It was the summer of 1764 when the hideous and often fatal animal attacks started in Gévaudan in south-central France. The unfortunate victims, in many cases horribly mutilated, had fallen prey to some ravening beast. In the 18th century, wolves roamed across France, especially in rural backwaters like Gévaudan. But could these frenzied and brutal attacks really be the work of a wolf? Many were doubtful, to say the least.
A remote, isolated backwater
In his 2011 book Monsters of the Gévaudan: The Making of a Beast, historian and author Jay M. Smith wrote, “Gévaudan had the reputation for being a remote, isolated backwater where the forces of nature had not been…[fully] tamed, where the forests were indeed enchanted.
It’s fascinating, it’s powerful, it’s scary, it’s sublime.” The region, part of the modern-day French department of Lozère, was clearly the ideal setting for the roamings of some untamed and bloodthirsty creature.
A remote, isolated backwater
In his 2011 book Monsters of the Gévaudan: The Making of a Beast, historian and author Jay M. Smith wrote, “Gévaudan had the reputation for being a remote, isolated backwater where the forces of nature had not been…[fully] tamed, where the forests were indeed enchanted.
It’s fascinating, it’s powerful, it’s scary, it’s sublime.” The region, part of the modern-day French department of Lozère, was clearly the ideal setting for the roamings of some untamed and bloodthirsty creature.
A remote, isolated backwater
In his 2011 book Monsters of the Gévaudan: The Making of a Beast, historian and author Jay M. Smith wrote, “Gévaudan had the reputation for being a remote, isolated backwater where the forces of nature had not been…[fully] tamed, where the forests were indeed enchanted.
It’s fascinating, it’s powerful, it’s scary, it’s sublime.” The region, part of the modern-day French department of Lozère, was clearly the ideal setting for the roamings of some untamed and bloodthirsty creature.
A heavy toll
The killings went on for three years in an area of some 2,800 square miles and the toll on the people of Gévaudan was heavy. Exact figures for the number of victims are hard to come by, with different sources giving a variety of totals.
A report by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research noted that one source claimed there were 210 attacks resulting in 113 dead and 49 injured, an appalling tally.
A heavy toll
The killings went on for three years in an area of some 2,800 square miles and the toll on the people of Gévaudan was heavy. Exact figures for the number of victims are hard to come by, with different sources giving a variety of totals.
A report by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research noted that one source claimed there were 210 attacks resulting in 113 dead and 49 injured, an appalling tally.
A heavy toll
The killings went on for three years in an area of some 2,800 square miles and the toll on the people of Gévaudan was heavy. Exact figures for the number of victims are hard to come by, with different sources giving a variety of totals.
A report by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research noted that one source claimed there were 210 attacks resulting in 113 dead and 49 injured, an appalling tally.
First recorded victim
The first recorded victim on the last day of June 1764 was a 14-year-old shepherdess called Jeanne Boulet, attacked and killed as she watched over her flock. But Smith has uncovered another apparent victim from two months earlier, another young woman who was tending cattle and was attacked by an animal “like a wolf, yet not a wolf.”
Her herd defended her and she survived.
First recorded victim
The first recorded victim on the last day of June 1764 was a 14-year-old shepherdess called Jeanne Boulet, attacked and killed as she watched over her flock. But Smith has uncovered another apparent victim from two months earlier, another young woman who was tending cattle and was attacked by an animal “like a wolf, yet not a wolf.”
Her herd defended her and she survived.
First recorded victim
The first recorded victim on the last day of June 1764 was a 14-year-old shepherdess called Jeanne Boulet, attacked and killed as she watched over her flock. But Smith has uncovered another apparent victim from two months earlier, another young woman who was tending cattle and was attacked by an animal “like a wolf, yet not a wolf.”
Her herd defended her and she survived.
“A horrible beast”
Another attack came just a month after Boulet’s tragic end. This time it was yet another girl, this time aged just 15.
She too was killed by the creature, apparently describing it as “a horrible beast” in her dying words. Animal attacks in Gévaudan were not entirely rare, but the number of attacks that were now happening was clearly out of the ordinary.
“A horrible beast”
Another attack came just a month after Boulet’s tragic end. This time it was yet another girl, this time aged just 15.
She too was killed by the creature, apparently describing it as “a horrible beast” in her dying words. Animal attacks in Gévaudan were not entirely rare, but the number of attacks that were now happening was clearly out of the ordinary.
“A horrible beast”
Another attack came just a month after Boulet’s tragic end. This time it was yet another girl, this time aged just 15.
She too was killed by the creature, apparently describing it as “a horrible beast” in her dying words. Animal attacks in Gévaudan were not entirely rare, but the number of attacks that were now happening was clearly out of the ordinary.
The Beast of Gévaudan
The authorities produced a lurid wanted poster concerning the attacks. In translation its French text read, “Drawing of the monster that afflicts Gévaudan.
This beast is the size of a young bull. It prefers to attack women and children. It drinks their blood, cuts their head off, and carries them away.” A handsome reward was offered to anyone who could slay the creature, whatever it was. It was now known as the Beast of Gévaudan.
The Beast of Gévaudan
The authorities produced a lurid wanted poster concerning the attacks. In translation its French text read, “Drawing of the monster that afflicts Gévaudan.
This beast is the size of a young bull. It prefers to attack women and children. It drinks their blood, cuts their head off, and carries them away.” A handsome reward was offered to anyone who could slay the creature, whatever it was. It was now known as the Beast of Gévaudan.
The Beast of Gévaudan
The authorities produced a lurid wanted poster concerning the attacks. In translation its French text read, “Drawing of the monster that afflicts Gévaudan.
This beast is the size of a young bull. It prefers to attack women and children. It drinks their blood, cuts their head off, and carries them away.” A handsome reward was offered to anyone who could slay the creature, whatever it was. It was now known as the Beast of Gévaudan.
A long, gaping jaw
A second poster described the mystery animal in detail — how accurately, we can only guess. The description read, “Reddish-brown with dark, ridged stripe down the back.
Resembles wolf/hyena but big as a donkey. Long, gaping jaw, six claws, pointy upright ears and supple furry tail — mobile like a cat and can knock you over. Cry: more like horse neighing than wolf howling.”
A long, gaping jaw
A second poster described the mystery animal in detail — how accurately, we can only guess. The description read, “Reddish-brown with dark, ridged stripe down the back.
Resembles wolf/hyena but big as a donkey. Long, gaping jaw, six claws, pointy upright ears and supple furry tail — mobile like a cat and can knock you over. Cry: more like horse neighing than wolf howling.”
A long, gaping jaw
A second poster described the mystery animal in detail — how accurately, we can only guess. The description read, “Reddish-brown with dark, ridged stripe down the back.
Resembles wolf/hyena but big as a donkey. Long, gaping jaw, six claws, pointy upright ears and supple furry tail — mobile like a cat and can knock you over. Cry: more like horse neighing than wolf howling.”
The King intervenes
This wanton slaughter of the peasantry simply couldn’t be allowed to go on. Local nobility and officialdom sprang into action as the death toll mounted.
Gévaudan might have been a backwater, but the number of deaths and the brutality of the attacks became a national issue. The King of France Louis XV decided he had to intervene. He offered a handsome reward for the killing of the beast: a sum that was equal to an average man’s annual pay.
The King intervenes
This wanton slaughter of the peasantry simply couldn’t be allowed to go on. Local nobility and officialdom sprang into action as the death toll mounted.
Gévaudan might have been a backwater, but the number of deaths and the brutality of the attacks became a national issue. The King of France Louis XV decided he had to intervene. He offered a handsome reward for the killing of the beast: a sum that was equal to an average man’s annual pay.
The King intervenes
This wanton slaughter of the peasantry simply couldn’t be allowed to go on. Local nobility and officialdom sprang into action as the death toll mounted.
Gévaudan might have been a backwater, but the number of deaths and the brutality of the attacks became a national issue. The King of France Louis XV decided he had to intervene. He offered a handsome reward for the killing of the beast: a sum that was equal to an average man’s annual pay.
“The Beast” is spotted
Locals took action when they could. In one incident in October 1764 the beast was spotted as it sized up a peasant tending his flock at the estate of the Chateau de la Baume.
A party of huntsmen pursued the creature and managed to fire several shots at it. Although the creature fell, perhaps hit or maybe merely shocked, it quickly jumped up again and bounded away.
“The Beast” is spotted
Locals took action when they could. In one incident in October 1764 the beast was spotted as it sized up a peasant tending his flock at the estate of the Chateau de la Baume.
A party of huntsmen pursued the creature and managed to fire several shots at it. Although the creature fell, perhaps hit or maybe merely shocked, it quickly jumped up again and bounded away.
“The Beast” is spotted
Locals took action when they could. In one incident in October 1764 the beast was spotted as it sized up a peasant tending his flock at the estate of the Chateau de la Baume.
A party of huntsmen pursued the creature and managed to fire several shots at it. Although the creature fell, perhaps hit or maybe merely shocked, it quickly jumped up again and bounded away.
A King’s reward
There were also some outstanding acts of individual bravery. One came from a ten-year-old child, Jacques Portefaix in January 1765.
He was with a group of his friends when the beast appeared and attacked. But Portefaix rallied his playmates, and wielding sticks, they managed to chase the animal off before it could do any harm. The King himself rewarded Portefaix by paying for his education, a privilege open to few French peasants of the day.
A King’s reward
There were also some outstanding acts of individual bravery. One came from a ten-year-old child, Jacques Portefaix in January 1765.
He was with a group of his friends when the beast appeared and attacked. But Portefaix rallied his playmates, and wielding sticks, they managed to chase the animal off before it could do any harm. The King himself rewarded Portefaix by paying for his education, a privilege open to few French peasants of the day.
A King’s reward
There were also some outstanding acts of individual bravery. One came from a ten-year-old child, Jacques Portefaix in January 1765.
He was with a group of his friends when the beast appeared and attacked. But Portefaix rallied his playmates, and wielding sticks, they managed to chase the animal off before it could do any harm. The King himself rewarded Portefaix by paying for his education, a privilege open to few French peasants of the day.
