopted by the Roman conquerors. The full name of the hydra is the Lernaean Hydra, as it lived in the lake of Lerna. This lake is situated near the village of Myloi, at the Gulf of Argolis in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The lake was supposedly surrounded by trees and swamps, where the hydra spent much of its time.
The hydra is the offspring of the Titan Typhon and Echidna; a half serpent half human creature. It had nine heads of which the middle was immortal. Every time a head was severed another two popped up in its place. The hydra was essentially a giant sea serpent living in the swamps of Lernae. It had scales to protect its thick hide, and the skin was tough like leather. Only the very sharpest swords and spears could pierce the hydra. The hydra also had the ability to kill people with its breath. Its breath was so vile that it was poisonous to nearly all creatures; the fumes intoxicating everything in sight.
The hydra terrorised the local villages and farms, killing many cattle and people. It supposedly guarded an underwater entrance to the Underworld, and often ventured from its duties. The people were powerless to stop it, watching as their livelihoods and even loved ones were taken and ripped apart. Many tried, but none could kill the beast.
One day another man tried. his name was Heracles (or Hercules if you prefer the Roman version). With his nephew Iolaus he attempted to slay the beast once and for all. The reason for this was because it was one of his Twelve Labours, a set of tasks he was forced to do as redemption for killing his wife and children. To kill the Lernaean Hydra was his Second Labour.
Several times Heracles cut off one of the hydra's heads, but each time two grew back. Then Iolaus suggested Heracles should burn each neck after severing a head, so that the heads could not grow back. Heracles tried this, and to his delight, it worked. When Heracles came to the final head; the immortal one, he cut it off and buried it under a rock. In this way it could do no harm.
And so the hydra was vanquished, and Lernae was safe. However, the hydra was made into a constellation so that no-one would forget it. Its head is never far from the crab Cancer, which some versions of the story believe injured Heracles whilst he was fighting the hydra. Heracles then slew the crab. Hera put the crab into the sky to follow the Lion in the Zodiac.
The hydra had no descendents, and its kind was lost forever. At least that it is what the legends have us believe. There are many later references to the hydra, even recently. Perhaps it had young. What if the world found them?
For more information visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra
• http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hydra.html
• http://theochem.chem.rug.nl/resources/mythica.html
• http://www.theoi.com/Ther/DrakonHydra.html
• http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/278114/Hydra
• http://voices.yahoo.com/mythological-creature-hydra-3719082.html

Mermaids - Are They Real?

Mermaids. Everyone has heard of them. And there are several questions. Are they real? Why are they found all over the world? And so on... This video provides an interesting view on this very question. But, once again, feel free to make up your own mind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm3XdC-p8_I
For my article on Mermaids visit:
http://creaturesofmyth.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/merfolk-mermaids-and-mermen.html

