Real Creatures of Myth

Folklore, legend and mythology are all filled with stories of faeries, goblins and ferocious creatures that roam these old tales. Although the existence of most of these strange beings could never be established, there are a select few that walked the earth hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.

Here is a look at some mythological creatures that actually existed:

Dragons

Though not the fire breathing giants described in European and Chinese legends, around 50 thousand years ago the Megalania, a massive monitor lizard could be found in Australia. Weighing over a ton there creatures were very real indeed.

Mermaids

These legendary aquatic maidens of the deep were first recorded in Greek literature hundreds of years ago. Though these descriptions depicted these beings as deceptive and violent, not at all like Ariel, it is widely believed that the myth of the mermaid was first started by fishermen and sailors who saw Manatees and thought them to be mermaids.

The Kraken

This beast was said to dwell off of the coast of Norway and over the years many have postulated that the legend originated from sightings of giant squids that may grow to 12–15 meters in length.

Amazons

Popularized in film and literature, these warrior women towered men in sheer height and were known for their taste for war and abilities in battle. As the legend of the Amazon grew it is believed that these women actually existed. By excavating Scythian kurgans, which are the burial mounds of a tribe of nomadic people. These excavations uncovered the remains of women buried with bows, spears and arrows - with proof of war injuries on their remains.

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