In mythology, alongside legendary creatures like the Hydra and Hades, as well as colossal spiders, there exist many strange and lesser-known monsters that have gradually faded into obscurity: the wolf-lion hybrid Crocotta, the pig-jawed elephantine Yale, and the bull-headed buffalo Catoblepas…
Below is a look at one of the monsters that were once celebrated and held a significant place in ancient mythological tales, yet many may not be familiar with.
1. The Crocotta: Wolf-Lion Hybrid
According to mythological tales from India and Ethiopia, the Crocotta is depicted as resembling a wolf-dog or wolf-lion hybrid. Its preferred prey is humans. The Crocotta often hunts by listening and mimicking human voices to attract attention before devouring its victims.
Many accounts suggest that the Crocotta has no fixed form. It can consume the soul of a human and then disguise itself as that person, continuing to hunt for new prey. The Crocotta is said to have the ability to extend its lifespan for centuries while taking on human form and skillfully using tools and machinery.
2. The Catoblepas: Buffalo Body, Bull Head
In ancient Greek mythology, the Catoblepas also hails from Ethiopia and is described as a combination of a buffalo body and a bull head. Its head perpetually faces the ground due to the weight of its horns, and its large back is covered in sharp spines to protect it from foes.
The weapon that has made the Catoblepas legendary is its ability to kill prey with its breath and gaze. This buffalo-bull hybrid typically feeds on a type of toxic grass that grows near rivers.
Perhaps due to its diet, its breath can be lethal. Even more remarkably, the Catoblepas can turn its prey to stone by looking directly into their eyes.
3. The Giant Turtle Aspidochelone
In Greek mythology, Aspidochelone is a colossal turtle. It is said to be so large that its shell can form an island complete with vegetation, and even animals can live on this moving island.
This giant turtle is relatively docile until it… dives deep underwater, drowning all creatures that are illegally residing on its shell.
Legend has it that many ships anchor at this “island”, but disaster strikes if any crew member foolishly… lights a fire on the “island.” Instantly, this turtle-island will sink, dragging everyone and the ship down to the depths of the sea. This is also how Aspidochelone captures its prey.
4. The Firebird
We are all familiar with the phoenix, a bird that self-ignites and is reborn from its ashes. According to Greek mythology, the Firebird is a close relative of the phoenix.
The Firebird is a mythical bird that shines brightly from deep within the forest and can bring blessings to its owner.
The Firebird is described as a large bird with brilliant feathers that radiate red, orange, and yellow hues, resembling a gigantic flame.
The feathers of the Firebird continue to glow even when they fall off; a single feather can illuminate a large room. This is why the feathers of the Firebird are highly sought after and desired by many.
5. The Yale: Pig Jaws, Elephant Tail
The Yale is described in ancient Greek mythology as a creature resembling a goat with large horns and formidable strength. This creature is the size of a hippopotamus, with an elephant-like tail, pig-like jaws, and a coat that is either yellow or brown.
Its name is derived from a Greek word meaning “to turn back”, indicating that the Yale’s horns can rotate and change direction to attack prey and adversaries from any angle.
Besides its defensive capabilities, these horns are also used to hunt by piercing through prey. This makes the Yale an invincible creature within its habitat.
With its strength, the Yale has become a symbol of invincibility and pride in protective abilities across many regions during the medieval era.
