1. Minotaur
In Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. According to legend, it was born from Queen Pasiphae's affair with a half-man, half-bull creature. The average age at which a Minotaur is estimated to have died in captivity is around 30 years. It was said that the Minotaur was fed on human flesh and was held captive in the Labyrinth designed by Daedalus.
2. Dragon
Dragons are legendary creatures that appear in many mythologies, often depicted as large, fire-breathing reptiles. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize power and good fortune. The estimated weight of a dragon can vary from 100 to 1,000 tons, with some stories suggesting they could lift entire mountains.
3. Chimera
In Greek mythology, the Chimera was a monstrous creature composed of the physical features of different animals, including the head of a goat, the body of a lion, and the tail of a serpent. The Chimera's appearance was said to be terrifying, with its multiple heads breathing fire and causing destruction throughout ancient Greece. It is estimated that the Chimera was able to move at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
4. Cyclops
In Greek mythology, Cyclops were one-eyed giants who lived in hilly regions and were known for their incredible strength. The most famous Cyclops is Polyphemus, who was befriend by Odysseus before the latter's escape from his cave. According to estimates, a giant can weigh around 100-150 tons.
5. Hydra
In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a serpent-like monster with multiple heads that could regenerate itself if any of its heads were severed. The Hydra was said to be able to move quickly through underground tunnels and rivers and cause destruction throughout ancient Greece. On average, each head of the Hydra had about 9-12 pairs of eyes.
6. Sphinx
In Greek mythology, the Sphinx was a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It was said that the Sphinx posed riddles to anyone who dared to approach its territory, and those who failed would be punished. According to estimates, the Sphinx's lifespan was around 300 years.
7. Chimera-like creatures (Kraken)
In Norse mythology, the Kraken is often depicted as a massive sea monster that can drag ships down into the depths of the ocean. According to legend, the Kraken is said to be able to weigh over 100 tons and live for hundreds of years.
8. Harpy
In Greek mythology, Harpies were creatures with the wings of birds and the bodies of women. They were known for their cruelty and violence towards humans who crossed their paths. According to estimates, a harpy's lifespan is around 50-70 years.
9. Basilisk
In European folklore, the Basilisk was a reptile-like creature that could kill its victims with a single glance. It was said that the Basilisk hatched from an egg and grew rapidly, reaching maturity in just one year. According to legend, the Basilisk lived in swamps and mountains.
10. Gorgon
In Greek mythology, Medusa, the Gorgon, was a monster with snakes for hair and the ability to petrify anyone who looked at her directly. The Gorgons were said to be the daughters of Phorcys and Ceto, sea deities. According to legend, there are estimated 50-100 species of Gorgons in existence, although none have been scientifically confirmed to exist.