60 Famous Mythical Creatures (2022 Ranked List)

Mythical creatures are mystical beasts that have captured our minds and made us feel like the world is infinite. Mystical creatures can be purely symbolic of our desires, fears, values, or other components of our lives.

mythical creatures

What is a mythical creature or mythological creature?

A mythical creature is a being or thing from mythology, a collection of stories about gods, heroes, and monsters. Mythological creatures can have both good and evil qualities, and they often represent aspects of our human nature. Some mythical creatures are based on real animals, while others are completely fictional.

Popular examples of mythical creatures include dragons, unicorns, and mermaids. These creatures have been part of human culture for centuries, and they continue to capture our imaginations. Myths and stories about these creatures help us to understand ourselves and the world around us.

Do you have a favorite mythical creature? What does it represent for you?

How far back do mythical creatures and animals date back?

The first written myths date back to ancient Sumer around 4,000 BCE. The ancient Greeks also had a rich tradition of mythology, and many of their stories were about gods, heroes, and monsters. Mythological creatures have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and they continue to play an important role in our lives today.

How many mythical creatures are said to eat human flesh?

There are many mythical creatures that are said to eat human flesh, including vampires, werewolves, and zombies. These creatures often represent our fears and anxieties about death and violence. While they may be fictional, they can still teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us.

mythical creatures

Most famous mythical creatures

Here are the most famous mythical creatures:

1. Dragons

2. Unicorns

3. Mermaids

4. Centaurs

5. Griffins

6. Phoenixes

7. Minotaurs

8. Titans

9. Gods and Goddesses

10. Demons and Monsters

mythical creatures

Most famous sea monsters

Here are the most famous sea monsters:

1. The Kraken

2. The Loch Ness Monster

3. The Lusca

4. The Cadborosaurus

5. The Bessie

6. Champ

7. The Ogopogo

8. The Morag

9. The Ningen

10. The Colossal Squid

mythical creature

Most famous humanoid mythical creatures (half human, half animal or other)

Here are the most famous humanoid mythical creatures:

1. Centaurs

2. Minotaurs

3. Cyclopes

4. Titans

5. Gods and Goddesses

6. Demons and Monsters

7. Oracles

8. Sirens

9. Fauns and Sat

Most famous mythical creatures with wings

Here are the most famous mythical creatures with wings:

1. Dragons

2. Harpies

3. Griffins

4. Phoenixes

5. Angels

6. Cherubs

7. Fairies

8. Insects

mythical creature

Most famous ancient greek mythology creatures

Here are the most famous ancient greek mythology creatures:

1. The Minotaur

2. The Gorgons

3. The Harpies

4. Typhon

5. Cerberus

6. The Titans

7. Apollo and Daphne

8. Orpheus and Eurydice

9. Pygmalion and Galatea

magical creatures

Most famous dragons

Here are the most famous dragons:

1. Smaug

2. Drogon

3. Chinese Dragons

4. European Dragons

5. Welsh Dragons

6. Vietnamese Dragons

7. Indonesian Dragons

8. Japanese Dragons

9. Filipino Dragons

10. Polynesian Dragons

mythical animals

Mythical creatures in Norse mythology

Norse mythology is full of mystical creatures, such as dragons, giants, elves, and dwarves. These creatures can be both helpful and harmful to humans. Some of the most famous mythical creatures from Norse mythology include:

1. Dragons

2. Giants

3. Elves

4. Dwarves

5. Valkyries

6. Valhalla

7. Odin

8. Loki

9. Thor

10. Freyja

Famous supernatural creatures

Here are some of the most famous supernatural creatures:

1. Vampires

2. Werewolves

3. Ghosts

4. Zombies

5. Frankenstein's Monster

6. The Mummy

7. The Creature from the Black Lagoon

8. Dracula

9. The Wolfman

greek and roman mythology animal

Most famous legendary creatures and evil spirits

Here are the most famous legendary creatures and evil spirits:

1. The Wendigo

2. The Jersey Devil

3. Bigfoot

4. The Loch Ness Monster

5. The Chupacabra

6. El Búho Negro

7. La Llorona

8. Spring-heeled Jack

9. Mothman

Famous ancient mythology creatures

Here are some of the most famous creatures from ancient mythology:

1. The Minotaur

2. The Phoenix

3. Cerberus

4. Scylla and Charybdis

5. The Sirens

6. Arachne

7. The Gorgons

8. The Titans

Complete list of mythical creatures

1. Dragons

2. Griffins

3. Unicorns

4. Pegasus

5. Minotaur

6. Siren

7. Phoenix

8. Centaur

9. Mermaids

10. Titans

11. Cyclops

12. Furies

13. Demigods

14. Gods and Goddesses

15. Angels and Demons

16. Fairy tale creatures

17. Harry Potter creatures

18. The Lord of the Rings creatures

19. Game of Thrones creatures

20. My Little Pony creatures

21. Care Bears creatures

22. Star Wars creatures

23. Avatar: The Last Airbender creatures

24. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creatures

25. Batman villains

26. Godzilla monsters

27. Star Trek aliens

28. X-Men mutants

29. Doctor Who monsters

30. The Walking Dead zombies

31. American Horror Story: Freak Show circus performers

32. American Horror Story: Coven witches

33. Aliens from outer space

34. Bigfoot and other cryptids

35. Dinosaurs

36. Ghosts

37. Zombies

38. Vampires

39. Werewolves

40. Frankenstein's monster

41. Mummies

42. Bigfoot

43. Nessie

44. Chupacabra

45. Mothman

46. Jersey Devil

47. Kappa

48. Dragons

49. Unicorns

50. Pegasus

51. Minotaur

52. Siren

53. Phoenix

54. Centaur

68. Star Wars

What is a Golem?

A golem is a creature from Jewish folklore that is created from inanimate matter and brought to life by magical means. The word "golem" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "unformed." In Jewish tradition, a golem is often used as a servant or protector.

It is said that the 16th-century rabbi and mystic, Isaac Luria, created a golem to protect the Jewish community of Prague from anti-Semitic attacks. The most famous golem story is that of the Golem of Prague, in which the creature is brought to life to save the city from persecution.

There are also stories of golems being used for evil purposes, such as in the tale of the Golem of Chelm, in which a golem is used to terrorize a Jewish community. Whether good or evil, golems are often seen as tragic figures, as they are not truly alive and cannot experience the full range of human emotions.

What is an Oni?

An oni is a creature from Japanese folklore, typically depicted as a demon or ogre. Oni are often associated with misfortune, greed, and rage. They are also said to be able to shape-shift, and are often described as having horns and red or blue skin.

The word "oni" can also be used to describe a specific kind of demon in Buddhist mythology. These oni are said to be the servants of Mara, the ruler of the underworld.

Oni are a popular motif in Japanese art, and can be found in traditional paintings, sculptures, and folk tales. They have also been featured in modern pop culture, such as in the popular manga and anime series, Bleach.

What is a Cyclops?

A cyclops is a creature from Greek mythology, typically depicted as a giant with one eye in the center of its forehead. The most famous cyclops is the Polyphemus, who appears in Homer's Odyssey. In the story, Polyphemus traps Odysseus and his men in his cave, and eats several of them before Odysseus blinds him and escapes.

Cyclopes are also said to have built the walls of the city of Mycenae. They are often associated with strength and power, as well as with blindness and ignorance.

What is an Ogre?

An ogre is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a large, ugly, and cruel monster. Ogres are often said to eat humans, and are often associated with great strength and ferocity.

The word "ogre" comes from the French word "ogre," which means "monster." The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 1500s.

Ogres are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of brutality and violence.

What is a Leprechaun?

A leprechaun is a creature from Irish folklore, typically depicted as a small, old man with a red beard and green clothing. Leprechauns are said to be cunning and tricky, and are often associated with luck, mischief, and greed.

