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» Fictional creatures. Ancient Greek mythical creatures

Fictional creatures. Ancient Greek mythical creatures

Every person is familiar with the concept of "mythical creatures". In childhood, everyone dreams of a miracle, children sincerely believe in beautiful and kind elves, honest and skillful godfathers, smart and powerful wizards. It is useful for adults sometimes to detach from the outside world and be carried away into the world of incredible legends, where magic and magical creatures live.

Typologies of magical creatures

The encyclopedia and reference books give approximately the same explanation of the term "magical creatures" - these are characters of non-human origin, a certain magical power that they use for both good deeds and evil.

Different civilizations had their own characteristic characters. These magical animals belonged to a specific species and genus, which were determined based on who their parents were.

People tried to classify mystical characters. Most often they are subdivided into:

  • good and bad;
  • flying, sea and living on earth;
  • demi-humans and demigods;
  • animals and humanoids, etc.

Ancient mythical creatures are classified not only by description, but also alphabetically. But this is impractical, since the collection does not take into account their appearance, lifestyle and impact on a person. The most convenient classification option is

Images of ancient Greek mythology

North American magical creatures

America was colonized late enough. For this, Europeans often called the continent the New World. But if you go back to historical sources, then North America is also rich in ancient civilizations that have sunk into oblivion.

Many of them have irrevocably disappeared, but various mythical creatures are known even now. Here is an incomplete list of those:

  • Lechuza (Lechusa) - the ancient inhabitants of Texas so called a werewolf witch with a female head and the body of an owl. The Lechuzi are girls who sold their souls to the devil in exchange for magical powers. At night, they turned into monsters, so they were often seen flying in search of profit. There is another version of the appearance of lechuza - this is the spirit of a dead woman who returned for revenge. Lechusu has been compared to such representatives of the ancient world as harpies and banshees.
  • - small and very kind fairy-tale characters, whose image is actively used in modern Western culture. According to legend, they got their name due to the fact that they put money or gifts under the child's pillow in exchange for a lost tooth. The main benefit of this character with wings is that they encourage the child to monitor their appearance and compensate for the loss of a tooth. It was possible to give a gift to a fairy on any day except December 25, because on Christmas, such a gift would entail the death of the fairy.
  • La Llorona is the name given to a ghostly woman who mourns her children. Her image is very common in Mexico and the surrounding North American states. La Llorona is portrayed as a pale woman in white, wandering around bodies of water and deserted streets with a parcel in her hands. Meeting with her is dangerous, because after that the person started having problems. This image was popular with parents, they intimidated their naughty children, threatening that La Llorona might take them away.
  • Bloody Mary - if you open the atlas, then this mystical image is associated with the state of Pennsylvania. Here a legend appeared about a small and evil old woman who lived in the thicket of the forest and was engaged in witchcraft. In nearby villages and hamlets, children began to disappear. Once a miller tracked down how his daughter came to Bloody Mary's dwelling. For this, fellow villagers burned her at the stake. Burning out, she cried out a curse. After her death, children's bodies were found buried around the house. The image of Bloody Mary was used for divination on Halloween night. A cocktail is named after her.
  • Chihuateteo - this is the word in Aztec mythology called rare creatures, unusual women who died during childbirth and later became vampires. Childbirth is a form of the battle for life. According to legend, Chihuateos accompanied the male warriors at sunset. And at night, like succubi, they seduced the representatives of the stronger half, sucking the energy out of them, and also abducted children to quench their thirst. For charm and submission, Chihuateteos could practice magic and spells.
  • Wendigo are evil spirits. In the ancient world, people meant by this word "all-consuming evil." Wendigo is a tall creature with sharp fangs, a lipless mouth, he is insatiable and his features are similar to those of humans. They split into small groups and pursue their victims. People who find themselves in the forest initially hear incomprehensible sounds, looking for the source of these sounds, they could only see a flickering silhouette. It is impossible to hit the Windigo with conventional weapons. Only silver items can take it, it can also be destroyed by fire.
  • Goatman is a humanoid that is similar to a satyr or. He is described as a creature with a human body and a goat's head. According to some reports, he is depicted with horns. Growing up to 3.5 m, it attacks animals and people.
  • The Hodag is a powerful monster of an indeterminate kind. He is described as a large animal resembling a rhinoceros, but instead of a horn, the hodag has a diamond-shaped process, thanks to which the fairy-tale character sees only directly. According to legend, he ate white bulldogs. According to another description, he has bone growths in the back and head.
  • The Great Serpent is the central religious and social symbol of the Mayan tribe. The serpent is associated with heavenly bodies, according to legend, it helps to cross the space of heaven. The shedding of old skin is a symbol of renewal and full-fledged rebirth. He was portrayed as two-headed. The spirits of previous generations emerged from his jaws with horns.
  • Beacock is a vivid representative of the mythology of the Cherokee Indians. He was portrayed as an emaciated man with crimson fiery eyes. He was dressed in rags or ordinary hunting clothes. Each Indian could become a beikok if he died shamefully, or committed a bad deed: lying, killing relatives, etc. They hunted only warriors, were quick and ruthless. To end the chaos, you need to collect the bones of the beycock and arrange a normal funeral. Then the monster will calmly go on vacation to the afterlife.

