Top 10 Mythical Creatures

What do these mythical creatures have in common? They’re the seducers of legend. Half-human, half-fish mermaids, along with their distant relatives from Greek mythology the sirens, are a sailor’s nightmare, luring men to their deaths with their beauty and music. Succubi, and their male counterparts the incubi, are demons who prey on sleeping victims for fun or reproduction. So if these enchantresses are nearby, watch out.

Human torsos on a horse’s legs; a bull’s head on a man’s legs; a lion’s body with a human face – there are many mythological composite species that span the globe and cross cultures. Even the chimera, which often combines a lion, snake and goat, can be classified in this category. But, while some have more positive reputations than others; centaurs, minotaurs, sphinxes and the like are all fascinating creatures.

A symbol of birth and rebirth, this bird is derived from Egyptian and Greek mythology, though many cultures have their own version. Regal, colorful and an important figure in Early Christianity because of its connection to Jesus’ Resurrection, the Phoenix lives a long life, after which he dies by fire. But from those ashes, a new Phoenix is born to continue its eternal life.

Nothing is as graceful or pure as the unicorn. A living embodiment of virginity, this horned horse is one of the most positive mythical creatures, unlike those founded upon humanity’s collective fear. Dating back thousands of years, the most popular representation is a free creature roaming the woodland. Some believe unicorns once existed, but were driven to extinction, perhaps because their horns were said to have medicinal properties.

The seas are unsafe with either of these monsters around: the leviathan is a wriggling, seven-headed Old Testament serpent famed for its size. The Kraken is a giant squid that inhabits the waters near Norway and Greenland, waiting for prey to float into its tentacles. Whether created by God or Satan, the legends are unsure. But they are some of the angriest monstrosities to ever grace the ocean floor.

In North America, he’s Bigfoot or Sasquatch. In the Himalayas, he’s Yeti or the Abominable Snowman. Both are giant half-man, half-apes that wander the wilderness, only allowing a chosen few to set their sights on him. Photographic evidence, footprints and more have been located, supposedly proving the existence of this legendary creature; but most experts agree it’s the misidentification of other animals – making this more a hoax than a myth.

Dragons are basically huge lizards – except for the fire-breathing. But the Asian and European depictions of these mythical creatures differ: In Asia, they represent bravery and wisdom. In Europe, a dragon is a giant to be slayed. Was it dinosaur bones that inspired this legend, or did someone mistake a crocodile for something more sinister? Either way, these mythical reptiles have inspired many storytellers throughout the centuries.

Though she’s not the world’s only lake monster, she is the most famous. Nessie’s been spotted many times since the sixth-century, including the sightings in the 1930s that sparked the craze. A common theory is that she’s a surviving aquatic dinosaur living in the depths of this deep lake in the Scottish Highlands. Whether or not she exists, hopefuls camp out in the hopes of catching a glimpse.

As legend states: if ever you’re bitten or scratched by a werewolf, you will also be cursed to painfully transform into one of these shape-shifting wolf-men. Originating in English folklore, a popular version of this tale says werewolves only transform at the full moon. Whether or not that’s the case, once they change, they’re said to ravage and savage anyone the encounter. And apparently, silver is their kryptonite.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Pegasus
- Cyclops
- Trolls
- Goblins

The legend of the vampire is one that crosses many cultures: we all know them as undead creature that roam the countryside looking for necks to bite, blood to suck and people to seduce with their dark powers. What’s its connection to El Chupacabra? He’s a creature said to roam Central and North America, attacking livestock and guzzling their blood, which gave him the nickname the Vampire Beast.

Do you agree with our list? Which mythical creatures do you think are the most fascinating? For more legendary top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.