Maid of Gévaudan
Another extraordinary story of courage came in the summer of 1765. Marie-Jeanne Valet, a young woman of about 20, was fording a river with her sister when the beast struck.
Luckily it seems that Valet was ready for the attack, for she was equipped with a bayonet attached to a staff. She thrust her weapon into the creature’s breast. The animal made its escape and Valet earned the title of “Maid of Gévaudan.”
Maid of Gévaudan
Another extraordinary story of courage came in the summer of 1765. Marie-Jeanne Valet, a young woman of about 20, was fording a river with her sister when the beast struck.
Luckily it seems that Valet was ready for the attack, for she was equipped with a bayonet attached to a staff. She thrust her weapon into the creature’s breast. The animal made its escape and Valet earned the title of “Maid of Gévaudan.”
Maid of Gévaudan
Another extraordinary story of courage came in the summer of 1765. Marie-Jeanne Valet, a young woman of about 20, was fording a river with her sister when the beast struck.
Luckily it seems that Valet was ready for the attack, for she was equipped with a bayonet attached to a staff. She thrust her weapon into the creature’s breast. The animal made its escape and Valet earned the title of “Maid of Gévaudan.”
Amazing tales
These incidents might have been nothing more than a local sensation. But newspapers were making a previously unknown impact on French life and the story had quickly come to national attention.
The press was heavily censored by the French authorities when it came to any kind of political reporting. But it seems that sensationalist tales of this voracious beast were fair game, however gory they were.
Amazing tales
These incidents might have been nothing more than a local sensation. But newspapers were making a previously unknown impact on French life and the story had quickly come to national attention.
The press was heavily censored by the French authorities when it came to any kind of political reporting. But it seems that sensationalist tales of this voracious beast were fair game, however gory they were.
Amazing tales
These incidents might have been nothing more than a local sensation. But newspapers were making a previously unknown impact on French life and the story had quickly come to national attention.
The press was heavily censored by the French authorities when it came to any kind of political reporting. But it seems that sensationalist tales of this voracious beast were fair game, however gory they were.
One of history’s first media sensations
And it wasn’t just the French press that covered this gruesome story in disturbing detail. According to the History website, “The story of the beast, meanwhile, was spreading and covered in newspapers from Boston to Brussels, becoming one of history’s first media sensations.”
People back in the 18th century apparently had a healthy — perhaps we should say unhealthy — appetite for grisly reportage.
One of history’s first media sensations
And it wasn’t just the French press that covered this gruesome story in disturbing detail. According to the History website, “The story of the beast, meanwhile, was spreading and covered in newspapers from Boston to Brussels, becoming one of history’s first media sensations.”
People back in the 18th century apparently had a healthy — perhaps we should say unhealthy — appetite for grisly reportage.
One of history’s first media sensations
And it wasn’t just the French press that covered this gruesome story in disturbing detail. According to the History website, “The story of the beast, meanwhile, was spreading and covered in newspapers from Boston to Brussels, becoming one of history’s first media sensations.”
People back in the 18th century apparently had a healthy — perhaps we should say unhealthy — appetite for grisly reportage.
“A ferocious beast of unknown type”
In 2017 the Forbes website quoted a press report from the time. The story asserted that, “A ferocious beast of unknown type, coming from who knows where, attacks the human species, killing individuals, drinking their blood, feasting on their flesh, and multiplying its carnage from day to day.”
It went on to say that hunters of the beast had been entirely unsuccessful “because it surpasses them in cunning.”
“A ferocious beast of unknown type”
In 2017 the Forbes website quoted a press report from the time. The story asserted that, “A ferocious beast of unknown type, coming from who knows where, attacks the human species, killing individuals, drinking their blood, feasting on their flesh, and multiplying its carnage from day to day.”
It went on to say that hunters of the beast had been entirely unsuccessful “because it surpasses them in cunning.”
“A ferocious beast of unknown type”
In 2017 the Forbes website quoted a press report from the time. The story asserted that, “A ferocious beast of unknown type, coming from who knows where, attacks the human species, killing individuals, drinking their blood, feasting on their flesh, and multiplying its carnage from day to day.”
It went on to say that hunters of the beast had been entirely unsuccessful “because it surpasses them in cunning.”
A new approach
We’ve heard about individual acts of bravery in the face of attacks by the beast. But as the death toll rose, it was clear that a more organized approach was essential to tackle this fearsome creature.
At this point Louis decided that he should act to counter the terror this animal was causing in Gévaudan. He could hardly stand by while his subjects were wantonly slaughtered.
A new approach
We’ve heard about individual acts of bravery in the face of attacks by the beast. But as the death toll rose, it was clear that a more organized approach was essential to tackle this fearsome creature.
At this point Louis decided that he should act to counter the terror this animal was causing in Gévaudan. He could hardly stand by while his subjects were wantonly slaughtered.
A new approach
We’ve heard about individual acts of bravery in the face of attacks by the beast. But as the death toll rose, it was clear that a more organized approach was essential to tackle this fearsome creature.
At this point Louis decided that he should act to counter the terror this animal was causing in Gévaudan. He could hardly stand by while his subjects were wantonly slaughtered.
The King sends one of his top men
The King had already offered a reward for the killing of the beast, but now he decided to send one of his top men to hunt it down. The French monarch may also have had other motivations that spurred him to action.
The mid-18th century was not one of the best times in French history, something of which the monarch was no doubt well aware.
The King sends one of his top men
The King had already offered a reward for the killing of the beast, but now he decided to send one of his top men to hunt it down. The French monarch may also have had other motivations that spurred him to action.
The mid-18th century was not one of the best times in French history, something of which the monarch was no doubt well aware.
The King sends one of his top men
The King had already offered a reward for the killing of the beast, but now he decided to send one of his top men to hunt it down. The French monarch may also have had other motivations that spurred him to action.
The mid-18th century was not one of the best times in French history, something of which the monarch was no doubt well aware.
A disastrous war
The King may well have thought that rallying his people in a united effort to track down the Beast of Gévaudan was a good idea, because it might distract the population from the domestic turmoil of the time. Writing in Smithsonian Magazine in 2017 author Lorraine Boissoneault put it bluntly, “France of 1764 was in miserable condition.”
She pointed out that the Seven Years’ War with Britain and Prussia had been disastrous for the nation.
A disastrous war
The King may well have thought that rallying his people in a united effort to track down the Beast of Gévaudan was a good idea, because it might distract the population from the domestic turmoil of the time. Writing in Smithsonian Magazine in 2017 author Lorraine Boissoneault put it bluntly, “France of 1764 was in miserable condition.”
She pointed out that the Seven Years’ War with Britain and Prussia had been disastrous for the nation.
A disastrous war
The King may well have thought that rallying his people in a united effort to track down the Beast of Gévaudan was a good idea, because it might distract the population from the domestic turmoil of the time. Writing in Smithsonian Magazine in 2017 author Lorraine Boissoneault put it bluntly, “France of 1764 was in miserable condition.”
She pointed out that the Seven Years’ War with Britain and Prussia had been disastrous for the nation.
Losing Canada
This conflict with Prussia and Britain had gone badly for France on the battlefields. As a result she’d lost most of her overseas territories, Canada among them.
In the aftermath of this war, the country’s economy was badly battered. Whether Louis was prompted mostly by concern for his citizens’ welfare or by the fragile political situation of the day, he did act.
Losing Canada
This conflict with Prussia and Britain had gone badly for France on the battlefields. As a result she’d lost most of her overseas territories, Canada among them.
In the aftermath of this war, the country’s economy was badly battered. Whether Louis was prompted mostly by concern for his citizens’ welfare or by the fragile political situation of the day, he did act.
Losing Canada
This conflict with Prussia and Britain had gone badly for France on the battlefields. As a result she’d lost most of her overseas territories, Canada among them.
In the aftermath of this war, the country’s economy was badly battered. Whether Louis was prompted mostly by concern for his citizens’ welfare or by the fragile political situation of the day, he did act.
A military campaign
So the King ordered Captain Jean Baptiste Duhamel, an officer with Clermont Prince Dragoons and a local militia leader, to take charge of the hunt for the beast. The monarch’s trusted aide was joined in his task by a local politician, Étienne Lafont.
With his army background, Duhamel decided to organize the hunt for the beast along military lines. He appealed for local volunteers to join the campaign, and as many as 30,000 answered the call.
A military campaign
So the King ordered Captain Jean Baptiste Duhamel, an officer with Clermont Prince Dragoons and a local militia leader, to take charge of the hunt for the beast. The monarch’s trusted aide was joined in his task by a local politician, Étienne Lafont.
With his army background, Duhamel decided to organize the hunt for the beast along military lines. He appealed for local volunteers to join the campaign, and as many as 30,000 answered the call.
A military campaign
So the King ordered Captain Jean Baptiste Duhamel, an officer with Clermont Prince Dragoons and a local militia leader, to take charge of the hunt for the beast. The monarch’s trusted aide was joined in his task by a local politician, Étienne Lafont.
With his army background, Duhamel decided to organize the hunt for the beast along military lines. He appealed for local volunteers to join the campaign, and as many as 30,000 answered the call.
Cross-dressing
Duhamel’s tactics included laying poisoned baits in the hope of tempting the creature into the open. Perhaps in desperation he even went so far as to order some of his hunters to dress as women.
This was because the beast seemed to favor attacking females. Duhamel apparently thought this ruse might work: what his men thought of the ploy is not recorded.
Cross-dressing
Duhamel’s tactics included laying poisoned baits in the hope of tempting the creature into the open. Perhaps in desperation he even went so far as to order some of his hunters to dress as women.
This was because the beast seemed to favor attacking females. Duhamel apparently thought this ruse might work: what his men thought of the ploy is not recorded.
Cross-dressing
Duhamel’s tactics included laying poisoned baits in the hope of tempting the creature into the open. Perhaps in desperation he even went so far as to order some of his hunters to dress as women.
This was because the beast seemed to favor attacking females. Duhamel apparently thought this ruse might work: what his men thought of the ploy is not recorded.