It is said that leprechauns hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows, and that anyone who finds one will be granted three wishes.

Leprechauns are a popular motif in Irish culture, and can be found in many stories, films, and folktales. They have also been adopted by the American commercial culture, and are often used as symbols of luck and good fortune.

What is a Gnome?

A gnome is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a small, human-like being with pointy ears and a long nose. Gnomes are said to live in forests and gardens, and are often associated with nature and earth magic.

The word "gnome" comes from the Greek word "genomos," which means "earth-dweller." The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 1600s.

Gnomes are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of nature and wisdom.

What is a Goblin?

A goblin is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a small, ugly, and mischievous being. Goblins are often said to live in forests and caves, and are often associated with trickery and deception.

The word "goblin" comes from the Old English word "gobe-lin," which means "evil spirit." The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 1300s.

Goblins are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of chaos and disorder.

What is a Fairie?

A fairie is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a small, human-like being with wings. Fairies are said to live in nature, and are often associated with magic and beauty.

The word "fairy" comes from the Old French word "faerie," which means "land of the days." The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 1500s.

Fairies are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of magic and innocence.

What is a Gorgon?

A gorgon is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a monstrous woman with a head of writhing snakes instead of hair. Gorgons are said to be so hideous that anyone who looks upon them will turn to stone.

The most famous gorgon is Medusa, who was killed by the hero Perseus. Gorgons are often associated with evil and death.

Gorgons are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of fear and horror.

What is a Mermaid?

A mermaid is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a beautiful woman with the tail of a fish. Mermaids are said to live in the sea, and are often associated with singing and femininity.

The word "mermaid" comes from the Old English word "mere," which means "sea," and the Old French word "maid," which means "woman." The first recorded use of the term in English was in the early 1400s.

Mermaids are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of beauty and grace.

What is an Aqrabuamelu?

An Aqrabuamelu is a creature from Mesopotamian mythology that is typically depicted as a human-like being with the head of a scorpion. Aqrabuamelus are said to be guardian spirits, and are often associated with strength and protection.

The word "Aqrabuamelu" comes from the Akkadian word "aqrabuamêlu," which means "scorpion-man." The first recorded use of the term in English was in the early 1900s.

Aqrabuamelus are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of power and ferocity.

What is a Minotaur?

A minotaur is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a man with the head of a bull. Minotaurs are said to live in labyrinths, and are often associated with strength and brutality.

The most famous minotaur was the creature known as the Minotaur, who was killed by the hero Theseus. Minotaurs are often associated with evil and darkness.

Minotaurs are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of fear and violence.

What is a Centaur?

A centaur is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a man with the body of a horse. Centaurs are said to live in forests, and are often associated with wisdom and knowledge.

The most famous centaur was the creature known as Chiron, who was a tutor to many of the great heroes of Greek mythology. Centaurs are often associated with strength and nobility.

Centaurs are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of power and grace.

What is a Faun?

A faun is a creature from Roman mythology that is typically depicted as a man with the legs of a goat. Fauns are said to live in forests, and are often associated with music and nature.

The most famous faun was the creature known as Pan, who was the god of nature and the wild. Fauns are often associated with mischief and fun.

Fauns are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of innocence and magic.

What is the Loch Ness Monster?

The Loch Ness Monster is a creature from Scottish folklore that is said to live in Loch Ness, a large body of water in the Scottish Highlands. The Loch Ness Monster is often associated with mystery and intrigue.

There have been many sightings of the Loch Ness Monster over the years, but no one has been able to prove its existence. The first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was in the year 565 AD.

The Loch Ness Monster is a popular motif in fiction, and has been featured in many stories, films, and video games. It is often used as a symbol of mystery and the unknown.

What is a Griffin?

A griffin is a creature from medieval mythology that is typically depicted as a lion with the head and wings of an eagle. Griffins are said to live in mountains, and are often associated with strength and courage.