European mythical characters

Europe is a huge continent that contains many different states and nationalities.

European mythology has collected many fairy-tale characters that are associated with ancient Greek civilization and the Middle Ages.

CreationDescription
A magical creature in the form of a horse with a horn protruding from its forehead. The unicorn is a symbol of quest and spiritual purity. He played a huge role in many medieval tales and legends. One of them says that when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden for sin, God gave the unicorn a choice - to leave with people or stay in Paradise. He preferred the former, and was especially blessed for his compassion. Alchemists have compared the swift unicorns with one of the elements - mercury.
UndineIn Western European folklore, undines are the spirits of young maidens who committed suicide because of unrequited love. Their real names were hidden. They are like sirens. Undines were distinguished by their beautiful appearance, luxurious, long hair, which they often combed on the coastal stones. In some legends, the undines were like mermaids, instead of legs they had a fish tail. The Scandinavians believed that those who got to the Undines could not find their way back.
ValkyriesFamous representatives of Scandinavian mythology, Odin's assistants. At first they were considered angels of death and spirits of battles. Later they were portrayed as the shield-bearer of Odin, maidens with golden curls and fair skin. They served the heroes by serving drinks and food in Valhalla.
Mythological creatures from Ireland. Mourners, dressed in gray cloaks, with eyes bright red from tears and white hair. Their language is incomprehensible to humans. Her cry is the sobbing of a child, mixed with the howling of a wolf and the cry of geese. She knows how to change her appearance from a pale-skinned girl to an ugly old woman. Banshees are guarded by representatives of ancient families. But the meeting with the creature foreshadowed a quick death.
HuldraA young girl of the kind of trolls, fair-haired, of extraordinary beauty. The name "huldra" means "hiding." According to tradition, it is ranked among the evil spirits. Huldru was distinguished from ordinary women by the cow's tail. If a baptismal ceremony was performed over her, then she lost her tail. Huldra dreamed of becoming related to a man, so she lured men. After meeting her, the man became lost to the world. Male representatives taught them various crafts, including playing musical instruments. Some managed to give birth to a child from a man, then they acquired immortality.

In the culture of each nation, there are mythical creatures with both positive and negative qualities.

Some of them are famous all over the world. Others, on the contrary, are familiar only to a specific ethnic group.

In this article, we present a popular list of mythical creatures with pictures... Moreover, you will learn their origins as well as related to them.

Homunculus

Faust with Homunculus

This required observing many different conditions, with the obligatory use of mandrakes. The alchemists were confident that such a small man could protect his master from harm.

Brownie

It is one of the most popular mythical creatures in Slavic folklore. Most people know about him from fairy tales. Some people still believe that the Brownie can influence the life of the owner of the house.

According to the myth, so that he does not do evil to any of the owners, he must be appeased with various treats. Although this often leads to the opposite consequences.

Babay

In Slavic mythology, this is the night spirit. Usually they scare naughty children. And although Babai does not have any specific image, they often speak of him as an old man with a bag in which he puts harmful children.