1,200 wolves
Duhamel plugged away with no success and after seven months he abandoned the task empty-handed. Professional hunters also jumped on the Beast of Gévaudan bandwagon, anxious to reap the kudos that would surely come the way of anyone who succeeded in killing the animal.
In early 1765 the d’Ennevals — a father and son duo from Normandy — joined the hunt. D’Enneval senior claimed to have killed 1,200 wolves in his time.
1,200 wolves
Duhamel plugged away with no success and after seven months he abandoned the task empty-handed. Professional hunters also jumped on the Beast of Gévaudan bandwagon, anxious to reap the kudos that would surely come the way of anyone who succeeded in killing the animal.
In early 1765 the d’Ennevals — a father and son duo from Normandy — joined the hunt. D’Enneval senior claimed to have killed 1,200 wolves in his time.
1,200 wolves
Duhamel plugged away with no success and after seven months he abandoned the task empty-handed. Professional hunters also jumped on the Beast of Gévaudan bandwagon, anxious to reap the kudos that would surely come the way of anyone who succeeded in killing the animal.
In early 1765 the d’Ennevals — a father and son duo from Normandy — joined the hunt. D’Enneval senior claimed to have killed 1,200 wolves in his time.
A strange creature
No doubt the d’Ennevals were expert wolf hunters. But at this point no one was quite sure exactly to which species this hideous beast belonged.
The Smithsonian noted that Lafont, who’d worked with Duhamel, had already reported, “It is much bigger than a wolf. It has a snout somewhat like a calf’s and very long hair, which would seem to indicate a hyena.” A strange creature indeed.
A strange creature
No doubt the d’Ennevals were expert wolf hunters. But at this point no one was quite sure exactly to which species this hideous beast belonged.
The Smithsonian noted that Lafont, who’d worked with Duhamel, had already reported, “It is much bigger than a wolf. It has a snout somewhat like a calf’s and very long hair, which would seem to indicate a hyena.” A strange creature indeed.
A strange creature
No doubt the d’Ennevals were expert wolf hunters. But at this point no one was quite sure exactly to which species this hideous beast belonged.
The Smithsonian noted that Lafont, who’d worked with Duhamel, had already reported, “It is much bigger than a wolf. It has a snout somewhat like a calf’s and very long hair, which would seem to indicate a hyena.” A strange creature indeed.
A highly elusive beast
The d’Ennevals had no better luck than Duhamel when it came to killing this highly elusive beast with a taste for human flesh. In the face of these repeated failures, the monarch now sent another man to pursue the mystery animal, François Antoine.
The 71-year-old was a trusted servant of the King’s, working for him as a bodyguard. Now it was Antoine’s turn to try his luck in Gévaudan.
A highly elusive beast
The d’Ennevals had no better luck than Duhamel when it came to killing this highly elusive beast with a taste for human flesh. In the face of these repeated failures, the monarch now sent another man to pursue the mystery animal, François Antoine.
The 71-year-old was a trusted servant of the King’s, working for him as a bodyguard. Now it was Antoine’s turn to try his luck in Gévaudan.
A highly elusive beast
The d’Ennevals had no better luck than Duhamel when it came to killing this highly elusive beast with a taste for human flesh. In the face of these repeated failures, the monarch now sent another man to pursue the mystery animal, François Antoine.
The 71-year-old was a trusted servant of the King’s, working for him as a bodyguard. Now it was Antoine’s turn to try his luck in Gévaudan.
“This beast will not be an easy catch”
It’s worth pointing out at this point that those failed hunters of the Beast of Gévaudan had been faced with a mission that was far from easy. According to Forbes magazine, d’Enneval himself had said, “This beast will not be an easy catch.”
That was after he’d scouted the territory where the animal was said to be lurking. The animal’s chosen habitat gave it considerable advantages over those who hunted it.
“This beast will not be an easy catch”
It’s worth pointing out at this point that those failed hunters of the Beast of Gévaudan had been faced with a mission that was far from easy. According to Forbes magazine, d’Enneval himself had said, “This beast will not be an easy catch.”
That was after he’d scouted the territory where the animal was said to be lurking. The animal’s chosen habitat gave it considerable advantages over those who hunted it.
“This beast will not be an easy catch”
It’s worth pointing out at this point that those failed hunters of the Beast of Gévaudan had been faced with a mission that was far from easy. According to Forbes magazine, d’Enneval himself had said, “This beast will not be an easy catch.”
That was after he’d scouted the territory where the animal was said to be lurking. The animal’s chosen habitat gave it considerable advantages over those who hunted it.
Ideal terrain for a fugitive
The terrain of Gévaudan was ideal for the fugitive and ill-suited to the hunter. The many swamps meant that the use of horses was severely limited, so hunting had mainly to be carried out on foot through rocky, wooded land.
Gévaudan is also notorious for its micro-climate of bitterly cold winters and rain-sodden summers. So any would-be hunters certainly faced a severe test of their skills.
Ideal terrain for a fugitive
The terrain of Gévaudan was ideal for the fugitive and ill-suited to the hunter. The many swamps meant that the use of horses was severely limited, so hunting had mainly to be carried out on foot through rocky, wooded land.
Gévaudan is also notorious for its micro-climate of bitterly cold winters and rain-sodden summers. So any would-be hunters certainly faced a severe test of their skills.
Ideal terrain for a fugitive
The terrain of Gévaudan was ideal for the fugitive and ill-suited to the hunter. The many swamps meant that the use of horses was severely limited, so hunting had mainly to be carried out on foot through rocky, wooded land.
Gévaudan is also notorious for its micro-climate of bitterly cold winters and rain-sodden summers. So any would-be hunters certainly faced a severe test of their skills.
An oversized wolf
Apparently undeterred by the difficulties he faced, Antoine traveled to Gévaudan accompanied by a squadron of men and his own son. The party hunted high and low for the beasts through the forests of the region.
Then, one September day, Antoine spotted an enormous wolf and shot it dead. He claimed that he had definitively killed the Beast of Gévaudan. But there were some doubts — was this oversized wolf the right animal?
An oversized wolf
Apparently undeterred by the difficulties he faced, Antoine traveled to Gévaudan accompanied by a squadron of men and his own son. The party hunted high and low for the beasts through the forests of the region.
Then, one September day, Antoine spotted an enormous wolf and shot it dead. He claimed that he had definitively killed the Beast of Gévaudan. But there were some doubts — was this oversized wolf the right animal?
An oversized wolf
Apparently undeterred by the difficulties he faced, Antoine traveled to Gévaudan accompanied by a squadron of men and his own son. The party hunted high and low for the beasts through the forests of the region.
Then, one September day, Antoine spotted an enormous wolf and shot it dead. He claimed that he had definitively killed the Beast of Gévaudan. But there were some doubts — was this oversized wolf the right animal?
The attacks stop
By and large Antoine’s claim was accepted, despite the fact that the wolf had no human remains in its gut. Even so, the creature was stuffed and sent to King Louis’ court.
Antoine was rewarded by his monarch with various honors and with what was perhaps even more welcome, hard cash. The attacks stopped, seemingly confirming that Antoine had nailed the beast.
The attacks stop
By and large Antoine’s claim was accepted, despite the fact that the wolf had no human remains in its gut. Even so, the creature was stuffed and sent to King Louis’ court.
Antoine was rewarded by his monarch with various honors and with what was perhaps even more welcome, hard cash. The attacks stopped, seemingly confirming that Antoine had nailed the beast.
The attacks stop
By and large Antoine’s claim was accepted, despite the fact that the wolf had no human remains in its gut. Even so, the creature was stuffed and sent to King Louis’ court.
Antoine was rewarded by his monarch with various honors and with what was perhaps even more welcome, hard cash. The attacks stopped, seemingly confirming that Antoine had nailed the beast.
The attacks start again
So it seemed that the reign of terror by this mysterious beast — that Antoine had “proved” was a wolf — was at an end. But it wasn't.
After a two-month lull, the attacks started all over again. Despite this, Antoine continued to insist that he had in fact killed the one true Beast of Gévaudan. The king and his court backed up Antoine’s assertions, sticking to the line that the terrifying animal was dead.
The attacks start again
So it seemed that the reign of terror by this mysterious beast — that Antoine had “proved” was a wolf — was at an end. But it wasn't.
After a two-month lull, the attacks started all over again. Despite this, Antoine continued to insist that he had in fact killed the one true Beast of Gévaudan. The king and his court backed up Antoine’s assertions, sticking to the line that the terrifying animal was dead.
The attacks start again
So it seemed that the reign of terror by this mysterious beast — that Antoine had “proved” was a wolf — was at an end. But it wasn't.
After a two-month lull, the attacks started all over again. Despite this, Antoine continued to insist that he had in fact killed the one true Beast of Gévaudan. The king and his court backed up Antoine’s assertions, sticking to the line that the terrifying animal was dead.
Another hunt
It was in the early summer of 1767 when another outbreak of deadly attacks made it increasingly difficult to deny the possibility that the beast was still alive. One man, local aristocrat the Marquis d’Apcher, came to the conclusion that the beast was still on the prowl around Gévaudan.
Convinced it was still alive, the Marquis organized another hunt for the animal.
Another hunt
It was in the early summer of 1767 when another outbreak of deadly attacks made it increasingly difficult to deny the possibility that the beast was still alive. One man, local aristocrat the Marquis d’Apcher, came to the conclusion that the beast was still on the prowl around Gévaudan.
Convinced it was still alive, the Marquis organized another hunt for the animal.
Another hunt
It was in the early summer of 1767 when another outbreak of deadly attacks made it increasingly difficult to deny the possibility that the beast was still alive. One man, local aristocrat the Marquis d’Apcher, came to the conclusion that the beast was still on the prowl around Gévaudan.
Convinced it was still alive, the Marquis organized another hunt for the animal.
Thrown into jail for incompetence
One of the men who went along on d’Apcher’s hunt was a local farmer called Jean Chastel. He’d previously been on an expedition to find the beast, but that had not gone at all well.
That hunt had been led by François Antoine, the man who claimed he’d already killed the creature. During the hunt, Chastel had led a group of men into a marsh and an infuriated Antoine had insisted that he was thrown into jail for his incompetence.