Banshee

The word Banshee comes from Irish Bean-Sidhe, which means "Fairy Woman". Although the creature is most common in Ireland, it has been found all over northern Europe, primarily in Scotland and Germany. The reason for this goes back to ancient times. The Celts were an ancient people originating from an area in modern Germany and the Low Countries. They spread over Europe, eventually settling in the Iberian Peninsula, Gaul (modern France), Germania (modern Germany), the Balkans and Dacia/Thrace/Illyria (roughly Romania, Bulgaria, European Turkey, and what was Yugoslavia), northern Italy, the British Isles, parts of Scandinavia, and even Turkey. However, in Turkey they only settled in one area, Galatia, which is roughly central Turkey today. The capital of Turkey Ankara was once known as Ancyra and was the regional capital of Galatia. The Celts only spread to southern Germany however, as Germanic tribes were related but had their own national identity. Some of the more famous Celtic tribes included the Iceni, the Arverni, the Aedui, the Belgae, and the Celtiberians, located in modern day Britain, France, France, Belgium/France/Britain, and Spain respectively.
However, with the rise of the Greek nations and the Roman Empire, it all began to change. Hellenic influence was greatly reflected in local traditions, beliefs, and infrastructure. Despite this, the majority of the Celtic tribes kept their national identity and distinct individuality. Unfortunately a new power arose. A power that would displace nearly every tribe, kingdom, or nation in Ancient Europe, as well as reaching into Africa and even Asia. This new super-power was the Romans. With their advanced armies they vanquished all who stood before them, and it was in this way that Gaul (France), Iberia, and Britannia were conquered. The only Celts left were the Irish, the Scottish, and the Germanic peoples of the north. The reason for this was quite complex. There were many campaigns against the Germans and Scottish, but they could never be brought to heel. The Irish however were different. The Romans had no interest in conquering them. There is now substantial evidence that they did trade with the natives, but no Roman army ever landed in Ireland. Why this is is uncertain.
This is why the Banshee remains more well-known in Germany, Scotland, and Ireland. They are the only places never conquered. whilst everywhere else Roman and then Christian beliefs took over, the Ancient ways remained dominant in these few corners. Christianity did eventually take over, but ancient traditions remained.
The Banshee was an ancient spirit of the Celtic world. The Banshee was always female, but sometimes depicted as a young woman or an elderly woman. They were usually dressed in green, with a grey cloak. The Banshee was not always seen. Often, it was her wailing that could be heard in the darkest night. It was this wailing that foretold death, usually of an important figure.
Some Banshees were tied to a particular family, normally the most ancient Irish and Scottish ones. Others were mere loners, wandering the Earth forevermore. When someone was about to die, the Banshee would begin crying and wailing, warning people of the imminent doom. Some Banshees were spirits of a dead witch, others were fairies cursed to this fate. Others were mere mortals, twisted and cursed by evil.
Banshees are not evil. They have been called Lady of Peace, for they never harm any living being. They often attend the funerals of the dead, invisible, and their wailing mixing with the mourning families. the Banshees have spread to wherever there are Celtic people, including America. They have such a strong tie with the Irish, they followed them across the Atlantic Ocean.
Some Banshees are able to turn into animals. These include the crow, the hare, and others usually affiliated with witchcraft. A popular theory is that this is a trait leftover from when they were witches. this would explain why only some have the ability.
There have been many accounts of Banshees, both recent and old. However, they are now considered a myth with no hard evidence to support their existence. The wails are cries of the Barn Owl, a nocturnal creature common in Europe, particularly Ireland. Make up your own mind.
For more information visit:

• http://legends-myth.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/banshees.html
• http://www.mythical-creatures-and-beasts.com/banshee.html
• http://www.mythcreatures.co.uk/undead/banshee.asp
• http://www.irelandseye.com/animation/explorer/banshee.html
• http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/republic-of-ireland/folklore/banshee.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banshee

Vietnamese Dragons

The Vietnamese Dragon is found all over South-East Asia. The Vietnamese people are supposedly descended from a dragon and a fairy in an ancient creation legend. The Vietnamese dragon is much influenced by the Chinese Dragon due to Chinese control in Antiquity. There are some vital differences however. The features of its physical appearance vary from its Chinese counterpart, and their traits and personalities also differ slightly.
The Vietnamese dragon is constructed from nine animals that we have all heard of. These are the Chameleon, the Tiger, the Carp, the Giant Stag, the Eagle, the Hare, the Buffalo, the Snake, and the Clam. The head is of the chameleon, the scales are of the carp, the horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a hare, the neck of a snake, the belly of a clam, the feet of a tiger, and the talons of an eagle.
The Vietnamese dragon is a deity of the sky, guarding the heavens. However, it has the ability to live under water, in the tallest mountains, underground, and on our level. This is because they are immortal, never dying. It is believed that it has spittle that can turn an object or creature into fire or water. It only does this when seriously provoked by an aggressor.
It is because the dragon is a creature of power and majesty that the Vietnamese royal family made them a symbol of royalty and power, as well as wealth. It is the noblest of all creatures and the most important of the four Great Creatures of Vietnam. Unfortunately the dragon could also be the most dangerous of all creatures. Its body was designed to be a lethal weapon. Even if someone were able to hurt the dragon, they would be in for a great surprise. Fury would envelope the creature, and his wrath would be devastating. Crops would fail, and the rivers would become dry. Even the air became stale, and the plague spread like wild fire. The Vietnamese dragon was not an aggressive beast however. It was fierce and powerful, but never attacked unless provoked or hungry.
It is now thought that the Vietnamese dragon was greatly influenced by the Chinese dragon, but key characteristics are clearly linked to species of lizard found in Vietnam. This explanation appears to fit, and the modern community believe the creature is concocted from native creatures. Many locals however still believe that the Dragon is very real, and their minds will not be changed. Make up your own mind; is the Vietnamese dragon real?

