Most Mythical Creatures From Folklore, Legends and Fairytales

Close-up of garden gnome holding pickax and watering can

For centuries or more, tales of mythological creatures and mythical beasts have captured our minds.
Stories of mythical animals, mythical monsters, and other cool mythical creatures continue to spread
across the world through books, film, television, and many other media sources.

Sometimes, these mystical creatures are purely symbolic and offer us a closer look at a particular
culture’s fears, desires, or values, while other folk tales about cute mythical creatures are based on
human nature—or perhaps simply invented to keep disobedient children in line.

Whatever the origin or purpose of these myths and folklore, people seem to be intrinsically drawn to
them. So, let’s dive in (sometimes literally—I’m looking at you, mermaids) and learn more about this list
of mythical creatures.

30 Mythical Creatures

1. Golems

Famous in Jewish folklore, golems are most often depicted as beings created from inanimate matter
such as clay or mud, which have been brought to life to serve some purpose. For example, in some
stories, a golem is created to defend against antisemitic attacks. According to legend, golems are
uniquely obedient and will follow exact and literal orders, so their creators definitely had to be careful
with what they asked them to do.

2. Oni

In Japanese myth, oni are people who were so truly wicked in their lives that they transformed into
demons in hell. Some were even bad enough to be transformed while still alive! These giant, scary
monsters with red or blue skin, horns, and tusks are traditionally the servants of hell. They enact violent
punishment on evil-doers and will eat just about anything, including humans. While stories or depictions
of oni may vary, they are always seen as dangerous and powerful villains.

3. Cyclops

Most often depicted as a giant with one eye, the cyclops (which means ‘circle-eyed’) first appeared in
ancient Greek mythology. Somewhat lesser known than the classic Greek gods, the cyclopes lived in
isolation and tended sheep or goats without any government, society, or community. While scorned for
their lawlessness, it was the cyclopes who created Zeus’ thunderbolts, Hades helmet which made the
wearer invisible, Poseidon’s trident, and Artemis’ silver bow. So, we should give them some credit for
their creativity.

Related: 32 Creatures From American Folklore (That Aren’t Bigfoot!)

4. Ogre

Ogres are featured in folktales from all around the world, and though the word is of French origin, the
creature itself is derived from the man-eating ancient Etruscan god Orcus. Now many of us know ogres
from Shrek, but Shrek is not your typical ogre. Ogres are usually large, tall, and strong with plenty of hair
and a huge appetite. They are depicted as either dull and dim-witted or violent, but who knows? Maybe
they have layers like an onion.

5. Leprechauns

Leprechauns are widely known and easily recognizable, especially if you’ve ever had a certain breakfast
cereal. While leprechauns originated in medieval Irish folklore, they did not become prominent until
much later. Smaller, diminutive human-like beings, leprechauns are known to be solitary creatures with
a love for mischief and practical jokes. Interestingly enough, according to folktales, a leprechaun’s
appearance and dress could change by region!