Thrown into jail for incompetence
One of the men who went along on d’Apcher’s hunt was a local farmer called Jean Chastel. He’d previously been on an expedition to find the beast, but that had not gone at all well.
That hunt had been led by François Antoine, the man who claimed he’d already killed the creature. During the hunt, Chastel had led a group of men into a marsh and an infuriated Antoine had insisted that he was thrown into jail for his incompetence.
Thrown into jail for incompetence
One of the men who went along on d’Apcher’s hunt was a local farmer called Jean Chastel. He’d previously been on an expedition to find the beast, but that had not gone at all well.
That hunt had been led by François Antoine, the man who claimed he’d already killed the creature. During the hunt, Chastel had led a group of men into a marsh and an infuriated Antoine had insisted that he was thrown into jail for his incompetence.
Killed again
Despite his earlier error, Chastel was allowed to join the Marquis’ hunt in June 1767. And that turned out to be an excellent decision by the nobleman.
The hunting party followed up a report of an attack by the beast and tracked the creature into a forest. Chastel came upon the animal and succeeded in shooting it dead. When an autopsy was performed, human remains were found in the beast’s stomach.
Killed again
Despite his earlier error, Chastel was allowed to join the Marquis’ hunt in June 1767. And that turned out to be an excellent decision by the nobleman.
The hunting party followed up a report of an attack by the beast and tracked the creature into a forest. Chastel came upon the animal and succeeded in shooting it dead. When an autopsy was performed, human remains were found in the beast’s stomach.
Killed again
Despite his earlier error, Chastel was allowed to join the Marquis’ hunt in June 1767. And that turned out to be an excellent decision by the nobleman.
The hunting party followed up a report of an attack by the beast and tracked the creature into a forest. Chastel came upon the animal and succeeded in shooting it dead. When an autopsy was performed, human remains were found in the beast’s stomach.
No more attacks
After Chastel’s killing of the animal, there were no more attacks in Gévaudan. Some reports said that the beast was indeed a wolf, but others described physical characteristics of the animal that were far from wolf-like.
There had certainly been plenty of ideas about what creature the Beast of Gévaudan was during its reign of terror, and speculation continued even after its death.
No more attacks
After Chastel’s killing of the animal, there were no more attacks in Gévaudan. Some reports said that the beast was indeed a wolf, but others described physical characteristics of the animal that were far from wolf-like.
There had certainly been plenty of ideas about what creature the Beast of Gévaudan was during its reign of terror, and speculation continued even after its death.
No more attacks
After Chastel’s killing of the animal, there were no more attacks in Gévaudan. Some reports said that the beast was indeed a wolf, but others described physical characteristics of the animal that were far from wolf-like.
There had certainly been plenty of ideas about what creature the Beast of Gévaudan was during its reign of terror, and speculation continued even after its death.
Corpse sent to Paris
Once it was good and dead, the animal’s corpse was taken to Paris. The King apparently refused to acknowledge that this animal really was the Beast of Gévaudan.
A famous naturalist of the day — Georges-Louis Leclerc, the Comte de Buffon — performed an autopsy. But his examination of the body was reportedly brief and inconclusive. The remains were quickly buried, making further scientific analysis impossible.
Corpse sent to Paris
Once it was good and dead, the animal’s corpse was taken to Paris. The King apparently refused to acknowledge that this animal really was the Beast of Gévaudan.
A famous naturalist of the day — Georges-Louis Leclerc, the Comte de Buffon — performed an autopsy. But his examination of the body was reportedly brief and inconclusive. The remains were quickly buried, making further scientific analysis impossible.
Corpse sent to Paris
Once it was good and dead, the animal’s corpse was taken to Paris. The King apparently refused to acknowledge that this animal really was the Beast of Gévaudan.
A famous naturalist of the day — Georges-Louis Leclerc, the Comte de Buffon — performed an autopsy. But his examination of the body was reportedly brief and inconclusive. The remains were quickly buried, making further scientific analysis impossible.
What was this fearsome beast?
Even in the absence of any physical remains, there was no shortage of theories about the beast’s true identity, some dating back to the days when the beast was still roaming the French countryside. Many people who had claimed to have actually seen the ferocious animal asserted that it was unlike any normal wolf.
But if it wasn’t a wolf, what on Earth was this fearsome beast?
What was this fearsome beast?
Even in the absence of any physical remains, there was no shortage of theories about the beast’s true identity, some dating back to the days when the beast was still roaming the French countryside. Many people who had claimed to have actually seen the ferocious animal asserted that it was unlike any normal wolf.
But if it wasn’t a wolf, what on Earth was this fearsome beast?
What was this fearsome beast?
Even in the absence of any physical remains, there was no shortage of theories about the beast’s true identity, some dating back to the days when the beast was still roaming the French countryside. Many people who had claimed to have actually seen the ferocious animal asserted that it was unlike any normal wolf.
But if it wasn’t a wolf, what on Earth was this fearsome beast?
“Much bigger than a wolf”
As the History website noted, the animal had been described as being the size of a calf or even a horse. The creature’s coat had reportedly been a reddish-gray color, and it had sported a long tail resembling that of a panther.
And you’ll recall that Lafont had claimed it was “much bigger than a wolf.”
“Much bigger than a wolf”
As the History website noted, the animal had been described as being the size of a calf or even a horse. The creature’s coat had reportedly been a reddish-gray color, and it had sported a long tail resembling that of a panther.
And you’ll recall that Lafont had claimed it was “much bigger than a wolf.”
“Much bigger than a wolf”
As the History website noted, the animal had been described as being the size of a calf or even a horse. The creature’s coat had reportedly been a reddish-gray color, and it had sported a long tail resembling that of a panther.
And you’ll recall that Lafont had claimed it was “much bigger than a wolf.”
A human killer?
Some wilder reports even wondered if the killer had actually been a man dressed up in an animal skin. But that idea was not backed up by any of the eyewitnesses and seems too unlikely to be taken seriously.
Unless, as some have believed, the attacks might have been carried out by a trained animal at the bidding of a human. That, too, surely stretches credibility to breaking point and beyond.
A human killer?
Some wilder reports even wondered if the killer had actually been a man dressed up in an animal skin. But that idea was not backed up by any of the eyewitnesses and seems too unlikely to be taken seriously.
Unless, as some have believed, the attacks might have been carried out by a trained animal at the bidding of a human. That, too, surely stretches credibility to breaking point and beyond.
A human killer?
Some wilder reports even wondered if the killer had actually been a man dressed up in an animal skin. But that idea was not backed up by any of the eyewitnesses and seems too unlikely to be taken seriously.
Unless, as some have believed, the attacks might have been carried out by a trained animal at the bidding of a human. That, too, surely stretches credibility to breaking point and beyond.
A werewolf?
The History website points out that conjecture about the beast’s true form has attracted “historians, scientists, pseudoscientists and conspiracy theorists.” Candidates for the beast’s identity include a strange and previously unknown survivor from ancient times, an armored fighting dog, or a hyena.
Some even say it might have been a werewolf, but we can hardly accept that. Can we?
A werewolf?
The History website points out that conjecture about the beast’s true form has attracted “historians, scientists, pseudoscientists and conspiracy theorists.” Candidates for the beast’s identity include a strange and previously unknown survivor from ancient times, an armored fighting dog, or a hyena.
Some even say it might have been a werewolf, but we can hardly accept that. Can we?
A werewolf?
The History website points out that conjecture about the beast’s true form has attracted “historians, scientists, pseudoscientists and conspiracy theorists.” Candidates for the beast’s identity include a strange and previously unknown survivor from ancient times, an armored fighting dog, or a hyena.
Some even say it might have been a werewolf, but we can hardly accept that. Can we?
A hyena?
Nor does the hyena theory stand up to close inspection. It’s not entirely out of the question that a hyena might have escaped from a rich man’s menagerie to roam the countryside.
But it doesn’t seem particularly likely, and in any case hyenas are not known for attacking humans. Then there’s the idea that the animal might have been a lion.
A hyena?
Nor does the hyena theory stand up to close inspection. It’s not entirely out of the question that a hyena might have escaped from a rich man’s menagerie to roam the countryside.
But it doesn’t seem particularly likely, and in any case hyenas are not known for attacking humans. Then there’s the idea that the animal might have been a lion.
A hyena?
Nor does the hyena theory stand up to close inspection. It’s not entirely out of the question that a hyena might have escaped from a rich man’s menagerie to roam the countryside.
But it doesn’t seem particularly likely, and in any case hyenas are not known for attacking humans. Then there’s the idea that the animal might have been a lion.
A lion?
That theory has been promoted by a biologist called Karl-Hans Taake, who has written a book about the Beast of Gévaudan. He believes that a young lion might have been responsible for the attacks.
Like the supposed hyena, this presumably had escaped from a private zoo. As evidence for this, he cites the fact that the way the creature hunted its victims resembled the pattern followed by lions in the wild.
A lion?
That theory has been promoted by a biologist called Karl-Hans Taake, who has written a book about the Beast of Gévaudan. He believes that a young lion might have been responsible for the attacks.
Like the supposed hyena, this presumably had escaped from a private zoo. As evidence for this, he cites the fact that the way the creature hunted its victims resembled the pattern followed by lions in the wild.
A lion?
That theory has been promoted by a biologist called Karl-Hans Taake, who has written a book about the Beast of Gévaudan. He believes that a young lion might have been responsible for the attacks.
Like the supposed hyena, this presumably had escaped from a private zoo. As evidence for this, he cites the fact that the way the creature hunted its victims resembled the pattern followed by lions in the wild.
A serious wolf infestation
It’s tremendous fun to speculate about the identity of the Beast of Gévaudan. But ultimately what is probably the most plausible theory for the animal’s identity comes from the historian we met earlier, Smith.
Speaking to Smithsonian Magazine, he said “The best and most likely explanation is Gévaudan had a serious wolf infestation.” Since there were some 9,000 wolf attacks in France from the 17th to the 19th centuries, that seems more than likely.
A serious wolf infestation
It’s tremendous fun to speculate about the identity of the Beast of Gévaudan. But ultimately what is probably the most plausible theory for the animal’s identity comes from the historian we met earlier, Smith.
