Legendary Characters

As we read novels, stories and myths, we come across creatures that resemble each other. As readers, we can get these various creatures mixed up. There have been small discussions about the differences and which creature is which. The backgrounds of some of the creatures are as interesting as character itself. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular legendary characters.

Minotaur/Centaur

The minotaur is part bull and part human, mainly the head of a bull and the body of a human. There was only one Minotaur in mythology. He was at the center of the Labyrinth created by Daedalus. The Minotaur was killed by Theseus. Centaurs on the other hand are part human part horse; the head and torso are human, but at the waist is the withers of the horse (from the horse’s neck down). Writers depict centaurs as being caught between human and horse nature and as the embodiment of untamed nature. One of the most well know centaurs is Frienze in the “Harry Potter” novels.

Pixies/Fairies

The most common mistakes people make is believing pixies and fairies are the same creatures, but they are not the same thing. Pixies are generally wingless creatures with pointy ears and often wearing green clothes and a pointed hat. Touching iron or iron ore does great harm to them. A pixie often enjoys playing harmless tricks on people such as stealing their belongings ad horses, as well as throwing things at them. Some pixies leave pixie dust behind in their footprints. Fairies on the other hand are depicted as human in appearance with the ability to fly, cast spells, and see into the future. In modern stories they are young, tiny female creatures, but there weren’t always that way. Originally they were portrayed as either short wizened trolls or tall angelic beings. Fairies also like to play tricks on people. The most famous story about fairies is Shakespeare’s “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream.” Along with fairies and pixies one should include sprites. Sprite is a term generally used for pixies, fairies, elves, dwarfs and many other creatures. But sprites do more then just stealing people’s belongings, some of their tricks are harmful to the person.

Leprechauns

Just about everyone knows about leprechauns, the jolly little joy who guards his pot of gold. Leprechauns are men or women (generally depicted as men) who could use their magic for either good or evil. They travel via rainbows. Originally leprechauns were cranky creatures who mended the shoes for the fairies and pixies. Walt Disney’s movie “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” introduced the idea of leprechauns being cheerful and friendly.

Each legendary creature is special and unique even if they have things in common with other creatures. Some are friendly while others would rather you just leave them alone. Writers have used these creatures as inspiration for centuries, and they will continue to be inspiring for years to come.