One of the most awe-inducing aspects of mythology is the way creatures of similar description popped up in stories all over the world without the cultures they come from ever meeting. Dragons are a perfect example. They can be found in the lore of cultures all over the world – …
Stemming from Scandinavian folklore, trolls are typically divided into two categories. There are the mountain trolls – similar to what Harry, Ron, and Hermione faced down in the bathroom during their first year at Hogwarts. These are large, brutish, and generally unintelligent creatures with little distinction from giants as far …
Let’s get one thing clear from the start. Sirens and harpies are not the same things. They are often confused with each other but they are not the same. These half-bird, half-woman creatures do share several notable traits. Namely, their primary role seems to be to trick or seduce men …
Pixies are small mythical creatures commonly found in British and Celtic Folklore and modern fantasy. While typically understood to be only about 4 inches (10.16 cm) tall, these diminutive beings possess magical and non-magical abilities that far exceed their stature. Pixies have numerous powers and abilities, including shapeshifting, flying, and …
Everyone who is familiar with the country of Ireland knows what a Leprechaun is. They’re the little green men that make shoes all day. Who are these little men? And, more importantly, where are all the females? When you see the infamous image of the green clad, shoe making Leprechaun, …
Two of the most interesting fantastical creatures from mythology are dwarves and dark elves. However, because both originate from Norse myth, there’s significant confusion over whether they’re the same creatures with two different names or two distinct types of beings. Dark elves, also known as dökkálfar, have a dark complexion …
Given the numerous popular mythological creatures out there, it can be challenging to distinguish one from the other. Take imps and fairies, for example – they’re both diminutive creatures that are magical and originate in European folklore. That said, despite having some similarities, they’re actually extremely different. Fairies are humanlike …
Gnomes and trolls share a common origin in the grand Old Norse mythology and are mythological creatures with their own unique powers. However, trolls and gnomes are very different creatures, and not only in their physical size and shape. Gnomes are different from trolls in that they are often kind …
Ogres and trolls are often confused because of their size and frightening appearance. Both are malevolent creatures with a penchant for evil acts and a taste for human flesh. However, there are certain differences in their behaviors and appearance that set them apart from one another in myth. Ogres descend …
Dwarves have captured human imagination since time immemorial, and myths abound of these diminutive and industrious creatures. Ogres have a darker history, with their giant size and a thirst for the flesh of human infants, and are very different from our garden gnomes forefathers. Ogres sprung from the Estrucan myths …