Nephilim

The Nephilim lived before the flood and are even mentioned in the Bible. These creatures are fallen angels who were once seduced by the beauty of earthly women and entered into sexual relations with them.

As a result of these connections, the Nephilim began to be born. Literally this word means "those who make others fall." They were very tall, and were also distinguished by incredible strength and cruelty. The Nephilim attacked humans and wreaked havoc on them.

Abaasy

Baavan Shi

In Scottish mythology, they meant a bloodthirsty creature. When a man saw a raven transforming into a beautiful girl in a dress, it meant that in front of him was Baavan shi himself.

It was not for nothing that the evil spirit wore a long dress, since under it he could hide his deer hooves. These evil mythical creatures attracted men, and then drank all the blood out of them.

Baku

Werewolf

One of the most famous mythical creatures found among different peoples of the world. A werewolf means a person who can transform into animals.

Most often, werewolves are. Such modifications can occur at the request of the werewolf himself, or in connection with the lunar cycles.

Viryava

The peoples of the north called the mistress of the forests this way. As a rule, she was portrayed as a beautiful girl. Animals and birds serve Viryava. She is friendly towards people and can help them if needed.

Wendigo

The Wendigo is an evil man-eating spirit. He is an ardent opponent of any excesses in human behavior. He likes to hunt and suddenly attack his victims.

When a traveler finds himself in the forest, this mythical creature begins to make frightening sounds. As a result of this, the person rushes to his heels, but he fails to escape.

Shikigami

In Japanese myths, these are spirits that the sorcerer Omme-do can summon. Despite their small size, they can inhabit animals and birds in order to control them later.

It is very dangerous for the magician to manipulate the Shikigami, since at any moment in time they can begin to attack him.

Hydra

This mythical creature is described in the work of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod. Hydra has a serpentine body and many heads. If you cut off one of them, two new ones immediately grow in its place.

Destroying Hydra is almost impossible. She guards the entrance to the realm of the dead and is ready to attack anyone who meets her on the way.

Fights

In English mythology, water fairies are called so. Turning into wooden saucers, slowly floating on the water surface, they try to lure women into a trap.

As soon as a woman touches such a saucer, Drak immediately grabs her and drags her to his bottom, where she will have to look after his children.

Sinister

These are pagan evil spirits in the myths of the ancient Slavs. They pose a great danger to humans.

Sinister sticks to people and can even infiltrate them, especially if they are alone. Often these mythical creatures take on the appearance of poor old people.

Incubus

In the legends of many European countries, this was the name for male demons thirsting for female love.

In some ancient books, these creatures were represented as fallen angels. They have such a high reproductive rate that whole nations have emerged from them.

Goblin

Most people know that the mythical creature Goblin is the owner of the forest, vigilantly watching over all his property. If a person does not do him anything bad, then he treats him friendly and can even help to find a way out of the forest thicket.

But he can deliberately force bad people to walk in circles on his possessions, leading them astray. Goblin knows how to laugh, sing, clap his hands or sob. With the onset of cold weather, he goes underground.

Baba Yaga

One of the most popular characters in Russian fairy tales. Baba Yaga is the mistress of the forest, and all animals and birds obey her.

As a rule, she is presented in the form of a negative character, but sometimes she can come to the aid of different characters.

Baba Yaga lives in a hut on chicken legs, and also knows how to fly on a mortar. She invites children to come to her abode to eat them later.

Shishiga

Living in the forest, this mythical creature attacks lost people and then eats them. In the dark, Shishiga prefers to make noise and wander through the forest.

According to another belief, Shishigis love to mock people who begin to take on any kind of work without first praying. From this follows the popular belief that they accustom people to the correct routine of life.

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A huge number of myths are known in the world, in which different creatures play an important role. They do not have scientific confirmation, but new reports regularly appear that entities that do not look like ordinary animals and people have been seen in different parts of the world.

Mythical creatures of the peoples of the world

There are a huge number of legends that tell about mythical monsters, animals and mysterious entities. Some of them have in common with real animals and even people, while others personify the fears of people living at different times. Every continent has legends featuring unique mythical animals and creatures associated with local folklore.

