14.

Fauns

Fauns, or goat men, were carried over to Roman mythology from the Greek Satyrs. In turn, Satyrs’
appearance was based on the god Pan. With the legs and tail of a goat and the upper body of a man. In
art, they also feature other goatlike features such as horns and pointed ears. These goat men offered
guidance to travelers in need.

15. Werewolf

The history of the werewolf or lycanthrope is incredibly diverse, with stories from Germanic pagan
cultures, Slavic Europe, and classic Greek mythology. Despite such ancient origins, werewolves have
obviously remained popular until today! Generally speaking, a werewolf is a human who can transform
or shapeshift into a wolf, though stories may differ depending on lore. The full moon may or may not be
involved.

Related: What Are Angel Numbers?

16. Loch Ness Monster

Surprisingly, the myth of the Loch Ness Monster, colloquially referred to as Nessie, dates back all the
way to the Picts, a people group in ancient Scotland. Scottish folklore is full of mythical water creatures,
but Nessie is definitely the most famous. In appearance, the Loch Ness Monster resembles a plesiosaur,
a water-based dinosaur. Since most photographic or eye-witness accounts are considered hoaxes, the
creature is widely assumed to be a myth. However, many still believe Nessie is out there today!

17. Griffin

A hybrid of a lion and an eagle, the griffin was a powerful, majestic creature of ancient Egyptian and
Persian mythology. Traditionally, griffins were depicted with the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion in
addition to the head, wings, and talons of an eagle. However, sometimes, the art of griffins featured the
creatures with lions front paws as well. In legend, griffins were guardians over great treasure and riches.

18. Phoenix

The phoenix is a mythical eagle-like creature, generally known for bursting into flame at the end of their
life, only to emerge from the ashes as a young phoenix. In both ancient Egyptian and Classical myth, the
phoenix was associated with sun worship and was depicted as a large bird, with gold and red feathers
that could live for hundreds of years. The phoenix was a symbol of immortality, eternity, and
resurrection.
19. Basilisk

In European legend, the basilisk is a serpentine creature who, much like the Gorgons of Greek myth, can
kill with one look. Basilisks, sometimes called the kings of serpents, are featured in literature, including
works by Chaucer and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as religious texts such as the Bible. It was hypothesized
that basilisks could be killed by subjecting them to the odor of weasels, griffins’ tears, or seeing its own
reflection.

20. Unicorn

Unicorn in the wild

Unicorn in the wild

Unicorns, a horse or goat-like animal with a single horn, are a commonly depicted mythical creature.
From ancient mythology (in Mesopotamia, India, Greece, and China) all the way into the modern age,
people have been fascinated by these majestic creatures. Unicorns were said to contain healing
properties. For example, if you drank from a cup made out of a unicorn horn, you would be protected
from poisons.