Welcome to Top10Archive!
We've already done our top picks for mythical creatures we're glad don't exist, but what
about those creatures that are just so cool, we'd all love if they actually existed?
That's the topic of discussion, so join us as we count down our picks of the Top 10 Mythical
Creatures We Wish Existed!
10.
Daitengu - Japanese Said to make their homes in the high, remote
mountaintops of Japan, Daitengu appear as human-like beings, with large feathered wings
that sprout from their backs.
Their faces are red, with a long and phallic nose, and often dressed in the robes of a
monk.
The Daitengu spends its time mostly in meditation, in the pursuit of self perfection.
Daitengu possess a greater wisdom, pride, and power in comparison to that of the lesser
Tengu.
Some Daitengu will occasionally be willing to help any human they deem worthy who have
ventured into the mystic wilds to seek their guidance; and an even less often, it was said
that the best among those lucky enough to meet with the Diatengu often departed with
the gift of their magical knowledge.
9.
Unicorns - Varies The origin of the unicorn is unknown and has
been described since antiquity.
They have appeared in Mesopotamian artworks, seals of the Indus Valley Civilization, the
myths of India and China, Greek literature, and the Bible.
All describe it as a beast with a single spiraled horn coming from its head.
Within the Greek bestiary, the Physiologus, it describes unicorns as being strong, fierce
animals that could only be caught when a virgin maiden was thrown before it.
The Unicorn would commonly be described as a majestic, white horse, with a single horn
upon its head, and is considered to be a symbol of purity and grace.
The horn of the unicron is also said to have special, medicinal powers or magical properties
that can purify tainted water or even cure diseases.
8.
Leprechauns - Irish Depending on where in Ireland he was found,
the Leprechaun originally had different appearances and wore red instead of green.
They started as fairys, eventually taking the form of small old men that were witty
and mischievous, but enjoyed living in solitude.
Leprechauns were generally considered shoemakers and were always associated with wealth.
If you were able to capture a leprechaun, interrogate it thoroughly and if it can't
escape your grasp, he would be forced to divulge the location of his gold for his freedom.
References make note that the Leprechaun's wealth derived from "treasure-crocks, buried
of old in wartime".
7.
Phoenix - Varies Although many cultures interpretations of
the Phoenix have subtle differences, it is always a bird with a plumage of colors that
represents fire, such as yellow, orange, red and gold.
Its most common aspect was the ability to resurrect.
Dying in a self-created fire and burning in a pile of ashes, the new Phoenix chick was
born.
Their lifespans vary between five hundred to over a thousand years old.
The Oriental version of the Phoenix was immortal, but only appeared in times of peace and prosperity.
Needless to say, if you could earn the respect of such a majestic bird, you would have a
pet for life.
6.
Griffin - Greek Considered to be powerful noble creatures,
griffins are known in Egyptian, Greek, Persian, and English mythology.
They had the head, wings and front claws of an eagle, and the body, tail, and hind legs
of a lion.
Griffins were thought to be the King of all creatures, due to lions being associated as
the king of beasts and the eagle, the king of birds.
They guarded priceless possessions and treasures and were believed to mate for life, reinforcing
the church's view against re-marriage.
Associated with power and wisdom, many medieval families used the Griffin on their coat of
arms.
5.
Menehune - Polynesian The Menehune were people of dwarf proportions,
with some only standing 6 inches or 15 centimeters in height, while others grew to 2 feet or
61 centimeters.
Dwelling in the deep forest and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian islands, they were considered
superior craftsmen and built temples, fish ponds, roads, canoes and houses.
They were said to come out at night to play tricks on people, but also helped when the
situation called for it.
They loved consuming bananas and fish, and had a fondness of dancing, singing, and sports,
one of which was diving off of cliffs into the surf.
Another being archery; Menehune had a magic arrow that could pierce an angry man's heart,
and make them feel love instead.
4.
Dokkaebi - Korean Having many different forms, the Dokkaebi
are commonly shown as demonic or goblin-like, with horns and misshapen faces.
They tend to reside in abandoned places or isolated areas and are mischievous tricksters
and fond of games, often challenging passersby to ssireum, a type of Korean wrestling, just
for the right to pass.
Dokkaebi often steal from the greedy and reward good people with wealth and blessings.
Each Dokkaebi have their own hat that grants invisibility, and a club that allows them
to summon anything they want.
3.
Brownie - English Often times depicted as either fairies, or
hobgoblin like creatures; brownies are said to inhabited houses, often within the attic
or holes in the walls.
They are helpful, often aiding in the chores needing to be done around the house, though
usually this is done in exchange for small gifts of food, porridge with honey being the
brownies favorite.
They do not like to be seen, so they would work in the middle of the night while the
household would sleep.
If taken advantage of or disrespected by calling their gifts a payment, they would leave the
house, abondoning it forever.
Brownies rarely talk to humans, prefering the conversation and company of their own.
2.
Kapre - Philippine Characterized as a tree demon, they stood
7 to 9 feet tall and produced a strong smell that would get the attention of any human.
They are not evil, but they do enjoy getting travelers lost, confusing people in familiar
surroundings, gambling, drinking, smoking, and playing pranks.
Kapre are invisible and will only reveal themselves when they want to be seen.
They often make contact when they are attracted to a woman or just want to offer their friendship.
When you obtain their friendship, you will always be able to see the Kapre and if you
sit on them, others will see them as well.
Some myths state that Kapre carry a beautiful white stone with them, and if you manage to
obtain it, they will grant you a wish.
1.
Qilin - Chinese Only appearing during the reign of a great
emperor, or shortly after the birth or death of a great sage, Qilin are terrifying to behold.
They have the body of a deer, ox, or horse, are covered in fish scales and are often enveloped
by fire.
Their head takes the form of the Chinese dragon, but this has been known to vary.
Some are even depicted with a single horn or antlers.
Despite this, legends describe Qilin as a gentle, peaceful creature that trots on clouds
to avoid harming the grass.
They also liked to help good people, especially those who did good deeds and fulfilled their
duties.
They were capable of harm, but only to punish the wicked or defend
the innocent.