Speaking to Smithsonian Magazine, he said “The best and most likely explanation is Gévaudan had a serious wolf infestation.” Since there were some 9,000 wolf attacks in France from the 17th to the 19th centuries, that seems more than likely.
A serious wolf infestation
It’s tremendous fun to speculate about the identity of the Beast of Gévaudan. But ultimately what is probably the most plausible theory for the animal’s identity comes from the historian we met earlier, Smith.
Speaking to Smithsonian Magazine, he said “The best and most likely explanation is Gévaudan had a serious wolf infestation.” Since there were some 9,000 wolf attacks in France from the 17th to the 19th centuries, that seems more than likely.
Beast or legend?
The murky evidence surrounding the Beast of Gévaudan aligns with the historical tendency to blame monsters and terrifying creatures for all sorts of problems. These ferocious animals in folklore were intended to scare the living daylights out of the populace.
And it's eye-opening how similar these legends are to the supposed 'real' wolf that tormented France.
Beast or legend?
The murky evidence surrounding the Beast of Gévaudan aligns with the historical tendency to blame monsters and terrifying creatures for all sorts of problems. These ferocious animals in folklore were intended to scare the living daylights out of the populace.
And it's eye-opening how similar these legends are to the supposed 'real' wolf that tormented France.
Beast or legend?
The murky evidence surrounding the Beast of Gévaudan aligns with the historical tendency to blame monsters and terrifying creatures for all sorts of problems. These ferocious animals in folklore were intended to scare the living daylights out of the populace.
And it's eye-opening how similar these legends are to the supposed 'real' wolf that tormented France.
Beast of Odal
The Odal Pass is a roadway that runs across the Isle of Skye, which lies off the west coast of Scotland. This route’s haunted by a spirit — the Beast of Odal — that was said to have the power of changing its very shape.
When a road was first being built through the pass, the laborers were apparently frightened out of their skins by the screeching calls of the monster that echoed around the hills.
Beast of Odal
The Odal Pass is a roadway that runs across the Isle of Skye, which lies off the west coast of Scotland. This route’s haunted by a spirit — the Beast of Odal — that was said to have the power of changing its very shape.
When a road was first being built through the pass, the laborers were apparently frightened out of their skins by the screeching calls of the monster that echoed around the hills.
Beast of Odal
The Odal Pass is a roadway that runs across the Isle of Skye, which lies off the west coast of Scotland. This route’s haunted by a spirit — the Beast of Odal — that was said to have the power of changing its very shape.
When a road was first being built through the pass, the laborers were apparently frightened out of their skins by the screeching calls of the monster that echoed around the hills.
A grisly fate
Travelers along the Odal Pass were often mysteriously injured, and the blame was placed on the Beast of Odal. The monster was sighted in different forms, sometimes as a one-legged man, sometimes as a dog.
Eventually, the haunting came to an end after the grisly demise of an unfortunate traveler. He was found dead with two puncture marks which, it was said, couldn’t have been caused by human hand. And the Beast of Odal was heard of no more.
A grisly fate
Travelers along the Odal Pass were often mysteriously injured, and the blame was placed on the Beast of Odal. The monster was sighted in different forms, sometimes as a one-legged man, sometimes as a dog.
Eventually, the haunting came to an end after the grisly demise of an unfortunate traveler. He was found dead with two puncture marks which, it was said, couldn’t have been caused by human hand. And the Beast of Odal was heard of no more.
A grisly fate
Travelers along the Odal Pass were often mysteriously injured, and the blame was placed on the Beast of Odal. The monster was sighted in different forms, sometimes as a one-legged man, sometimes as a dog.
Eventually, the haunting came to an end after the grisly demise of an unfortunate traveler. He was found dead with two puncture marks which, it was said, couldn’t have been caused by human hand. And the Beast of Odal was heard of no more.
Gulon
We have a 16th-century Swedish chronicler to thank for what we know about the gulon. Olaus Magnus described this fantastic beast in his 1555 work A Description of the Northern People.
According to Magnus, the gulon was a creature that sported a lion’s body, the tail of a fox, and the head and ears of a cat.
Gulon
We have a 16th-century Swedish chronicler to thank for what we know about the gulon. Olaus Magnus described this fantastic beast in his 1555 work A Description of the Northern People.
According to Magnus, the gulon was a creature that sported a lion’s body, the tail of a fox, and the head and ears of a cat.
Gulon
We have a 16th-century Swedish chronicler to thank for what we know about the gulon. Olaus Magnus described this fantastic beast in his 1555 work A Description of the Northern People.
According to Magnus, the gulon was a creature that sported a lion’s body, the tail of a fox, and the head and ears of a cat.
A revolting buffet
The gulon’s habits, particularly when it came to dining, left much to be desired. They’d feast on animal remains up to the point that they could eat no more.
Yet their hunger still wasn’t satisfied, so they’d compress themselves between two close-standing trees to make more room in their bellies. Then they’d carry on with their revolting buffet.
A revolting buffet
The gulon’s habits, particularly when it came to dining, left much to be desired. They’d feast on animal remains up to the point that they could eat no more.
Yet their hunger still wasn’t satisfied, so they’d compress themselves between two close-standing trees to make more room in their bellies. Then they’d carry on with their revolting buffet.
A revolting buffet
The gulon’s habits, particularly when it came to dining, left much to be desired. They’d feast on animal remains up to the point that they could eat no more.
Yet their hunger still wasn’t satisfied, so they’d compress themselves between two close-standing trees to make more room in their bellies. Then they’d carry on with their revolting buffet.
Rompo
The rompo’s a beast that was supposedly resident in India and Africa during the medieval period. It’s another one of those monsters that’s a mishmash of several different animals that do actually exist.
The rompo combined a hare’s head with human ears and a flowing horse’s main, a badger’s front limbs, and finally the rear legs and hindquarters of a badger. And it had one very unattractive characteristic.
Rompo
The rompo’s a beast that was supposedly resident in India and Africa during the medieval period. It’s another one of those monsters that’s a mishmash of several different animals that do actually exist.
The rompo combined a hare’s head with human ears and a flowing horse’s main, a badger’s front limbs, and finally the rear legs and hindquarters of a badger. And it had one very unattractive characteristic.
Rompo
The rompo’s a beast that was supposedly resident in India and Africa during the medieval period. It’s another one of those monsters that’s a mishmash of several different animals that do actually exist.
The rompo combined a hare’s head with human ears and a flowing horse’s main, a badger’s front limbs, and finally the rear legs and hindquarters of a badger. And it had one very unattractive characteristic.
A gruesome diet
When it came to diet, the rompo was an undeniably hideous monster. Because its favored food was the cadavers of humans.
So though it wasn’t actually that large, just around 3 feet from the tip of its hare’s nose to its badger’s behind, it was a thoroughly unsavory creature. And if in dire need of a meal, it had the unpleasant habit of digging up human burials.
A gruesome diet
When it came to diet, the rompo was an undeniably hideous monster. Because its favored food was the cadavers of humans.
So though it wasn’t actually that large, just around 3 feet from the tip of its hare’s nose to its badger’s behind, it was a thoroughly unsavory creature. And if in dire need of a meal, it had the unpleasant habit of digging up human burials.
A gruesome diet
When it came to diet, the rompo was an undeniably hideous monster. Because its favored food was the cadavers of humans.
So though it wasn’t actually that large, just around 3 feet from the tip of its hare’s nose to its badger’s behind, it was a thoroughly unsavory creature. And if in dire need of a meal, it had the unpleasant habit of digging up human burials.
Mimick dogs
Mimick dogs, sometimes known as getulian dogs, were said to be found in parts of North Africa and Europe. Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner even dignified this mythical creature with a Latin name — Canis getulus — in his Historia Animalium, published in 1551.
And the name of these beasts offers a strong clue about their special powers.
Mimick dogs
Mimick dogs, sometimes known as getulian dogs, were said to be found in parts of North Africa and Europe. Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner even dignified this mythical creature with a Latin name — Canis getulus — in his Historia Animalium, published in 1551.
And the name of these beasts offers a strong clue about their special powers.
Mimick dogs
Mimick dogs, sometimes known as getulian dogs, were said to be found in parts of North Africa and Europe. Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner even dignified this mythical creature with a Latin name — Canis getulus — in his Historia Animalium, published in 1551.
And the name of these beasts offers a strong clue about their special powers.
A sight to behold
To all intents and purposes, mimick dogs looked very similar to your everyday canine. But the monsters had an extraordinary ability to mimic humans.
They could talk just as people did, and were even capable of moving and acting as if they were members of the human race. A sight to behold, surely.
A sight to behold
To all intents and purposes, mimick dogs looked very similar to your everyday canine. But the monsters had an extraordinary ability to mimic humans.
They could talk just as people did, and were even capable of moving and acting as if they were members of the human race. A sight to behold, surely.
A sight to behold
To all intents and purposes, mimick dogs looked very similar to your everyday canine. But the monsters had an extraordinary ability to mimic humans.
They could talk just as people did, and were even capable of moving and acting as if they were members of the human race. A sight to behold, surely.
Crocotta
This ferocious beast was said to combine the physical qualities of dogs, hyenas, and wolves. Some accounts gave its stomping ground as the East African nation of Ethiopia, while others claimed that it lived in India.
But the main things to know about the crocotta were that it was a fierce predator — and its preferred prey was human beings.
Crocotta
This ferocious beast was said to combine the physical qualities of dogs, hyenas, and wolves. Some accounts gave its stomping ground as the East African nation of Ethiopia, while others claimed that it lived in India.
But the main things to know about the crocotta were that it was a fierce predator — and its preferred prey was human beings.
Crocotta
This ferocious beast was said to combine the physical qualities of dogs, hyenas, and wolves. Some accounts gave its stomping ground as the East African nation of Ethiopia, while others claimed that it lived in India.
But the main things to know about the crocotta were that it was a fierce predator — and its preferred prey was human beings.
Talking beasts
It also seems that these beasts weren’t just mindless killing machines — they had a low cunning that made them even more lethal. Porphyry of Tyre, a Roman-era philosopher, wrote that the crocotta “speaks in a manner so human, and this without a teacher, as to go to houses, and call that person whom he knows he can easily vanquish.”
