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| Manticore, Der Naturen Bloeme manuscript c. 1350, National Library of the Netherlands |
This author had used a creature called a manticore. Here's the definition from http://www.theoi.com/Thaumasios/Mantikhoras.html "THE MANTIKHORAS (or Manticore) was a fabulous man-eating Persian monster with the body of a lion, the face of a man, and a spike-tipped arrow-shooting tail. The name "Manticore" was reputedly derived from a Persian word meaning "man-eater."
This author turned that beast into something more in keeping with our urban fantasy/paranormal sensibilities - the mantikhoras (as he wrote) walked the world as a beautiful woman but would turn into this beast to kill when provoked.
It was all very, very cool.
I do not doubt there are other great monsters out there to enthrall and terrify us. Please, share with me your favourites!
7 comments:
Nicole, The manticore is definitely an interesting one! When researching heraldic beasts for 'The Gathering of the Lost' I also discovered the "bonacon" -- a bull like beast with the mane of a horse and curled horns, which emitted flaming dung to deter pursuers. Definitely different! :D
Flaming dung! That is just all different levels of awesome :)
gotta admit, it is hard to beat flaming dung . ancient cultures sure did know how to scare each other :) can you imagine growing up with those stories?
Sharon, I agree! No wonder they all seem a bit twisted to modern sensibilities :)
OMG Helen, flaming as in on fire? Incredible!
I like the post, Nicole!
I've been researching mythologies around melusines and other hybrid creatures of the sea. Dangerous, magical . . . sometimes beautiful and enchanting, but no mention of dung fire. That's just amazing!
Love the unusual beasts, Nicole. Manticores is something I have seen pop up, but very rarely.
I think we all agree the flaming dung is a winner! :)
Kim - the melusines sound fabulous. Can't wait to see what you do with them.
Eleni - Think maticores deserve a bit more - love? :)
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