​10 animals in monster stories that are inspired from real life creatures

Real life animals that inspired monsters

Legends of monsters have fascinated us for aeons, but many of these tales are rooted in real animals. Some sightings of giant animals have ignited our imagination and given rise to myths and legends. Here are 10 such animals.

Yeti- Himalayan bears

This creature has been described as a large, two footed creature covered in white fur, roaming the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, may have been related to the sightings of the Himalayan brown bear. These bears can stand on their hind legs, looking like a huge human-like figure.

Basilisk- Cobra

The basilisk, a creature said to be able to kill with a single glance, might have been inspired by the cobra. Cobras can deliver deadly venom, and their hooded appearance and mesmerizing gaze could explain the basilisk myth.

Werewolves- Humans?

The myth of werewolves includes humans who transform into wolves under a full moon, and may have origins in sightings of wolves or other large canids. Moreover, conditions such as hypertrichosis, where individuals grow excessive hair, could have also led to the legend.

Dragons- Dinosaur

The myth of dragons, fire-breathing creatures with massive wings, might have been inspired by the discovery of dinosaur bones. Ancient people could have interpreted these large, mysterious bones as belonging to dragons.

Thunderbird- Condor

The Thunderbird, a powerful creature in Native American mythology, may be inspired by large birds like the condor or the extinct teratorn, which had wingspans up to 20 feet.It is depicted as a massive bird with the ability to create thunder and lightning with the flap of its wings in Native American mythology.

Nessie- Loch Ness Monster

Chupacabra- Wild dogs

It is known in Latin America for preying on livestock that could have emerged from sightings of diseased coyotes or wild dogs. These animals often suffer from mange, causing hair loss and skin issues, giving them an eerie appearance.

Kraken- Gaint Squid

The Kraken is a monstrous sea creature feared by sailors, and it could have been inspired by sightings of giant squids. These deep-sea dwellers can grow up to 43 feet in length, and their long tentacles and huge size have inspired tales of sea monsters.

Griffin- Dinosaur

The mythological creature known as the griffin, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, may have been inspired by fossil discoveries of Protoceratops, a dinosaur with a beak-like mouth and four legs.

Megalodon- Sharks

The legend of giant sea monsters, such as the Megalodon, likely comes from ancient incidents with the great white shark. The Megalodon is an extinct species of a massive shark which was once believed to roam the oceans and prey on large marine creatures.