Mythological Creatures That Might Be Based on Real Animals

Myths have long been used to explain the unexplainable. Every culture has origin myths, which attempt to describe how the world, natural phenomena, and even civilizations began. Myths also help people understand where they come from and why certain traditions and rituals exist (World History Encyclopedia). As scholars Maria Leach and Jerome Fried explain, "Myths explain matters in the science of a pre-scientific age."

Many mythological creatures may have origins rooted in real animals or natural discoveries. Fossilized remains, rare species, and even misinterpretations of ordinary creatures have contributed to legendary beasts. This blog explores some of the most famous mythological creatures and their possible real-world counterparts.

1. The Kraken – Inspired by the Giant Squid

The Kraken or a Giant Squid?

The Kraken in Norse Mythology

The Kraken originates from Scandinavian folklore and is often depicted as a massive octopus-like creature capable of capsizing ships and dragging sailors into the depths of the sea. The earliest references describe the Kraken as a monstrous entity lurking in the waters off Norway and Greenland.

Sailors’ Accounts of Sea Monsters

Throughout history, sailors have reported encounters with enormous sea creatures. Before deep-sea exploration, the vast unknown depths of the ocean fueled speculation and fear. Large tentacled creatures seen from ships may have contributed to the legend.

Modern Discoveries of the Giant Squid

The first scientific classification of the giant squid (Architeuthis) occurred in 1857, and research on these elusive deep-sea creatures continues. Giant squid live between 600 and 4,600 feet below the ocean surface and can grow up to 45 feet long. Unlike the Kraken, they are not large enough to capsize ships, nor do they surface frequently enough to be a real threat (Natural History Museum). However, the existence of such a massive, rarely seen creature may have fueled the Kraken myth.

2. Dragons – Fossils and Misinterpretations

Dragons Across Cultures

• Chinese Dragons (Long): Serpentine creatures symbolizing power and good fortune, often depicted with antlers.

• European Dragons: Fire-breathing beasts associated with greed and destruction, often guarding treasures.

• Mesoamerican Dragons: Feathered serpents, such as Quetzalcoatl, representing the sky and the earth.

  
  

The Possible Link Between Dragon Legends and Dinosaur Fossils

Before modern paleontology, people who uncovered large fossilized bones may have mistaken them for remains of dragons or other mythical creatures. In 2015, long-necked sauropod fossils were found in Qijiang City, China, leading some to speculate that they influenced Chinese dragon myths (Big Think). Additionally, early societies sometimes ground up large fossils and sold them as “dragon bones” for medicinal purposes.

How Ancient People Might Have Mistaken Fossils for Real Creatures

Without scientific knowledge of extinction, ancient cultures may have assumed that enormous bones belonged to living creatures. This misunderstanding could have fueled the persistence of dragon myths around the world.

3. Unicorns – Based on the Elasmotherium?

Unicorn Legends in European and Asian Mythology

European unicorns are depicted as horse-like creatures with a single horn, symbolizing purity and magic. In contrast, Asian unicorns resemble deer with a single horn and are often associated with virtue and good fortune.

The Siberian Unicorn (Elasmotherium sibiricum)

This extinct species of giant rhinoceros, sometimes called the "Siberian Unicorn," lived in Eurasia as recently as 39,000 years ago (Natural History Museum). While it had a single horn, it was far from the graceful, horse-like image of European unicorns.

Narwhals and Misidentified Animals

Narwhals, often called the "unicorns of the sea," have long, spiraled tusks. In the Middle Ages, European traders sold narwhal tusks as "unicorn horns," adding to the legend (Metropolitan Museum of Art).

4. Changelings – A Medical Explanation?

The Belief in Changelings Across European Folklore

Changelings were thought to be supernatural entities swapped for human infants. These beings were often described as sickly or deformed. Parents feared that fairies or other beings kidnapped their real children and replaced them with changelings.

Medical Conditions That May Have Contributed to the Myth

Conditions such as autism and progeria were not understood in pre-industrial societies, leading to supernatural explanations for developmental differences (Archives of Disease in Childhood).

Some historical "tests" for identifying changelings were cruel, involving fire, boiling water, or iron pokers. This fear of disability led to harmful practices, reinforcing societal stigma (Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network).

5. The Thunderbird – Linked to Prehistoric Birds?

Native American Thunderbird Legends

In Native American mythology, the Thunderbird is a powerful spirit that controls storms, with lightning emanating from its beak and thunder from its wings. Some tribes see Thunderbirds as protectors, while others offer tributes to appease them (Audubon Society).

Fossil Evidence of Prehistoric Birds

Prehistoric birds like Argentavis magnificens, with wingspans up to 23 feet, could have inspired Thunderbird myths. Seeing the bones of such a creature may have led people to imagine enormous, sky-dwelling beasts.

Lightning and storms, especially in the Great Plains, may have been attributed to supernatural beings. Large birds seen before storms could have strengthened the belief that Thunderbirds controlled the weather.

Conclusion

Many legendary creatures have possible roots in real animals, fossils, or misunderstood natural phenomena. While myths are often exaggerated or shaped by cultural perspectives, they provide insight into how humans have sought to explain their world. Scientific discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of these myths, showing that truth and folklore are often deeply intertwined.

Sources Cited

• World History Encyclopedia

• Natural History Museum

• Big Think

• Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Archives of Disease in Childhood

• Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network

• Audubon Society