• http://www.sacred-texts.com/asia/rsv/rsv33.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_dragon
• http://draconian.com/dragons/vietnamese-dragon.php
• http://www.vietnam-culture.com/articles-221-34/Tale-of-Vietnamese-Dragon.aspx

Fauns/Satyrs

The Faun or Satyr is known to many of us. Most of you will have heard of the Land of Narnia and Mr Tumnus, the faun who befriended Lucy. The Faun is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Satyr. The Satyrs have been found in all places in Greece and Hesperia (Italian Peninsula). They prefer mountainous regions with many forests. They often sleep in caves, but spend much of their day among the trees. Their body features allow them to move across mountain and forest with ease, but city and town life would be disastrous for them.
There are several features that make a Satyr obvious. Firstly, they are only half human. Their waist downwards is that of a goat. Their torso and head is of a human, but on their head they have very curly hair, with two small goat horns emerging from their skull. All Satyrs are male. Their backs are usually very hairy, and always go around in the nude. Their goat legs are enough to cover any genitalia. Their hooves are much like a domestic goat's. They are not as hard as a horse's, but perfect for climbing boulders. They will never wear shoes like a horse or human. Satyrs never shave, and do not cut their hair. Their hair does not grow down, rather it curls around their skull like a thicket.
As all Satyrs are male you may think they will end up extinct. This is not possible, as they do breed. They mate with the Dryads and Nymphs, who are all female. They are the water and forest spirits, and near impossible to catch sight of. Any female offspring will always be a Dryad or Nymph, and the male offspring will always be a Satyr.
The Satyr goes through a similar process in puberty as humans. When they are young they have no beard and less pubic hair, but as they approach their teenage years it begins to change. Satyrs may live for a considerable time, and puberty can vary with each Satyr. The process usually begins about an eighth of the way through their lives. They begin to grow a beard, and pubic hair emerges. Their hairless backs become forests of fur. Horns begin to make their way out of the Satyr's skull, and grows every year. A Satyr begins life with no horns, but when they die they may have long curled ones. the horns never stop growing, which is why the bigger the horns the older and (sometimes) wiser they are.
The Satyrs follow the gods Dionysus and Pan, or as the Romans put it, Bacchus and Pan. Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, and the Satyrs are often seen surrounding him, as they are mischievous and in character much like him. Pan is the god of nature and forests, so it seems only natural the Satyrs would flock around him. The Satyrs also follow Silenus, and his donkey. Silen is an ever-drunken figure, who Dionysus and the Satyrs are often associated with.
The Satyrs are also very famous and well-known for another reason. The flute. It is rare to spot a Satyr, but if you do it will probably be playing the flute. They are famed for their night-time dances. Whether it is summer or winter, the Satyrs will be in a forest playing flutes and dancing to the music, more often than not with one of the gods and a few Nymphs.
For more information visit:

• http://www.theoi.com/Georgikos/Satyroi.html
• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Satyr
• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Faun
• http://mythology.wikia.com/wiki/Faun
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyr
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faun

Cyclopes

The Cyclops is a giant originating in Greek mythology. It is said to be humanoid in appearance, although the features of its face are considerably different. They were found in the various islands of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Some legends state that they also lived on some of the islands in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Cyclopes preferred mountainous habitats, where they could live in large caves. For this reason many migrated to the Balkans in Northern Greece, also known as the province or region of Macedonia (Makedonia).

The Cyclopes were one of several species of giants. The original three were said to come from the union of Gaea and Uranus. They were thrown into Tartarus when the Titans took control, but with the Olympian gods' rise to power they were released. In turn they provided Zeus with his thunderbolt, Poseidon with his Trident, and Hades with his Helm of Invisibility. The later Titans were descendants of Poseidon, and many of the Ancient Legends focusing on the Cyclopes are based around the latter group.

The sons of Poseidon had two main professions. They either helped work in his palace under the ocean's surface, or raised flocks of sheep on mountainous islands. They were sometimes hired out to work for Hephaestus, usually in volcanoes where they could forge various items more easily.

The Cyclopes were different from other giants in only a couple of things. The first was that the Cyclopes were not dumb or stupid. They were able to forge magnificent contraptions, and yet still humble enough to raise sheep and goats. The other was their face. Unlike most giants and creatures human in appearance they did not have two eyes. They only had one, that was located in the middle of their foreheads. This was their only real weakness, as if they lost that eye, they could not rely on another.

Unfortunately the humans lacked respect for the Cyclopes, as did many of the other Gods. They made them out to be dumb and violent, killing them for fun. Many "heroes" such as Odysseus killed Cyclopes to prove their strength and worth. With no other option the Cyclopes began to turn to violence, killing humans upon the first meeting. They soon lost the power of being able to construct magical items, and became a barbaric peoples, living in the hills with the goats and sheep. This had already occurred by the time Odysseus met Polyphemus.