Slavic mythical creatures

The legends that arose during the time of the ancient Slavs are familiar to many, since they formed the basis of various fairy tales. The creatures of Slavic mythology hide important signs of that time. Many of them were held in high esteem by our ancestors.


Mythical creatures of ancient Greece

The most famous and interesting are the myths of Ancient Greece, which are filled with gods, different heroes and entities, both good and bad. Many Greek mythical creatures have become characters in various modern stories.


Mythical animals in Norse mythology

The mythology of the ancient Scandinavians is part of ancient Germanic history. Many entities stand out for their enormous size and bloodthirstiness. The most famous mythical animals:


English mythical creatures

Various entities that, according to legends in ancient times, lived on the territory of England, are among the most famous in the modern world. They became heroes of various cartoons and films.


Mythical creatures of Japan

Asian countries are unique even in terms of their mythology. This is due to the geographical location, unpredictable elements and national flavor. Japan's ancient mythical creatures are unique.


Mythical creatures of South America

This area is a mixture of ancient Indian traditions, Spanish and Portuguese culture. Over the years, different people have lived here, who prayed to their gods and told stories. The most famous creatures from myths and legends in South America:


Mythical creatures of Africa

Given the presence of a large number of nationalities living on the territory of this continent, it is understandable that the legends telling about the entities can be enumerated for a long time. Kind mythical creatures on the territory of Africa are little known.


Mythical creatures from the Bible

Reading the main sacred book, you can come across different entities that are unknown. Some of them have similarities with dinosaurs and mammoths.


10 mythical creatures, did they really exist? As they say, there is truth in every joke. The same can be said about myths, which are considered fiction, because there is also a particle of reality in them. It only at first glance seems that all mythical creatures, such as cyclops, unicorns and others, were invented in distant antiquity. Taking a closer look at these mysterious animals, one can understand that people only slightly embellished the creatures existing in the past, and invented myths about them. So we will analyze 10 mythical creatures, and let's see where these legends came from.

1. Unicorns (Elasmotherium)

You probably won't meet a person who has no idea what a unicorn looks like. Even young children know perfectly well that unicorns are horses with one horn sticking out of their foreheads. These animals have always been associated with chastity and spiritual purity. In almost all world cultures, unicorns have been described in legends and myths.

The first images of these unusual creatures were found in India over 4 thousand years ago. Following the Indian people, unicorns were described in legends in western Asia, and then in Greece and Rome. In the 5th century BC, unicorns began to be described in the West as well. What is most surprising, in ancient times these animals were considered quite real, and myths were passed off as stories that happened to people.

Most of all animals that have existed in the world are unicorns like Elasmotherium. These animals lived in the steppes of Eurasia and resembled our rhinos. Their habitat was located slightly south of that of woolly rhinos. This happened during the Ice Age, at the same time the first rock carvings of Elasmotherium were recorded.

These animals reminded of our horses, only the Elasmotherium had a long horn on their forehead. They disappeared in the same period of time as the rest of the inhabitants of the megafauna of Eurasia. However, some scientists still believe that the Elasmotherium managed to survive and survive for a long time. It was in their image that the Evenks laid down the legends about bulls with a black color and a large horn on their foreheads.

2. Dragons (Magalania)

In folk art, there are many stories about dragons and their varieties. The image of these mythical animals also changed depending on the culture of the people. So, in Europe, dragons were described as large creatures living in the mountains and breathing out fire. This description is classic for most people. However, in China, these animals were described in a completely different way, and looked more like huge snakes. In most cases, in legend, dragons represented a serious obstacle that had to be overcome in order to receive a generous reward. It was also believed that by defeating the dragon and invading its torso, one could gain eternal life. That is, the dragon meant both rebirth and temporary death at the same time.

In mythological stories, mentions of dragons most likely appeared due to the found remains of dinosaurs, which were mistaken for the bones of mythical animals. Of course, the legends about dragons did not appear groundless, and in reality there were animals that served as a pretext for the emergence of myths.

The largest terrestrial lizards known in the scientific field were called magalania. They lived in the Pleistocene era in Australia. It has been proven that they existed from 1.6 million to 40,000 years ago. The Magalania ate exclusively on mammals, and the size of the prey did not matter. Their habitat was sparse forests and grassy savannas.

