10 Best Fantasy Creatures
As a consumer of fantastical stories, I have been a fan of mythological beasts for as long as I can remember. And when one of my favorite YouTubers did a video on her favorite fantasy creatures, I was inspired. Since I’m writing a fantasy novel, I thought it’d be fun to do the same!
“Best” is subjective. These are just my favorites right now. Some have been my favs for as long as I can remember, and some probably wouldn’t be on this list if I did it again in six months. But since these are mythological beings, I don’t think I’ll hurt their feelings by saying so. In no particular order:
The Phoenix. Undoubtedly my favorite, and has been since I was a kid. An immortal firebird that dies and is reborn again from the ashes? What’s not awesome about that?! (Origin: Greek mythology and ancient Egypt)
Valkyries. Warrior women who fly (or ride, depending on the interpretation) into battle to decide who lives and dies based on their worthiness. Then they shepherd the souls of fallen soldiers into the afterlife. Yes please, I need more of this in my life. (Origin: Norse mythology)
Medusa. Venomous snakes for hair and a gaze that will turn you to stone? She’s scary, tragic, and rad all at once. I’m here for it. (Origin: Greek mythology)
The Kraken. Sea monsters, amirite? The ocean is deep, dark, and mysterious. I think the Kraken represents the innate fear of the unknown. And the fact that giant squid actually exist give this creature some real oomph. Release it! (Origin: Scandinavian folklore)
Genies. Shape-shifting wish-granters of indentured servitude. Bleak and thought-provoking all at once. This apple falls pretty far from its original tree (djinn), but I’m a sucker for the Americanized take on this creature. (Origin: Arabic legends)
Merfolk. The ocean is deep, dark, and mysterious. Sound familiar? There’s just so much room for the imagination to run wild. I love stories that mix mermaids and sirens (bird-women that lure sailors to their deaths with beautiful songs), but all types of merfolk are neat, even the not-tragic ones. (Origin: Europe, Asia, Africa…pretty much everyone has a version of mermaids)
Gargoyles. Originally just architectural features meant to ward off demons, I ascribe to the more 1990s animated series take - stoney golems that come alive at night to protect humanity. I mean, that’s just cool. Or, if you go for the Doctor Who variety, creepy as hell monsters made of stone. Either way, I’m in. (Origin: 13th century French architecture?)
Gremlins. Mischievous little beasties whose sole purpose is to wreak havoc on human machinery? Absolutely. Who doesn’t love a tricky little chaos demon? Especially one that was invented as recently as ~75 years ago. (Origin: WWII British Air Force pilots)
Jackalope. A jackrabbit with antlers. I’ve never read a fantasy story that included one these little guys, but they’re just so dang adorable, they deserve a spot on this list. 10/10. (Origin: American taxidermists of the 1930s.)
Dragons. I almost didn’t put dragons on this list. They’re so overdone they’re almost a cliché. But, the reason they’re so overdone is that they are literally the coolest. It’s undeniable. Giant lizards with wings that breathe fire. I mean, come on. (Origin: Pretty much every culture came up with their own Dragons. Because they’re cool AF.)
Your turn. What are your favorite fantastical creatures? Which ones are you outraged I left off of this list? Comment and let me know! (Here’s a giant list of legendary beasts as a prompt.)