The modern people believe that the Greeks believed Dwarf Elephant skulls were heads of Cyclopes. The skulls are twice the size of a human's, and a large nasal cavity could easily be mistaken for an eye socket. These skulls have been found on the islands of Crete and Sicily, and with the islanders lack of knowledge, it would not be obvious as to what they really were. Thus, the legends were born. There are many other theories as to the origins of the Cyclops, but it is likely we will never know. Make up your own mind.

For more information visit:

• http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatures/Cyclopes/cyclopes.html
• http://www.pantheon.org/articles/c/cyclopes.html
• http://www.theoi.com/Titan/Kyklopes.html
• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Cyclops
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclops

Korean Dragons

The Korean Dragons are nearly as popular and well-known as the Chinese and Japanese dragons. There are several vital differences however. Firstly, the Korean species have four toes on each foot. They also have the eyes of a rabbit and the underbelly of a frog. They always have 81 scales on their back, and are usually 50 feet long (15.24 metres) and 10 feet high (3 metres). They also have a very long beard.
Koreans believe the Eastern Dragon originated in the Korean Peninsula and spread all over Asia. When it traveled to China it gained a toe, but as it traveled to Japan it lost two toes. This is said to be why the Oriental species never reached America or Europe; they lost all their toes as they flew.
The Korean Dragons are divided into three subspecies. These are the Yong, the Yo, and the Kyo. They are sky, ocean, and mountain dragons respectively. The Yong is the most common and also the most powerful. They protect the upper realms. The Yo have no horns and guard the underwater kingdoms. The Kyo live in the mountains. Korean Dragons are more aggressive than their Chinese counterparts. They do not help humans as much, preferring simply to guard the kingdoms of the world or live in solidarity.
All Korean Dragons eat similar things. They often prey on small creatures such as mammals, and their particular favourite is the Musk Deer. To catch their prey they hypnotize it. To do this they sway gently in a rhythmic dance to entrance the victim. They then wrap their coils around the unfortunate creature. They squeeze, and the victim is dead within seconds. This is called constriction.
The Korean Dragons breed in large pools that are regularly heated, such as a volcanic pool. They lay their eggs in these pools where they will remain until hatched. When they hatch the babies stay in the pools. They do emerge sometimes, but will always return to the pool within a couple of hours. This is normal until they reach adulthood. Only the Yo stay in water, the others rarely visit water other than to drink.
All of this clearly shows what majestic creatures Korean Dragons are. For more information visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_dragon
• http://dragons.wikia.com/wiki/Korean_Yong_%28Dragonology%29
• http://www.dragonsinn.net/korea.htm

Medusa

Nearly everybody in the West, if not all of the world, have heard of Medusa. Medusa is one of the three Gorgons. The Gorgons were three sisters who had the tails of serpents and their head was covered in small snakes. The rest of their bodies are humanoid in appearance. Medusa is the only mortal Gorgon, the others unable to die. However, Medusa is the only one able to turn people to stone. When they look at her they are frozen forever. Legend has it that the snakes were the cause of this, unfortunately no one but Perseus ever survived an encounter with her. It is known however that it is hear head that turns people to stone, as proven when Perseus used her head to kill King Polydectes.
Medusa and her sisters were not always monsters however. They were once beautiful women who lived in the far north of Hellas, most probably in the northern Balkans. One day Poseidon, god of the oceans, came to Medusa and they lay together. But instead of doing this act in a private place, they desecrated the Temple of Athene, or Athena. Athene was furious, and when Medusa refused to apologise, she turned Medusa and her sisters into monsters.
For many years the Greek people lived in fear of the Gorgons, particularly Medusa. That was until Perseus. Perseus was a young boy and lived with his mother in Seriphus. The King intended to force marriage upon Perseus's mother, and told Perseus to get the head of Medusa. This was the only way he would cancel the wedding. Perseus agreed and went in search of her. He received help from Athene by means of a shield that served as a mirror, enabling him to see Medusa without looking directly at her. Hermes provided him with winged sandals.
After a very long time he located the Gorgons, supposedly in northern Africa. He succeeded in killing her and managed to flee, with the other two Gorgons baying for his blood. He severed her head and took it to Polydectes. Polydectes had already married Perseus's mother, so in his fury Perseus used Medusa's head to kill Polydectes. He then gave the head to Athene. She molded the face into her shield. It is said that when Medusa was killed Pegasus emerged from her neck. Pegasus was her son, and had been growing inside her since her union with Poseidon. The other two Gorgons are said to still live in Africa.
For more information visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa
• http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatures/Medusa/medusa.html
• http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/medusa.html
• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Medusa
• http://www.mythicalcreatureslist.com/mythical-creature/Medusa

