Here is a collection of some of my favourite mythical creatures from an adorable little book I was given for my Birthday a few years ago
There are full pictures separately, with descriptions of the myths surrounding each creature
Amon is a Marquis, in Hell, controlling 40 legions of spirits. He can shape-shift from a man in a ravens head and dogs teeth, to a fire-breathing wolf with a serpents tail.
Amon has the powers of foresite into the future and reconciling differences between friends.
The Furtur is a Great Earl of Hell and had 26 Legions of Demons at his bidding
His name is decended from ‘Furcifer’ which is Latin for trickster or scoundrel
He relies on lieing, but can be forced to tell the truth if trapped in a magic triangle
The Fafnir Dragon is from the Norse Volsunga Saga. Fafnir was originally a dwarf but transforms himself into a dragon and hides in a cave, protecting his stolen gold. Fafnir was driven to steal the gold by a magic ring, gifted by Loki, the Norse God of mischief.
I am drawn to this myth as it has close links to the Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia.
Fafnir finally met his end at the hand of Sigurd, who cooked its heart and the blood gave him the power of understanding every language, including animals and birds.
Richard Wagner, a composer, used this myth as inspiration for his epic ‘Ring Cycle’ of operas.
The Kelpie is a shape-shifter, normally depicted as a water horse.
In Scottish folklore he lures travelers to their death in the icy rivers. However, if you were cleverer enough to steal its bridle, it could work magic!
Materials used: pencil, pen and water-colour paint
The myths surrounding the Kelpie arise from many countries, throughout Europe and further afield
He has many names across these places;
The Kelpie also possesses shape-shifting powers in the Scandinavian and Scottish legends
Belphegor is a demon who aids people in making discoveries, she seduces people by tempting them with ideas that could produce many riches
One legend is that Lucifer sent the Belphegor to Earth to determine is Humans could live happily married. When she returned, she reported that this was untrue
Belphegor is normally depicted as a beautiful, naked woman. But can also be seen as a male horned monster
Materials used: pencil, pen and water-colour paint
The name is derived from the Greek legend of Alcyone, a faithful wife who was transformed into a beautiful Kingfisher, by the Gods. She brings good weather in the winter, called the ‘Halcyon Days’
Materials used: pencil, pen and water-colour paint
As you can see in my painting, the Alkonost has the body of a bird and the head and chest of a beautiful lady
Another myth surrounding the Alkonost is that when she lays her eggs in the sea, it brings calm. And when the eggs hatch a few days later, they bring a storm to the shores
This dragon is found in Russian Folklore, symbolising the City of Kazan. He can controls a hoarde of giant snakes and eats young maidens. A brave knight successfully vanquished the beast, allowing the city to move over to its hill.
Materials used: pencil, pen and water-colour paint
Valkryies were Priestesses of Odin, from Norse Mythology. They roamed battlefields, searching for the souls of the best warriors to feast at Odin’s table in Valhalla, for eternity. The wolves they rode, ate fallen warriors bodies. They are accompanied by ravens that circled above them on the battlefields.
I love the imagery of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights flickered off their shields as they rode through the nights sky…
Materials used: pencil, pen and water-colour paint