It is believed that some varieties of Magalania managed to survive until the time when ancient people appeared. From there, images of huge lizards appeared, the length of which could reach up to 9 meters, and the mass of up to 2200 kilograms.

3. Kraken (Huge squid)

Icelandic sailors from ancient times described terrible monsters that resembled cephalopods. It was from the sailors of those times that stories began about a monster called the kraken. The first mention of this animal was recorded by a naturalist from Denmark. According to his descriptions, this animal was the size of a floating island, and possessed such strength that it could pull the most bulky warship to the bottom with its tentacles. Also, the conquerors of the seas were afraid of the eddies that arose when the kraken suddenly plunged under the water.

Many scientists today are convinced that the kraken still exist. They just call them big squids and do not find anything mythical about them. There is also evidence of the vital activity of these animals, from a large number of fishermen. Disputes are only about the size of the mollusk. So, more recently, in the southern seas, scientists managed to find a huge squid, the size of which was about 14 meters. It is also said that this mollusk, in addition to the usual suckers, had pointed claws at the ends of the tentacles. Having met such a monster, even a man of our time could be frightened. What can we say about medieval fishermen, who in any case would have considered a huge squid for a mythical creature.

4. Basilisks (Poisonous snakes)

There are many legends and stories about basilisks. In them, these monsters are most often described as snakes of unimaginable sizes. Basilisk venom was fatal to any living creature. Stories about this animal date back to the first century BC. However, at that time a basilisk was called a small, thirty centimeter snake, on the head of which there was a white speck. A little later, in the 3rd century, the basilisk acquired a new image and was described as a fifteen centimeter snake. Half a century later, numerous legend authors began to add new details to the basilisks, making a monster out of an ordinary snake. So, he had black scales that were located all over his body, large wings, claws like tigers, an eagle's beak, emerald eyes and a lizard's tail. In some cases, the basilisks were even "put on" a red crown. It was about such a creature that legends were made in Europe in the thirteenth century.

Modern scientists put forward a logical version that the basilisk is a prototype of some types of snakes. For example, it could be a well-known cobra. The rather fierce behavior of this snake, as well as the ability to inflate the hood and spit poison, could well have caused a violent fantasy in the heads of ancient writers.

In ancient Egypt, the basilisk was considered a viper with horns. This is how he was portrayed in hieroglyphs. Many believe that this was the reason for talking about the crown on the head of the snake.

5. Centaurs (Horse Riders)

Talk about centaurs has come down to us from ancient Greece. They were described as creatures with a horse body, but at the same time with a human torso and head. It was also mentioned that centaurs were mortal, just like ordinary people. It was possible to meet them only in the thicket of the forest or high in the mountains. Ordinary people feared these creatures, as it was believed that the centaurs were violent and unrestrained. Centaurs have been described in various ways in mythology, claiming that some of them shared their wisdom and experience with humans, teaching and mentoring them. Other centaurs were hostile and constantly fought with ordinary people.

It is believed that these creatures were invented by people from nomadic tribes who lived in the north. Despite the fact that at that time civilization already existed, and people learned to ride horses, in some places they did not know about it. So, the first mention of centaurs is attributed to the Scythians, Taurus and Kassites. These tribes lived at the expense of cattle breeding, in particular they raised fierce and huge bulls, from which the disposition for the centaur was taken.

6. Griffins (Protoceratops)

Griffins have been described as having the bodies of lions and heads like eagles. In addition, these creatures had huge and sweeping wings, large claws, and lion tails. In some cases, the wings of the griffins were golden in color, in other stories they were snow-white. The nature of the griffins was described ambiguously: sometimes they were the embodiment of evil that could not be contained by anything, and they could also be wise and kind patrons responsible for justice.

The first mentions of these mythical animals also appeared in ancient Greece. It is believed that the inhabitants of this country were told about the outlandish animals by the Scythians from Altai, who were looking for gold in the Gobi Desert. Wandering through the sandy expanses, these people accidentally found the remains of a protoceratops and took him for an unprecedented creature.

