The following are some not so well known mythical creatures from different cultures.
The Akupara in Hinduism is a giant tortoise which carries the world on his
back.
The Cat Sidhe is a fairy creature a large black cat with a spot
on its breast which is said to haunt the Scottish Highlands. It is said to be an omen
sometimes of vengance to people who see it. Some people believe it is actually not
a cat at all, but a transformed witch. Poe wrote about one.
A Chimera is a female fire breathing Greek monster with face of a human,
the body of a goat and the tail of a snake. One of the daughters of Echidna and Typhon.
She was killed when Bellerophon and Pegasus shot her out of the sky. She is said
to be a daugher of Echidna. Sometimes pottery depicts Chimeras.
Echidna has the face and torso of a beautiful winged woman with the body of a snake. She
is said to be the mother of all horrible Greek Monsters such as Cerberus and Hydra
Her mate Typhon attacked the Olympians. Zeus let her live although he sealed her in
a cave as a challenge to heroes. She was finally killed by Argus the 100 eyed giant at
Hera's behest.
A Hippocampus is said to be part horse, part fish which pulled Poseidon's chariot.
Several works of art depict Hippocampus and Tritons at play.
A Kelpie is a malevolent Irish supernatural horse, usually dark in color, which uses
a kindly expression to lure humans to lakes or other bodies of water. Once a rider is on
its back they are unable to get off. The Kelpie then drags them under water to drown
then eat them.
Ladon is said to be the Greek dragon who guarded the golden apples. Thought to have
been slain by Hercules. At times seen in works of art surrounding the tree which
held the Golden Apples. The Ladon is said to be able to talk in different voices.
In some tales Hercules is said to have slain him. He is supposed to be the
basis of the constellation Draco.
Liderc are Hungarian chicken/ human hybrids similar to succubi or incubi. They are
thought to try to create followers of Satan by attaching themselves to humans in order
to seduce and weaken them.
A Pooka is a benevolent Irish shape shifter which usually takes the form of a horse
among other forms take humans on very wild rides. In any form, it speaks with a human
voice. A trickster, however, they usually do not hurt the rider unlike the Kelpie.
They sometimes offer advice to people as well as leading them away from danger.
Some versions of a Pooka are in "Harvey' starring Jimmy Stewart and "The Grey
Horse".
Trolls are Norse human like folk which live in hills, caves, or under bridges ready
to waylay unsuspecting passersby. Trolls are commonly known in fairy tales such
as "Three Billy Goats Bluff".