Alarming.
Talking beasts
It also seems that these beasts weren’t just mindless killing machines — they had a low cunning that made them even more lethal. Porphyry of Tyre, a Roman-era philosopher, wrote that the crocotta “speaks in a manner so human, and this without a teacher, as to go to houses, and call that person whom he knows he can easily vanquish.”
Alarming.
Talking beasts
It also seems that these beasts weren’t just mindless killing machines — they had a low cunning that made them even more lethal. Porphyry of Tyre, a Roman-era philosopher, wrote that the crocotta “speaks in a manner so human, and this without a teacher, as to go to houses, and call that person whom he knows he can easily vanquish.”
Alarming.
Sea monk
It was a French naturalist called Pierre Belon who first put pen to paper to describe this bizarre marine creature. In his 1553 work De Aquatilibus, he recounted a strange tale.
“In Norway, near the city of Den Elepoch in the region of Diezunt, was found another monster or ocean fish,” Belon wrote. “This monster, according to many who saw it, did not live more than three days, did not speak nor emitted any sound but great, plaintive signs.”
Sea monk
It was a French naturalist called Pierre Belon who first put pen to paper to describe this bizarre marine creature. In his 1553 work De Aquatilibus, he recounted a strange tale.
“In Norway, near the city of Den Elepoch in the region of Diezunt, was found another monster or ocean fish,” Belon wrote. “This monster, according to many who saw it, did not live more than three days, did not speak nor emitted any sound but great, plaintive signs.”
Sea monk
It was a French naturalist called Pierre Belon who first put pen to paper to describe this bizarre marine creature. In his 1553 work De Aquatilibus, he recounted a strange tale.
“In Norway, near the city of Den Elepoch in the region of Diezunt, was found another monster or ocean fish,” Belon wrote. “This monster, according to many who saw it, did not live more than three days, did not speak nor emitted any sound but great, plaintive signs.”
A kind-hearted Polish king
So far, so weird. The creature described by Belon was actually what was known as a sea monk.
Another story tells how one was captured and presented to a Polish king. But using gestures — sea monks were always silent — the creature begged to be released. The monarch, apparently a man with a good heart, granted the sea monk its wish. That’s one monster story with a happy ending.
A kind-hearted Polish king
So far, so weird. The creature described by Belon was actually what was known as a sea monk.
Another story tells how one was captured and presented to a Polish king. But using gestures — sea monks were always silent — the creature begged to be released. The monarch, apparently a man with a good heart, granted the sea monk its wish. That’s one monster story with a happy ending.
A kind-hearted Polish king
So far, so weird. The creature described by Belon was actually what was known as a sea monk.
Another story tells how one was captured and presented to a Polish king. But using gestures — sea monks were always silent — the creature begged to be released. The monarch, apparently a man with a good heart, granted the sea monk its wish. That’s one monster story with a happy ending.
Hircocervus
Though the Hircocervus was certainly part of the lore of the Middle Ages, its origins lie much further back in time. In fact, the creature’s mentioned in Plato’s great ancient Greek work of philosophy, Republic.
That takes us back more than 2,500 years to the 5th century B.C. The first mention of the Hircocervus in English came in 1398. So, what was this Hircocervus like?
Hircocervus
Though the Hircocervus was certainly part of the lore of the Middle Ages, its origins lie much further back in time. In fact, the creature’s mentioned in Plato’s great ancient Greek work of philosophy, Republic.
That takes us back more than 2,500 years to the 5th century B.C. The first mention of the Hircocervus in English came in 1398. So, what was this Hircocervus like?
Hircocervus
Though the Hircocervus was certainly part of the lore of the Middle Ages, its origins lie much further back in time. In fact, the creature’s mentioned in Plato’s great ancient Greek work of philosophy, Republic.
That takes us back more than 2,500 years to the 5th century B.C. The first mention of the Hircocervus in English came in 1398. So, what was this Hircocervus like?
A padlock on his mouth
Initially, it was a beast combining elements of a goat and a stag. But there were later variations.
In his 1856 book Impressions of England, Arthur Cleveland Coxe described a painting from 1579 of the Hircocervus that he’d seen in the old country. The creature, the American cleric wrote, was “part man, part porker, part deer, and part donkey; with a padlock on his mouth.” But perhaps the most surprising characteristic of Hircocervus was its total lack of ferocity. It was actually dubbed the “trusty servant.”
A padlock on his mouth
Initially, it was a beast combining elements of a goat and a stag. But there were later variations.
In his 1856 book Impressions of England, Arthur Cleveland Coxe described a painting from 1579 of the Hircocervus that he’d seen in the old country. The creature, the American cleric wrote, was “part man, part porker, part deer, and part donkey; with a padlock on his mouth.” But perhaps the most surprising characteristic of Hircocervus was its total lack of ferocity. It was actually dubbed the “trusty servant.”
A padlock on his mouth
Initially, it was a beast combining elements of a goat and a stag. But there were later variations.
In his 1856 book Impressions of England, Arthur Cleveland Coxe described a painting from 1579 of the Hircocervus that he’d seen in the old country. The creature, the American cleric wrote, was “part man, part porker, part deer, and part donkey; with a padlock on his mouth.” But perhaps the most surprising characteristic of Hircocervus was its total lack of ferocity. It was actually dubbed the “trusty servant.”
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
They might like to chow down on pasture, but we’re happy to state categorically that lambs are definitely not vegetables. That’s unless you’re talking about the weird medieval monster called the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.
A 14th-century book titled The Voyage and Travels of Sir John Mandeville, Knight offered the first description of this grotesque animal-vegetable concoction.
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
They might like to chow down on pasture, but we’re happy to state categorically that lambs are definitely not vegetables. That’s unless you’re talking about the weird medieval monster called the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.
A 14th-century book titled The Voyage and Travels of Sir John Mandeville, Knight offered the first description of this grotesque animal-vegetable concoction.
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
They might like to chow down on pasture, but we’re happy to state categorically that lambs are definitely not vegetables. That’s unless you’re talking about the weird medieval monster called the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.
A 14th-century book titled The Voyage and Travels of Sir John Mandeville, Knight offered the first description of this grotesque animal-vegetable concoction.
Borametz
The true identity of the author of the Mandeville travel book’s still shrouded in mystery. But whoever wrote it certainly had a keen eye for the weird and the wonderful.
This Vegetable Lamb, said to exist in Central Asia where it had the Tartar name Borametz, looked just like a young sheep. But it was attached by its umbilical cord to a plant and couldn’t roam further than the extent of that connection. Detach the lamb from the plant and it would perish — time for lamb chops.
Borametz
The true identity of the author of the Mandeville travel book’s still shrouded in mystery. But whoever wrote it certainly had a keen eye for the weird and the wonderful.
This Vegetable Lamb, said to exist in Central Asia where it had the Tartar name Borametz, looked just like a young sheep. But it was attached by its umbilical cord to a plant and couldn’t roam further than the extent of that connection. Detach the lamb from the plant and it would perish — time for lamb chops.
Borametz
The true identity of the author of the Mandeville travel book’s still shrouded in mystery. But whoever wrote it certainly had a keen eye for the weird and the wonderful.
This Vegetable Lamb, said to exist in Central Asia where it had the Tartar name Borametz, looked just like a young sheep. But it was attached by its umbilical cord to a plant and couldn’t roam further than the extent of that connection. Detach the lamb from the plant and it would perish — time for lamb chops.
Monopods
Next we look at the monopod — a human-like figure with a very distinctive quirk: just one leg and one foot. These creatures were also part of Roman mythology, described by Pliny the Elder, who died in 79 A.D due to the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption.
The Romans knew monopods by the name skiapodes. And given that the monopods were hampered by only having the one lower limb, they had some unexpected qualities.
Monopods
Next we look at the monopod — a human-like figure with a very distinctive quirk: just one leg and one foot. These creatures were also part of Roman mythology, described by Pliny the Elder, who died in 79 A.D due to the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption.
The Romans knew monopods by the name skiapodes. And given that the monopods were hampered by only having the one lower limb, they had some unexpected qualities.
Monopods
Next we look at the monopod — a human-like figure with a very distinctive quirk: just one leg and one foot. These creatures were also part of Roman mythology, described by Pliny the Elder, who died in 79 A.D due to the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption.
The Romans knew monopods by the name skiapodes. And given that the monopods were hampered by only having the one lower limb, they had some unexpected qualities.
Fleet of foot
Said to be native to Ethiopia, the monopods were apparently fleet of foot and formidable adversaries on the battlefield. That was despite the fact that they were also only little.
But perhaps their most bizarre feature was that, according to Pliny, “they are in the habit of lying on their backs, during the time of the extreme heat, and protect themselves from the sun by the shade of their feet.”
Fleet of foot
Said to be native to Ethiopia, the monopods were apparently fleet of foot and formidable adversaries on the battlefield. That was despite the fact that they were also only little.
But perhaps their most bizarre feature was that, according to Pliny, “they are in the habit of lying on their backs, during the time of the extreme heat, and protect themselves from the sun by the shade of their feet.”
Fleet of foot
Said to be native to Ethiopia, the monopods were apparently fleet of foot and formidable adversaries on the battlefield. That was despite the fact that they were also only little.
But perhaps their most bizarre feature was that, according to Pliny, “they are in the habit of lying on their backs, during the time of the extreme heat, and protect themselves from the sun by the shade of their feet.”
Blemmyae
Here we see a truly outlandish medieval monster: the Blemmyae. The origins of the beast date back to ancient Greece, but we have the untrustworthy narrator we’ve already met — Sir John Mandeville — to thank for the Middle Ages’ version of the Blemmyae.
And what he wrote about them made them sound like creatures you definitely wouldn’t want to meet.
Blemmyae
Here we see a truly outlandish medieval monster: the Blemmyae. The origins of the beast date back to ancient Greece, but we have the untrustworthy narrator we’ve already met — Sir John Mandeville — to thank for the Middle Ages’ version of the Blemmyae.
And what he wrote about them made them sound like creatures you definitely wouldn’t want to meet.