Nowadays, scientists have found that the description of the griffin is almost identical to the dinosaurs of this species. For example, the size of the fossil and the presence of the beak matched. In addition, protoceratops had a horny growth on the back of the head, which could eventually decay and become like ears and wings. This was the reason for the appearance of griffins in all kinds of myths and legends.

7. Bigfoot (Gigantopithecus)

Bigfoot has a huge number of different names. In some places he is known as a yeti, in others bigfoot or saskoch. However, according to descriptions, Bigfoot is almost the same everywhere. He is presented as a creature similar to a person, but large in size. It is completely covered with wool and lives only in the mountains or thickets of forests. There is no scientific proof of the existence of this creature, although the legend that it wanders in the forests still exists in our time.

People who talk about their encounters with the Yeti claim that these monsters have a muscular body, a pointed skull, disproportionately long arms, a short neck and a weighty, protruding lower jaw. Everyone describes the color of the coat differently, to someone it seemed red, to someone white or black. There were even individuals with a gray cover.

Until now, among scientists, there is a debate about what species the Bigfoot can be attributed to. Among the plausible speculations is that this creature is a mammal, which is related to humans and primates. It was born in the prehistoric period and somehow managed to survive. It is also believed that Bigfoot is a native of another planet, that is, an extraterrestrial form of life.

Today, most opinions agree that the Yeti is none other than a species of Gigantopithecus. These animals were humanoid apes, whose height could reach up to 4 meters.

8. Sea Serpent (Herring King)

The mentions of encounters with the sea serpent are found all over the world. According to eyewitnesses, this mythical creature resembled a snake and was large in size. The head of the snake looked like a dragon's mouth, in other sources it resembled a horse's.

The image of a sea serpent could arise in people not only of the ancient, but also of the modern world after meeting with the herring king or with the belt fish. Due to its belonging to the belt fish, the herring king has a ribbon-like shape. However, only the length of the body is striking, it can reach up to 4 meters. The height of the body usually does not exceed 30 cm. Of course, there are also larger individuals, whose weight reaches 250 kilograms, but this is very rare.

9. Korean dragons (Titanoboa)

Even by the name of the dragon, one can understand that it was invented in Korea. At the same time, the creature was endowed with such features that are characteristic of this particular country. The Korean dragon was a serpentine creature without wings, but with a large and long beard. Despite the fact that in most countries of the world these animals were described as fire-breathing creatures that destroy everything in their path, the Korean dragon was a peaceful creature. They were the protectors of paddy fields and water bodies. Also in Korea, it was believed that their mythical dragon was capable of causing rain.

The appearance of such an amazing creature is confirmed by science. In the not so distant past, scientists managed to find the remains of a huge snake. It was this creature, who lived on earth from 61.7 to 58.7 million years BC, that was given the name Titanoboa. The dimensions of this snake were simply colossal - an adult was about 13 meters long and at the same time weighed more than 1 ton.

10. Cyclops (Dwarf elephants)

Cyclops beliefs came from ancient Greece. There they were described as humanoid creatures with great stature and only one eye. Cyclops were mentioned in many myths, where they were described as aggressive-minded creatures with superhuman powers. In those days, the Cyclops were considered a whole people living separately from all of humanity.

Scientifically speaking, the legends of the Cyclops are due to the dwarf elephants. Finding the remains of these animals, people could mistake the central hole on the elephant's head, for the eye socket of the cyclops.

Now we know the fundamental principle and understand what mythical creatures meant when talking about unicorns, dragons and cyclops. Perhaps a very real justification can be found for other myths as well?

Fictional stories and universes created by science fiction writers are famous for their details. Races of mythical creatures have their own history, place where they live, and unique traditions. They are distinctive cultures with precise rationales and habits that are unique to characters created within one or more stories.

The origin of mythical creatures

Mythology is a separate art form. It describes the life of the characters to the smallest detail: they exist within the framework of one social group. Nations wander, settle in one place, fight and create their own history. Their origin and behavior may differ. Depending on the type of legend, they grow and develop. Mythological races exist in one or more eras. Their uniqueness is due to the fact that the world around them is created in their likeness. Characters of the popular fantasy genre can interact with people. Their contacts spawn new stories and create mutants.

