Anthropology > What's This? Mythic Creatures

A narwhal is a whale that lives in deep, cold Arctic waters. It has two teeth, called tusks. One of the tusks sticks through its upper lip. This tusk can grow up to 3 meters (10 ft) long! In medieval times, Europeans thought the horn of the mythical unicorn could cure sickness. So tricksters would sell real narwhal tusks as unicorn horns — and fool buyers out of lots of money.

Does this puppet look familiar? It's a dragon. But it's not the kind you might remember from medieval stories with knights and castles. Those dragons are usually scary, terrible beasts that spit fire and kill people.

Asian dragons, like this one, are actually signs of good luck, wisdom, and power. "In East Asia, the dragon is equivalent to an emperor or king. He inhabits a watery kingdom attended by sea creature courtiers," says Laurel Kendall. The dragon also brings water and weather , especially during spring to rain down on farmers' fields.

What two real animals make up this griffin? If you thought "eagle" and "lion," you're right! Only the human mind can make up strange combinations like this. The mix can hint at the creature's meaning. Sometimes the griffin has both a good side and a bad side, or is a strong being with a weak spot.

Still, not all griffins are the same. Some have a peacock's head, or spotted fur. Some griffins are noble. Yet those in Greek myths were linked to Nemesis, the goddess of revenge. Have you seen griffins in books or movies? What were they like?

Why is this mermaid wearing a cowboy hat? She's Lasirèn, a water spirit from Haiti. Lasirèn often wears modern clothing, a sign of wealth. She often holds a mirror and a comb to groom herself. Lasirèn is said to bring good luck and money to people.

Many people around the world tell stories about mermaids. While these creatures mean different things to different people, some details, like the clothes, comb, and mirror, show up in many cultures. Over the last few centuries, people passed these details as they traveled from Europe to Africa to the Americas.

Early Japanese tales of the kappa describe it as a green, scaly water creature that snatches and eats humans.

But the kappa story has changed over time. Today, the once-scary kappa is usually friendly and cuddly. It's a better fit for Japanese children's books and toys, like this cute cell phone dangle.

The Maori people of New Zealand told many legends of a giant eagle. These seemed like myths until scientists found evidence like this long talon.

Scientists identified the bird as the extinct Haast's eagle. When its wings were open, they stretched nearly 3 meters (10 ft) wide! It preyed on moas, large flightless birds that look a lot like ostriches. Since the Haast's eagle died out around the year 1500, it is possible that this real being inspired the Maori's ancestors.