Mythical Creatures
Mythical creatures have been part of storytelling across the globe since the dawn of time. Fantasy stories, whether classical or modern, are incomplete without mythical creatures. Here are the top five most impactful mythical creatures that have transcended fantasy literature and continue to influence storytelling.
5. Giant
Giants have long been a part of folklore and tales across the world. The significance of giants stems from their size. A giant typically has a humanoid form, but the idea of enormity can be applied to any creature to make it marvelous. The gigantic appearance imparts a spectacular aspect to the narrative that speaks directly to the grandeur of worldbuilding. Giants have elevated several adventure stories by adding that thrill of escaping or slaying a giant.
4. Vampire
Vampires are versatile creatures. They can change into identical humans or morph into bats. Modern vampires are turning more human-like in stories while retaining the inherent powers of classical vampires. The human form of vampires has the added benefit of human-level interaction, which separates them from most monsters. This leads them to become characters rather than solely being present to instill fear in the plot. Vampires may be creatively altered to fit the story. Vampires are adaptable to any genre, from medieval fantasy to contemporary romance. That’s why they’re one the most versatile creatures.
3. Lesser Creatures
The word lesser here refers to creatures that do not possess a solitary significance or influence but are powerful in groups. For example, Goblins, Wyverns, Gnomes, and similar creatures. These serve as supporting characters for the main monster and build anticipation for that ultimate creature. And sometimes, they are the ultimate creatures of the narrative, but often in numbers. Lesser creatures also aid in assessing the levels in the power hierarchy of monsters. This is common in quest stories because these creatures are usually at the bottom of the power hierarchy. Lesser creatures have been part of countless fantasy stories, especially progressive fantasy (a story in which the character levels up or gains powers over time, similar to an RPG).
2. Undead
The former alive humans and their rise from the dead. This idea has proven to be one of the most successful in storytelling. These creatures have appeared in various remarkable stories, particularly in modern fantasy. These are of several kinds, like skeletons, zombies, ghouls, and the like. Despite the wide adoption of this concept of the undead, many overlook these creatures and their significance. A good storyteller understands the essence of such an idea and its impact on the narration. From misshapen human figures to cursed humans, the concept of the undead can convert stories into dark and thrilling experiences. It is interesting to note that vampires are also technically undead. However, vampires deserve their own classification given how they evolved into mystical supernatural beings.
1. Dragon
Dragons are iconic mythical creatures that have stood the test of time. They’ve hardly let down the audience in any tales. Just their presence alone makes a story emanate epicness. Dragons bring a lot to the table, their wonderful abilities of flying, breathing fire, and possibly wisdom. This is coupled with the enormous size and extent of the destruction, which are plenty of reasons to hook viewers and readers alike. To top it off, they can be tamed and exploited on command, making them well-rounded for a compelling fantasy world. They pose a greater threat than any other creature. Dragons have played significant roles in numerous popular fantasy stories. These marvelous creatures have transcended plotlines and continue to enthrall audiences.