The features of the life of peoples are taken into account in the narrative. Races of mythical creatures must exist, provide for themselves food, settle down and continue the race. Taken together, all the details are collected into a single story. Not all stories are made up for the sake of the literary genre.

Ancient legends are based on human fears: people were afraid of what they did not understand. And fictional monsters saved from the fear of the unknown. They explained the horrors of the era. The description of monsters was passed on from one generation to the next, so whole mythical races appeared.

Separation of magical creatures into peoples

Peoples exist separately from other creatures or interact with other social groups. The more characters are involved, the stronger the love lines, confrontations and issues of inequality. The differences between these groups explains the behavior and motives of the main characters or antagonists.

How an individual character differs from a fictional cohesive group:

  • in the group, the characters must interact - on this contact the peculiarities of everyday life, moral principles and habits are built;
  • an individual character cannot connect many stories - his life path can be interesting, but not develop into something more ambitious;
  • characters reveal themselves better when they have support or an opposing side;
  • with the help of the description of peoples, it is easier to explain the history of individual heroes, their sufferings and motives.

The list of groups is expanding in the modern world as well. In cinematography and literature, old heroes get a new life: they undergo a rebirth, gain skills and lose old skills that do not fit into the era set by history. The most popular peoples are used in folklore or in new sayings.

Werewolves

This race has many nicknames. The creatures are called werewolves or wolfhounds. A well-known belief, when at different times in the settlements near the forest, terrible monsters wielded. They attacked people, ate cattle and harmed everyone who got in their way.

Wolfdogs look like a large dog or a wolf with a huge mouth. They are covered with dark hair, and large and sharp claws are noticeable on their paws. In the mouth of the werewolves there are fangs with which the monsters tear apart their prey. Their eyes are red, filled with anger and hatred. Werewolves are very cruel. They spare no one, and as soon as they see the victim, there is no mercy for her.

According to legend, the face of the beast reflects the true nature of man. During the day and on ordinary nights, when the moon rises or falls, werewolves hide among people. They have a casual, casual look. The wolves themselves do not remember everything that happens to them after reincarnation. They know about the curse, but they hear the details of the murders from other people.

They cannot control the animal part of themselves. Werewolves come in both women and men. The curse passes over the lineage - the child is doomed to constant reincarnation. The first experience occurs during adolescence. Then the young werewolf becomes more aggressive: the closer the full moon, the stronger the inner anxiety.

The first werewolves are at the head of the clan. They are almost immortal, and live for at least 200 years.

Magical shifters

Famous shapeshifting races are able not only to reincarnate, but also to get along well in the role of other people. From birth, creatures have their own appearance, but the older the child becomes, the more he tries to imitate those around him. Gradually he learns to change his physical shell and thinking. The shape-shifters do not depict other living flesh, but play the image down to the smallest detail.

What are they doing:

  • transform into any creature of flesh and blood - the stories describe shape-shifters who can transform into magical creatures and acquire their powers;
  • change their appearance as needed - if they sense danger, the change does not bring any pain and takes place in a few hours;
  • for believability, a shape-shifter can kill its victim and take its place.

It is very difficult to calculate the creature. He becomes an exact copy of a person. Takes over his habits, character and even temperament. The mythical creatures can be in one shell for years: they get along in a role in which they are safe. Shape shifters live no more than 300 years.

Hobbits

This race of mythical short men is known for incredible stories. The creatures owe their birth to John Tolkien, who described the enterprising people in his books "The Lord of the Rings". They are also called halflings - their distinguishing feature is short stature and thick legs. Hobbits are rarely thin. The more successful and wealthy they are, the thicker their body is. Halflings have curly hair and round faces.

The people are very attached to the area, they honor their culture and they have a well-developed clan bond. Hobbits' homes are passed down from generation to generation. It is born to halflings of 4-5 children. By nature, they are calm and too cautious. They are never drawn to adventure. The best that can happen to a hobbit is a calm and measured life. The main occupation is agriculture. Halflings make delicious cheese and a variety of pickles.

They are very thrifty: every self-respecting hobbit has a pantry full of food just in case. The creatures are not endowed with agility or cunning, but you can rely on them in difficult times. If they make a promise, they will do their best to keep it.