Blemmyae
Here we see a truly outlandish medieval monster: the Blemmyae. The origins of the beast date back to ancient Greece, but we have the untrustworthy narrator we’ve already met — Sir John Mandeville — to thank for the Middle Ages’ version of the Blemmyae.
And what he wrote about them made them sound like creatures you definitely wouldn’t want to meet.
Ugly folk
According to Mandeville, the Blemmyae were “ugly folk without heads, who have eyes in each shoulder; their mouths are round, like a horseshoe, in the middle of their chest.” Some even had their facial features on their backs rather than their chests.
And others had heads with flat fronts lacking any features except two holes and a “flat lipless mouth.”
Ugly folk
According to Mandeville, the Blemmyae were “ugly folk without heads, who have eyes in each shoulder; their mouths are round, like a horseshoe, in the middle of their chest.” Some even had their facial features on their backs rather than their chests.
And others had heads with flat fronts lacking any features except two holes and a “flat lipless mouth.”
Ugly folk
According to Mandeville, the Blemmyae were “ugly folk without heads, who have eyes in each shoulder; their mouths are round, like a horseshoe, in the middle of their chest.” Some even had their facial features on their backs rather than their chests.
And others had heads with flat fronts lacking any features except two holes and a “flat lipless mouth.”
Nue
In the Middle Ages the Japanese had a whole category of strange mythical monsters: the yokai. One of those was the nue, sometimes called the Japanese chimera.
Mentions of the nue date as far back as the 8th century B.C., and the myths about them persisted through to the medieval era. This was another monster of the Middle Ages that combined the attributes of a number of different real animals.
Nue
In the Middle Ages the Japanese had a whole category of strange mythical monsters: the yokai. One of those was the nue, sometimes called the Japanese chimera.
Mentions of the nue date as far back as the 8th century B.C., and the myths about them persisted through to the medieval era. This was another monster of the Middle Ages that combined the attributes of a number of different real animals.
Nue
In the Middle Ages the Japanese had a whole category of strange mythical monsters: the yokai. One of those was the nue, sometimes called the Japanese chimera.
Mentions of the nue date as far back as the 8th century B.C., and the myths about them persisted through to the medieval era. This was another monster of the Middle Ages that combined the attributes of a number of different real animals.
Ominous black clouds
A nue had a tiger’s legs, a snake’s tail, a monkey’s head, and the body of a tanuki. The latter’s also known as the Japanese raccoon dog.
The mythical nues flew through the night skies, often surrounded by ominous black clouds, and they had a bird-like call. The appearance of a nue was regarded with dismay, as the creatures were said to bring ill-fortune.
Ominous black clouds
A nue had a tiger’s legs, a snake’s tail, a monkey’s head, and the body of a tanuki. The latter’s also known as the Japanese raccoon dog.
The mythical nues flew through the night skies, often surrounded by ominous black clouds, and they had a bird-like call. The appearance of a nue was regarded with dismay, as the creatures were said to bring ill-fortune.
Ominous black clouds
A nue had a tiger’s legs, a snake’s tail, a monkey’s head, and the body of a tanuki. The latter’s also known as the Japanese raccoon dog.
The mythical nues flew through the night skies, often surrounded by ominous black clouds, and they had a bird-like call. The appearance of a nue was regarded with dismay, as the creatures were said to bring ill-fortune.
Ahuizotl
During medieval times, when the Aztecs ruled a large section of modern-day South America, the monster to be scared of in that part of the world was the ahuizotl. Sometimes known as the water dog, this aquatic creature was said to resemble a smooth-skinned dog with an elongated tail.
Spookily, the beast had five human hands, four on its limbs and another attached to the tail.
Ahuizotl
During medieval times, when the Aztecs ruled a large section of modern-day South America, the monster to be scared of in that part of the world was the ahuizotl. Sometimes known as the water dog, this aquatic creature was said to resemble a smooth-skinned dog with an elongated tail.
Spookily, the beast had five human hands, four on its limbs and another attached to the tail.
Ahuizotl
During medieval times, when the Aztecs ruled a large section of modern-day South America, the monster to be scared of in that part of the world was the ahuizotl. Sometimes known as the water dog, this aquatic creature was said to resemble a smooth-skinned dog with an elongated tail.
Spookily, the beast had five human hands, four on its limbs and another attached to the tail.
Ready to pounce
By all accounts, the ahuizotls were thoroughly unpleasant beasts. Their trick was to lure humans to streams where they lay ready to pounce.
Alternatively, they might simply grab anyone who strayed too near to a lake’s edge. Once their prey was close enough, they’d strike, dragging their victims into the water. Drowning was the inevitable consequence of an ahuizotl attack.
Ready to pounce
By all accounts, the ahuizotls were thoroughly unpleasant beasts. Their trick was to lure humans to streams where they lay ready to pounce.
Alternatively, they might simply grab anyone who strayed too near to a lake’s edge. Once their prey was close enough, they’d strike, dragging their victims into the water. Drowning was the inevitable consequence of an ahuizotl attack.
Ready to pounce
By all accounts, the ahuizotls were thoroughly unpleasant beasts. Their trick was to lure humans to streams where they lay ready to pounce.
Alternatively, they might simply grab anyone who strayed too near to a lake’s edge. Once their prey was close enough, they’d strike, dragging their victims into the water. Drowning was the inevitable consequence of an ahuizotl attack.
Cynocephali
If you’re cynocephalic, then you’re entirely human in form except for one rather key feature. Instead of having the normal head of a Homo sapiens specimen, you’ll have the head of a dog.
The cynocephali lived, it was claimed, either in Africa or India. Or China or Egypt. It’s notable that many mythical beasts of the Middle Ages lived in distant lands. That, of course, would explain why nobody saw them in their medieval European villages.
Cynocephali
If you’re cynocephalic, then you’re entirely human in form except for one rather key feature. Instead of having the normal head of a Homo sapiens specimen, you’ll have the head of a dog.
The cynocephali lived, it was claimed, either in Africa or India. Or China or Egypt. It’s notable that many mythical beasts of the Middle Ages lived in distant lands. That, of course, would explain why nobody saw them in their medieval European villages.
Cynocephali
If you’re cynocephalic, then you’re entirely human in form except for one rather key feature. Instead of having the normal head of a Homo sapiens specimen, you’ll have the head of a dog.
The cynocephali lived, it was claimed, either in Africa or India. Or China or Egypt. It’s notable that many mythical beasts of the Middle Ages lived in distant lands. That, of course, would explain why nobody saw them in their medieval European villages.
Big mastiff dogs
So we have a medieval creature that combined a human body with a canine head. But were these monsters dangerous?
In The Travels of Marco Polo, the great 13th-century explorer claimed that dog-headed folks lived on the Andaman Islands. They apparently resembled “big mastiff dogs” and were ruthless by nature. Clearly worth avoiding.
Big mastiff dogs
So we have a medieval creature that combined a human body with a canine head. But were these monsters dangerous?
In The Travels of Marco Polo, the great 13th-century explorer claimed that dog-headed folks lived on the Andaman Islands. They apparently resembled “big mastiff dogs” and were ruthless by nature. Clearly worth avoiding.
Big mastiff dogs
So we have a medieval creature that combined a human body with a canine head. But were these monsters dangerous?
In The Travels of Marco Polo, the great 13th-century explorer claimed that dog-headed folks lived on the Andaman Islands. They apparently resembled “big mastiff dogs” and were ruthless by nature. Clearly worth avoiding.
Gelins
Folks who lived in the part of the world that’s now encompassed by Turkey had their own weird creature during the Middles Ages. These were the gelins, the ghosts of women who’d died in tragic ways.
Gelin is actually the Turkish word for bride, and these ghostly women had often perished in circumstances related to marriage or childbirth.
Gelins
Folks who lived in the part of the world that’s now encompassed by Turkey had their own weird creature during the Middles Ages. These were the gelins, the ghosts of women who’d died in tragic ways.
Gelin is actually the Turkish word for bride, and these ghostly women had often perished in circumstances related to marriage or childbirth.
Gelins
Folks who lived in the part of the world that’s now encompassed by Turkey had their own weird creature during the Middles Ages. These were the gelins, the ghosts of women who’d died in tragic ways.
Gelin is actually the Turkish word for bride, and these ghostly women had often perished in circumstances related to marriage or childbirth.
Death was close
Often a gelin would’ve been murdered by a cruel husband. Alternatively, they might’ve died during childbirth, an all too common fate in medieval times.
Some had taken their own lives after betrayal by a faithless husband. These unfortunate spirits then roamed the Earth and terrified those that saw them. This fear came from the belief that sighting a gelin meant that death was close.
Death was close
Often a gelin would’ve been murdered by a cruel husband. Alternatively, they might’ve died during childbirth, an all too common fate in medieval times.
Some had taken their own lives after betrayal by a faithless husband. These unfortunate spirits then roamed the Earth and terrified those that saw them. This fear came from the belief that sighting a gelin meant that death was close.
Death was close
Often a gelin would’ve been murdered by a cruel husband. Alternatively, they might’ve died during childbirth, an all too common fate in medieval times.
Some had taken their own lives after betrayal by a faithless husband. These unfortunate spirits then roamed the Earth and terrified those that saw them. This fear came from the belief that sighting a gelin meant that death was close.
Futakuchi-onna
The Japanese monster futakuchi-onna takes us into the realm of the truly weird. To all appearances, these strange creatures look like perfectly normal women.
But if you were to lift the hair on the back of their heads, you’d find something calculated to totally freak you out. For they had a terrible secret hidden away at the rear of their skulls.
Futakuchi-onna
The Japanese monster futakuchi-onna takes us into the realm of the truly weird. To all appearances, these strange creatures look like perfectly normal women.
But if you were to lift the hair on the back of their heads, you’d find something calculated to totally freak you out. For they had a terrible secret hidden away at the rear of their skulls.
Futakuchi-onna
The Japanese monster futakuchi-onna takes us into the realm of the truly weird. To all appearances, these strange creatures look like perfectly normal women.
But if you were to lift the hair on the back of their heads, you’d find something calculated to totally freak you out. For they had a terrible secret hidden away at the rear of their skulls.