The first recorded use of the term "griffin" in English was in the early 1300s. Griffins are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of power and nobility.

What is a Phoenix?

A phoenix is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a bird with red and gold plumage. Phoenixes are said to live for hundreds of years, and are often associated with rebirth and renewal.

The most famous phoenix was the creature known as the Phoenix, who was reborn from its own ashes. Phoenixes are often associated with hope and renewal.

Phoenixes are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of hope and rebirth.

What is a Basilisk?

A basilisk is a creature from medieval mythology that is typically depicted as a snake with the head of a rooster. Basilisks are said to live in dark places, and are often associated with death and destruction.

The most famous basilisk was the creature known as the Basilisk of Amsterdam, who was said to be able to kill with its gaze. Basilisks are often associated with fear and danger.

Basilisks are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and destruction.

What is a Unicorn?

A unicorn is a creature from medieval mythology that is typically depicted as a horse with a single horn on its forehead. Unicorns are said to live in forests, and are often associated with purity and innocence.

The most famous unicorn was the creature known as the Unicorn of Scotland, who was said to have healing powers. Unicorns are often associated with magic and wonder.

Unicorns are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of hope and innocence.

What is a Dragon?

A dragon is a creature from medieval mythology that is typically depicted as a large, reptilian creature with wings. Dragons are said to live in mountains, and are often associated with strength and power.

The most famous dragon was the creature known as the Dragon of Wales, who was said to be able to breathe fire. Dragons are often associated with fear and danger.

Dragons are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of power and strength.

What is a Chimera?

A chimera is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a lion with the head of a goat. Chimeras are said to live in mountains, and are often associated with danger and destruction.

The most famous chimera was the creature known as the Chimera of Lycia, who was said to be able to breathe fire. Chimeras are often associated with fear and danger.

Chimeras are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and destruction.

What is a Hydra?

A hydra is a creature from Greek mythology that is typically depicted as a snake with multiple heads. Hydras are said to live in swamps, and are often associated with death and destruction.

The most famous hydra was the creature known as the Hydra of Lerna, who was said to be able to regenerate its heads. Hydras are often associated with fear and danger.

Hydras are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and destruction.

What is a Zombie?

A zombie is a creature from Haitian mythology that is typically depicted as a reanimated corpse. Zombies are said to live in graveyards, and are often associated with death and decay.

The most famous zombie was the creature known as the Zombie of Haiti, who was said to be able to turn people into zombies. Zombies are often associated with fear and danger.

Zombies are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and decay.

What is a Banshee?

A banshee is a creature from Irish mythology that is typically depicted as a woman with a wailing cry. Banshees are said to live in the forest, and are often associated with death and destruction.

The most famous banshee was the creature known as the Banshee of Ireland, who was said to be able to foretell a person's death. Banshees are often associated with fear and danger.

Banshees are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and destruction.

What is a Dybbuk?

A dybbuk is a creature from Jewish mythology that is typically depicted as a ghost or demon. Dybbuks are said to live in dark places, and are often associated with evil and mischief.

The most famous dybbuk was the creature known as the Dybbuk of Poland, who was said to be able to possess people. Dybbuks are often associated with fear and danger.

Dybbuks are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of evil and darkness.

What is a Vampire?

A vampire is a creature from Eastern European folklore that is typically depicted as a reanimated corpse that feeds on the blood of the living. Vampires are said to live in dark places, and are often associated with death and decay.

The most famous vampire was the creature known as the Vampire of Transylvania, who was said to be able to turn people into vampires. Vampires are often associated with fear and danger.

Vampires are a popular motif in fiction, and have been featured in many stories, films, and video games. They are often used as symbols of death and decay.

What is the Bogeyman?

The bogeyman is a creature from folklore that is typically depicted as a monster or demon. Bogeymen are said to live in the dark, and are often associated with fear and danger.

The most famous bogeyman was the creature known as the Bogeyman of England, who was said to be able to kidnap children.

author: patrick algrim
About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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