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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/887561-August-Fantasy-Newsletter
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Rated: 18+ · Book · Women's · #562186
Each snowflake, like each human being is unique.
#887561 added August 11, 2016 at 9:48pm
Restrictions: None
August Fantasy Newsletter
1. Gradgard
2. Reborn from the Earth
3. The Bogeyman will Get You.
4. The Light Within: The First Chapter
5. Agnus the Beast

Mythological Monster #8

Hybrid creatures.

Hybrid creatures combine the attributes that inspire and frighten.

“Myth must be kept alive. The people who can keep it alive are the artists of one kind or another.”
Joseph Campbell

We write to keep the myths alive.
Hybrid creatures reveal attributes
that either frighten or inspire us,
as we move into an unknown future.


Letter from the Editor

A hybrid is a mythical beast that combines the physical attributes or abilities of more than one real creature. The mythical creature can combine the attributes of a living or extinct animal or human. For instance a jackalope combines the body of a jackrabbit with the antlers of a antelope. Some of the more well know or common hybrids are Centaurs, Minotaurs, and Sphinx.



Other hybrid beast are less infamous or famous depending on your point of view. Some of these lesser known beasts are the Alkonost, Merlion, Serpopard, and Adaro. The Adaro, from the Solomon Island mythology, is supposed to be a combination of a human male and a fish spirit. It is said to have gills and a dorsal fin that resembles that of a shark.



Alkonost, a Russian myth, has the head of an beautiful woman and the body of a bird. In addition, this hybrid has the ability to create exquisite hypnotizing sounds.



Serpopard, an Egyptian myth, combines the physical characteristics of a falcon, snake, and leopard with wings.



Merlion, an Asian myth, is the hybrid of a lion and a fish. The head is that of a lion, while its body resembles a fish. I am not sure what type of fish so I suppose if you use it in a story you can describe any type of fish body.



If you Google "hybrid animals" you will get a list of living creatures that are the results of cross breeding two different types of living animals. Therefore, you need to search for "hybrid mythological creatures" or "hybrid beasts". What are some of the hybrid creatures from the mythology of your country or culture?

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scooter Author Icon writes: near where i grew up we have a very famous mythical bird called the piasa bird. it was first seen in a native american mural located on a cliff-side along the mississippi river. piasa in the illini means "bird that devours men". according to the legend, chief ouatoga had warriors stand at the entrance while he acted as bait cave to lure the piasa out. when the piasa came at the chief, his warriors were able to slay it with poisoned arrows!
Thank you for the information on the piasa bird. Prosperous Snow celebrating Author Icon

brom21 Author Icon writes: Birds are cool! I did know there so many mythological birds out there. The only one I know of course the phoenix. I’ll check out Wikipedia to see some pictures of these creatures. Thanks for the newsletter!

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