A second mouth
Yes, the futakuchi-onna had a second mouth concealed at the rear of their heads. And this wasn’t just any old mouth — it was one with an appetite that was never satisfied.
Special locks of hair grabbed food from wherever they found it and stuffed it into the bizarre second mouth. Japanese legend has it that a futakuchi-onna appeared in a household as retribution for some kind of transgression.
A second mouth
Yes, the futakuchi-onna had a second mouth concealed at the rear of their heads. And this wasn’t just any old mouth — it was one with an appetite that was never satisfied.
Special locks of hair grabbed food from wherever they found it and stuffed it into the bizarre second mouth. Japanese legend has it that a futakuchi-onna appeared in a household as retribution for some kind of transgression.
A second mouth
Yes, the futakuchi-onna had a second mouth concealed at the rear of their heads. And this wasn’t just any old mouth — it was one with an appetite that was never satisfied.
Special locks of hair grabbed food from wherever they found it and stuffed it into the bizarre second mouth. Japanese legend has it that a futakuchi-onna appeared in a household as retribution for some kind of transgression.
Ifrits
For Muslims, djinns are a range of different types of ghosts and apparitions, sometimes benign but more often evil. One of the most feared of djinns during the Middle Ages was the ifrit.
These shape-shifting creatures were formed from blazing fire or sometimes smoke. Of either gender, they were equipped with wings but lived underground.
Ifrits
For Muslims, djinns are a range of different types of ghosts and apparitions, sometimes benign but more often evil. One of the most feared of djinns during the Middle Ages was the ifrit.
These shape-shifting creatures were formed from blazing fire or sometimes smoke. Of either gender, they were equipped with wings but lived underground.
Ifrits
For Muslims, djinns are a range of different types of ghosts and apparitions, sometimes benign but more often evil. One of the most feared of djinns during the Middle Ages was the ifrit.
These shape-shifting creatures were formed from blazing fire or sometimes smoke. Of either gender, they were equipped with wings but lived underground.
Invoking prayers
Though like other djinns they could be a force for good, usually they were anything but that. Indeed, they were often associated with impending death and couldn’t be vanquished with ordinary weapons.
They only way to overcome them was with magic or by invoking prayers from the Islamic holy book, the Koran.
Invoking prayers
Though like other djinns they could be a force for good, usually they were anything but that. Indeed, they were often associated with impending death and couldn’t be vanquished with ordinary weapons.
They only way to overcome them was with magic or by invoking prayers from the Islamic holy book, the Koran.
Invoking prayers
Though like other djinns they could be a force for good, usually they were anything but that. Indeed, they were often associated with impending death and couldn’t be vanquished with ordinary weapons.
They only way to overcome them was with magic or by invoking prayers from the Islamic holy book, the Koran.
Finfolk
The remote Orkney Islands only became part of Scotland in 1472, previously having come under the rule of Norway and Denmark. Lying some 20 miles north of the mainland, the archipelago of more than 70 islands had its own monsters during the Middle Ages: the Finfolk.
They were a race of shape-shifters with other supernatural powers.
Finfolk
The remote Orkney Islands only became part of Scotland in 1472, previously having come under the rule of Norway and Denmark. Lying some 20 miles north of the mainland, the archipelago of more than 70 islands had its own monsters during the Middle Ages: the Finfolk.
They were a race of shape-shifters with other supernatural powers.
Finfolk
The remote Orkney Islands only became part of Scotland in 1472, previously having come under the rule of Norway and Denmark. Lying some 20 miles north of the mainland, the archipelago of more than 70 islands had its own monsters during the Middle Ages: the Finfolk.
They were a race of shape-shifters with other supernatural powers.
Kidnappers
Finfolk were monsters of the waters that surround the Orkneys, and were also adept sailors who could even force the sea to do their bidding. While their home was a fabled underwater city, Finfolkaheem, they were capable of surviving above the waves as well.
These creatures were feared because it was said that they kidnapped and imprisoned innocent islanders, holding them captive for the rest of their lives.
Kidnappers
Finfolk were monsters of the waters that surround the Orkneys, and were also adept sailors who could even force the sea to do their bidding. While their home was a fabled underwater city, Finfolkaheem, they were capable of surviving above the waves as well.
These creatures were feared because it was said that they kidnapped and imprisoned innocent islanders, holding them captive for the rest of their lives.
Kidnappers
Finfolk were monsters of the waters that surround the Orkneys, and were also adept sailors who could even force the sea to do their bidding. While their home was a fabled underwater city, Finfolkaheem, they were capable of surviving above the waves as well.
These creatures were feared because it was said that they kidnapped and imprisoned innocent islanders, holding them captive for the rest of their lives.
Manananggal
This horrifying monster’s name derives from the word tanggal, which in the Tagalog language of the Philippines means “to split.” And that’s exactly what the manananggal could do.
These fearsome beasts were predators — and the animal they preyed on was us. Plus, when it came to hunting they had a truly hideous ability.
Manananggal
This horrifying monster’s name derives from the word tanggal, which in the Tagalog language of the Philippines means “to split.” And that’s exactly what the manananggal could do.
These fearsome beasts were predators — and the animal they preyed on was us. Plus, when it came to hunting they had a truly hideous ability.
Manananggal
This horrifying monster’s name derives from the word tanggal, which in the Tagalog language of the Philippines means “to split.” And that’s exactly what the manananggal could do.
These fearsome beasts were predators — and the animal they preyed on was us. Plus, when it came to hunting they had a truly hideous ability.
Elongated tongues
The manananggals would sprout wings before they started hunting and would cleave their own bodies in two, so that the upper part of their torsos flew through the air. When they then came across a human, they’d suck blood from the victim with their elongated tongues.
Certainly one to watch out for if you were a medieval traveler who’d reached the Philippines.
Elongated tongues
The manananggals would sprout wings before they started hunting and would cleave their own bodies in two, so that the upper part of their torsos flew through the air. When they then came across a human, they’d suck blood from the victim with their elongated tongues.
Certainly one to watch out for if you were a medieval traveler who’d reached the Philippines.
Elongated tongues
The manananggals would sprout wings before they started hunting and would cleave their own bodies in two, so that the upper part of their torsos flew through the air. When they then came across a human, they’d suck blood from the victim with their elongated tongues.
Certainly one to watch out for if you were a medieval traveler who’d reached the Philippines.
Basilisk
Found in Europe and North Africa, the basilisk had an exceptionally bizarre lifecycle. It started in a rooster’s egg.
Yes, we know, roosters obviously can’t lay eggs, but bear with us. The egg was then tended by a toad, until a snake with a crest hatched from it. And though the beast tormented medieval folk, it’d earlier been described by Pliny the Elder in 79 A.D.
Basilisk
Found in Europe and North Africa, the basilisk had an exceptionally bizarre lifecycle. It started in a rooster’s egg.
Yes, we know, roosters obviously can’t lay eggs, but bear with us. The egg was then tended by a toad, until a snake with a crest hatched from it. And though the beast tormented medieval folk, it’d earlier been described by Pliny the Elder in 79 A.D.
Basilisk
Found in Europe and North Africa, the basilisk had an exceptionally bizarre lifecycle. It started in a rooster’s egg.
Yes, we know, roosters obviously can’t lay eggs, but bear with us. The egg was then tended by a toad, until a snake with a crest hatched from it. And though the beast tormented medieval folk, it’d earlier been described by Pliny the Elder in 79 A.D.
A snake and rooster hybrid
According to Pliny, the basilisk didn’t slither across the ground like other snakes, but instead moved with its body upright. Later, during the Middle Ages, the basilisk myth evolved so that the creature was actually an unlikely hybrid of a snake and a rooster.
And this was a very deadly beast — its breath could devastate a landscape, and its mere glance could kill a human.
A snake and rooster hybrid
According to Pliny, the basilisk didn’t slither across the ground like other snakes, but instead moved with its body upright. Later, during the Middle Ages, the basilisk myth evolved so that the creature was actually an unlikely hybrid of a snake and a rooster.
And this was a very deadly beast — its breath could devastate a landscape, and its mere glance could kill a human.
A snake and rooster hybrid
According to Pliny, the basilisk didn’t slither across the ground like other snakes, but instead moved with its body upright. Later, during the Middle Ages, the basilisk myth evolved so that the creature was actually an unlikely hybrid of a snake and a rooster.
And this was a very deadly beast — its breath could devastate a landscape, and its mere glance could kill a human.
Preta
The preta was a product of reincarnation, the belief that after death people come back to inhabit another body. But those who’d acted in evil ways during their human existence could be punished in a horrible manner.
When they were re-born, according to the lore of various Asian traditions, they’d be condemned to live as pretas, a thoroughly unenviable fate.
Preta
The preta was a product of reincarnation, the belief that after death people come back to inhabit another body. But those who’d acted in evil ways during their human existence could be punished in a horrible manner.
When they were re-born, according to the lore of various Asian traditions, they’d be condemned to live as pretas, a thoroughly unenviable fate.
Preta
The preta was a product of reincarnation, the belief that after death people come back to inhabit another body. But those who’d acted in evil ways during their human existence could be punished in a horrible manner.
When they were re-born, according to the lore of various Asian traditions, they’d be condemned to live as pretas, a thoroughly unenviable fate.
Putrid meat
A preta was a kind of spirit with one very distinctive characteristic. No matter how much they ate or drank, they’d always be left with an acute hunger and thirst that couldn’t be satisfied.
So as they roamed the Earth, they were forced to consume all kinds of revolting matter, including everything from putrid meat to human waste.
Putrid meat
A preta was a kind of spirit with one very distinctive characteristic. No matter how much they ate or drank, they’d always be left with an acute hunger and thirst that couldn’t be satisfied.
So as they roamed the Earth, they were forced to consume all kinds of revolting matter, including everything from putrid meat to human waste.
Putrid meat
A preta was a kind of spirit with one very distinctive characteristic. No matter how much they ate or drank, they’d always be left with an acute hunger and thirst that couldn’t be satisfied.
So as they roamed the Earth, they were forced to consume all kinds of revolting matter, including everything from putrid meat to human waste.