Loch Ness Monster (Nessie)

The Loch Ness Monster, fondly known as Nessie by locals and the world, is a large creature that resides the Loch Ness, Scotland. Nessie is said to be a female, and reputedly has or had children. The Loch Ness is Britain's largest body of water, with all other lakes in England, Scotland and Wales being able to fit easily inside. It does not have the greatest surface area, but it is by far the deepest. Loch Ness is in northern Scotland, and the eastern edge is only a few miles from Inverness.
The Loch Ness Monster looks like a giant sea serpent, although specific details have varied from account to account. What is generally agreed upon I will state here: The Loch Ness Monster has a very long neck and body, as well as a head that looks like one of a horse. It has no feet, instead it has giant flippers, like a seal. Its tail is also very long and is similar to that of a serpent. The Loch Ness Monster is a reptile, it has no fur, only scales. She is also approximately 40 feet long.
The Loch Ness Monster is said to have three young. These were spotted by two young fishermen, and since then many have been spotted. Although it is highly unlikely that the Loch Ness Monster could be the only one of her kind since 500 C.E., many believe she is the only one. Others believe that there is a large self-sustaining population hiding in the Loch. The old legends say that Scotland used to be lots of islands, but then they moved together. This was around the time of the dinosaurs. A small group of plesiosaurs became trapped and their descendents have lived there ever since. The legend holds that when the dinosaurs and sea reptiles were wiped out, the Loch Ness plesiosaurs survived.
Another popular theory is that there is a underwater tunnel between the Loch and the sea, and the plesiosaurs can come and go. It was this ability to come and go that had prevented them from being affected by the Mass Extinction and now the prevention of humans finding them.
The first sighting of Nessie is from the sixth century A.D., when an Irish monk was walking by the lake. Some locals were burying a man, and they explained they had seen a great beast kill him. The first modern sighting however took place in 1933. George Spicer had been driving around in a car with his wife as he saw a dragon-like monster lumber across the road. Ever since then the press and public alike have been fascinated with the Loch Ness Monster. Many sightings have taken place, unfortunately however, many people have simply been part of a hoax.
Today the world is split in three. There are those who believe there is no such thing as Nessie, then there are those who are unsure, and finally, those who are adamant the Loch Ness Monster is very real. Make up your own mind, but beware, many people take someone saying Nessie is a fake very seriously, and may be deeply offended!
For more information visit:

• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Loch+Ness+Monster

• http://www.nessie.co.uk/

• http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/monster_of_loch_ness.html

• http://paranormal.about.com/cs/sealakemonsters/a/aa051203.htm

Japanese Dragon

The Japanese dragon is very similar to the Chinese dragon. Many historians now believe that the Japanese dragon was in fact influenced by the Chinese and Korean Dragons but were subtly altered to fit the Japanese style. Instead of having four toes like the Chinese dragon, the Japanese counterpart has only three. In Japan the dragon was one of the four creatures that guarded a direction; East. The Japanese dragon is affiliated with spring, the colour green, water and wood, and the virtue of propriety.
The Japanese dragon is also made of nine creatures that are known by all men to be real. These are; the neck of a snake, the head of a camel, the horns of a deer, the eyes of a rabbit, the ears of an ox, the underbelly of a clam, the scales of a fish, the paws of a tiger, and the claws of an eagle. The Japanese dragons have the ability to shape-shift or "morph" into any creature they wish. They may also turn themselves invisible. It is said that when a dragon transforms itself into a human it can lie with another human and either fall pregnant or cause the human to fall pregnant. In this way the Imperial Family of Japan has been created, as they claim to be descended from a union of a dragon princess and a mortal man.
Japanese Dragons symbolise many things. They have become the protector of the Buddhist Law and are often affiliated with meditation and inner peace. They also symbolise the strength of the Emperor and four dragon kings rule the Seas. The Japanese Dragon is a water deity and controls the water and winds in all places. It is they who are to thank or blame for the harvest of the crops. Japanese Dragons also guard the Kingdom of the Gods.
All of this makes the Japanese Dragon worthy of great respect. It is one of the most powerful beings in the cosmos, perhaps it is. Although the Japanese uphold that the Asian Dragons originated in Japan and spread over Asia, the Chinese and Koreans uphold the opposite belief. Make up your own mind.
For more information visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_dragon
• http://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/feng-shui-home/japanese-dragons
• http://www.dragonsinn.net/eastjap-2.htm
• http://www.tofugu.com/2012/09/17/what-do-you-know-about-japanese-dragons/