Orcs

Among the magical creatures there are mutants who frighten with their appearance. are described in the same story as the hobbits. They are the product of evil, pure black power. Orcs of Middle-earth are not born of their mother, but emerge from the foothills of the mountains. They are born as adults and are ready to fight. Mutants have no emotional attachments. They are ready to kill and always fight to the death. He commands the horde of Sauron - with their help he tries to suppress the peoples that oppose him.

Another type of orc is found in games and modern films. This is a different social group. Unlike their relatives, such mutants live in tribes - they have children, build families and obey a just leader. These orcs are born and raised, therefore they differ in individuality. The tribal inhabitants feed on magical power. She gives them the power to crush any enemy. Barbarians attack only according to a well-thought-out plan: no one commands them, they follow their leader.

Gnomes

The list of magical races always includes. They are also called Karls or underground people. They are very industrious and rarely go outside: they live in mines and specially created underground passages under the mountains, they mine metal or diamonds. They are greedy, which explains their hard work.

Description of the appearance of the gnome:

  • undersized;
  • overweight;
  • strong;
  • outwardly similar to a person.

The inhabitants of the underground passages are distinguished by their nasty character. A gnome always has a beard - by this trait it can always be distinguished from a dwarf or other creature. Carls are very proud of their hairy face. By the beard, you can determine the status and age of the gnome.

There are legends about the women of the people. They are rarely mentioned, but their appearance is almost always intimidating. According to legends, women of the underground people are like men. They are hairy, masculine and rough. According to other stories, women are cheerful and very peaceful. They hide, and even when the enemy attacks, only males are engaged in protecting the home.

Trolls

Large creatures have a special role in mythology - they serve to intimidate. Therefore, giants, as trolls are also called, live in the forest and remote areas. Terrible cannibals have massive bodies, and when they walk on the ground, the rumble spreads out for several kilometers. Trolls know how to track down the victim. They have a good sense of smell and great physical strength. Giants love fresh meat with blood. In this case, people are the fastest and most delicious prey for them. Skin color is green, and it darkens over the years.

The creatures do not shine with mental abilities. But they differ in some cunning: if necessary, they can deceive the enemy or pretend to be dead. Giants survive on good physical condition.

They have a hard temper: trolls can get angry in a few minutes. When they are furious, they destroy everything around them and spare no one.

People can be wild or socialized. Trolls live in a group in which it is easier to hunt, or alone - such creatures are less dangerous, they kill only in extreme cases.

Elves

Fairies

Dryads

Undines

Sea peoples are equally popular in mythology. They are the patrons of all bodies of water around mountains, forests and settlements. The sea people are also called mermaids. They are half-people, half-fish. They can swim, but move on land if necessary.

In some beliefs, mermaids are beautiful and cute creatures, they swim on the seabed and enjoy life. According to other legends, they are cunning seducers who lure strangers to themselves. They feed on their life force.

Undines rarely make contact, they are closed and closed. The more people pay attention to them, the further they hide. Undines do not like to live in groups: they choose a lonely life at the bottom.

Vampires

One of the most popular images - - is often used in modern fiction. Beautiful seducers-bloodsuckers can live for centuries and hide among people. According to legend, they are not much different from ordinary women and men. In the past, they were humans bitten by other vampires. Immediately after the bite, the person dies and gradually turns into a bloodsucker.

What is the peculiarity of the life of night creatures:

  • according to legend, they do not tolerate daylight - as soon as a ray of the sun hits the skin, they begin to burn;
  • they bite a person and can drink all his blood;
  • to turn into this creature, you need to drink the blood of a vampire or be bitten;
  • vampires do not eat ordinary food - it makes them very sick;
  • in different sources, creatures do not tolerate garlic, holy water, and they can be killed with the help of an aspen stake.

Vampires live among people. They sleep during the day and go hunting at night. The fangs with which they drink blood are not always visible. Monsters have good looks to lure new victims. Vampires don't age. Eternal youth is their gift and at the same time a curse. You can kill a creature with a stake or by burning the whole body. The head of the vampire is pre-roughened.