Creatures of Fantasy

There are many creatures that inspire folklore. Some have existed for thousands of years, while others are more recent incarnations. Among the most enduring creatures of the past are demons. These creatures are as old as the Jewish faith, perhaps older, and hold a special place in the lives of humans. This book delves into the oldest demon folktales, explores the ways different cultures have experienced demons, and examines how demons are treated today.

The sphinx, which appeared in Egyptian mythology, has a head of a human and the body of a lion; however in other cultures, wings sometimes also are included. Centaurs are half-human, half-horse creatures that are often depicted in battle. Research into these creatures and the cultures from which they come has provided anthropological understanding in some areas, but has also led to many more questions about the creatures' existence and origins. This book examines the myths, legends, and facts surrounding the sphinx and centaur. Cultural diversity is celebrated through the examination of myths and legends from around the world and presents different interpretations about each, providing detailed information for the reader to dissect and explore. The chapters include detailed sidebars giving insight into legends of past civilizations and encourages students to compare and contrast myths across ages and cultures. Portions of this book use primary sources directing where students can find more information, including links to websites, videos, and other rich content.

Mermaids and Mermen have been a fascinating subject throughout history in all world cultures, from ancient times through today. Do they exist? This richly-illustrated book traces humankind's fascination with the half-humans of the water realm.

Dragons have always been a fascinating subject throughout history in all world cultures, from ancient times through popular media series today. This richly-illustrated book traces that history in myth and folklore. Sidebars share fun facts that support the main narrative.

The unicorn is a symbol of purity. Treat your readers to quotes from literary and historical sources, abundant images and illustrations, and a fascinating narrative about the history of the majestic unicorn.

This exciting volume explores the mythical and historical backgrounds of water monsters such as the Loch Ness monster, the Vikings' Midgard Serpent, the biblical Leviathan, and the Scandinavian kraken.

When one thinks of ancient Egypt, one may also think of the intricate way these ancient people buried their dead. Mummification was used in other ways prior to the Egyptians, but their style has made the Egyptians of the past famous. However, in more modern times, mummies have been made into monstrous creatures, brought back to life to haunt, torment, and torture. This book explores the real-life accounts of mummy history, discusses mummy myths across cultures, and explains how the myth of the mummy endures in the present day.

For centuries, the myths of trolls have fascinated and frightened people young and old. Originating in the time of the Vikings, trolls have been constant figures of mythology since the very first troll story. Their lore has evolved and developed over time, but their representations, especially across Scandinavian culture, have lasted to the present day. This book explains the history of troll lore throughout the ages, examines other troll folktales from around the world, and even explores how the troll persists in today's society.

Medusa and Pegasus have a unique place in Greek mythology and tradition. Their stories have been passed down from generation to generation. This book explores the stories that created them, discusses their importance throughout history, and examines their significance today.

For centuries, elves have been characters of myths and legends. Originating in Scandinavian tales, the folklore of elves has evolved over time. Today, many people associate elves with the memorable characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, various cultures from around the world have contributed to the modern-day perception of these creatures. This book explores the history of elves, their different cultural representations, and their continued presence in today's modern society.

Ogres are harrowing creatures with roots in European storytelling. They have evolved through various tales from around the world. Today, they appear in timeless movies and role-playing games. This book discusses the history of ogres, the fables that defined them, and their place in society today.

Leprechauns are part of Ireland's mysterious fairy folk. Through centuries of history and storytelling, they have evolved into today's modern leprechauns. This book explores the history of leprechauns through the fairy tales and legends that created them, as well as discusses their place in today's society and whether or not they ever truly existed.

For as long as humans have been on Earth, they have wondered if other intelligent life exists in the universe. If so, what would these extraterrestrial beings look like? Today, there are true alien believers as well as skeptics. Some people have claimed aliens exist and have been responsible for creating great works of wonder, such as the pyramids and crop circles. Others are less sure. Regardless, human history has seen many stories of mysterious flashing lights, flying objects, and even alien abductions. This book discusses the history of alien lore and seeks to answer the question: Are humans alone, or are aliens among us?

For centuries, werewolves have inspired fear and panic in people. They have been known as creatures of barbarity; however, through the ages they have evolved. Today they continue to have a significant role in storytelling and mainstream media. This book explores the tales that have defined werewolves and examines their place in society today.

Through centuries of storytelling, giants have evolved into monstrous fairy tale creatures with unique powers. This book explores many stories about giants and discusses their place in history as well as in today's society.

Fairies are classic fairy tale creatures with a rich history in literature and the oral tradition. Through exploring fables about fairies from around the world, this book gives an intimate study of what fairies are and how they have developed over generations of storytelling.

The griffin is a creature that has a body of a lion and the head of an eagle. The phoenix is a legendary bird of fire and associated with the sun that is birthed out of ashes. Research into these creatures and the cultures from which they come has provided anthropological understanding in some areas, but has also led to many more questions about the creatures' existence and origins. This book examines the myths, legends, and facts surrounding the griffin and phoenix. Cultural diversity is celebrated through the examination of myths and legends from around the world and presents different interpretations about each, providing detailed information for the reader to dissect and explore. The chapters include detailed sidebars giving insight into legends of past civilizations and encourages students to compare and contrast myths across ages and cultures. Portions of the book use primary sources directing where students can find more information, including links to websites, videos, and other rich content.

Since ancient times, the mystical and magical have inspired countless stories of men and women wielding special powers. Among these are wizards, humans with immense magical ability. Related to witches, these beings have been shrouded in their own folktales and fairy stories. Some wizards are said to be good, while others are bad. Today, the most well known contemporary wizard is Harry Potter, the fictitious hero of J. K. Rowling's imaginative series. This book explores the wonders of wizardry, from ancient times to the present day, and explains how the wizard fits into today's notion of mythology.