Interesting beasts between human and spirit are abundant in mythology and serve to illustrate cultural beliefs. Among the many representations, the Dragon is likely the most famous, apparent in a multitude of styles across diverse cultures. In mythologies of the West, it is typical to view dragons as magma-spewing beings of disruption that incarnate disorder. In Eastern mythologies, including Chinese, dragons stand for sagacity and power, mainly symbolizing water and rain.
The Phoenix is another interesting critter that signifies rebirth as well as immortality. Cultures around the world include Greece and Egypt in their appreciation of this mythical bird that arises from its ashes upon dying. Embodying the experiences of life and renewal, the Phoenix inspires a number of examples of resilience.
According to traditional tales from ancient Greece, the Griffin, combining the characteristics of a lion and an eagle, is a symbol of great power and defense. Traditionally shown defending their wealth, griffins symbolize features of the ruler of animals next to the lord of flight, and as such, they are important elements in heraldry.
The Kappa is a Japanese creature found in water and has a notoriety for its joyful habits. Kappa in folklore are said to lead innocent folks into waterways, finding relief with offerings of cucumber, suggesting an intriguing mix of danger and amusement.
In South America, the Chupacabra has climbed to the status of a modern legend, defined as a sucker of blood that preys on livestock. This myth reflects the fears that humans have about the uncertain, along with the natural environment.
These supernatural forces participate in enhancing folklore and presenting understanding of the beliefs and dread that originate from their founding societies. Storytelling from this source is remarkably persistent, which helps it to continually draw in worldwide audience attention.
