Feb 25, 2025
Animals in folklore have inspired cultures with their interesting stories, serving as symbols of various virtues, vices, and natural processes throughout history. Here are 10 animals whose legends continue to fascinate us even today.
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In Aztec and other Mesoamerican mythologies, Quetzalcoatl is a feathered serpent god of creation, the wind, and the morning star. He symbolizes wisdom, fertility, and the cycle of life and death.
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A supernatural and powerful bird present in many different Indigenous cultures throughout North America, the Thunderbird is said to have the ability to command the weather and create thunder and lightning. It represents protection and strength.
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In Native American folklore, the coyote is a well-known trickster. It is both wise and foolish, usually imparting moral lessons through its own misadventures and cunning actions.
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In folklore, the kitsune is a fox spirit with shapeshifting capabilities that can turn into humans. These clever creatures are usually presented as tricksters or guardians and sometimes have magical powers and wisdom.
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In some European mythologies, the white stag is a supernatural animal representing purity, elusive wisdom, and a connection to the divine. It frequently appears as a precursor to major change or to guide heroes on conquests.
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In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Nagini is a snake goddess or female naga. Often associated with water bodies, she represents fertility, protection, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
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In Chinese folklore, Nian is a beast that comes out of hiding to terrorize villagers during the Lunar New Year. It is afraid of loud noises and the color red, leading to the customs of firecrackers and red decorations to ward off evil spirits.
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Selkies are symbolic beings in Irish and Scottish lore that have the ability to evolve from seals to human beings once they shed their skin. These creatures are frequent subjects in tragedy and love tales, symbolizing the relationship of humans with the sea.
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An Australian Aboriginal legend describes the bunyip as a fearsome creature lurking in swamps, billabongs, and riverbeds. It is said to prey on those who venture too close to its territory, symbolising the dangers of the unknown wild.
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In Persian mythology, the Simurgh is a benevolent, mythical bird often depicted as part eagle, part lion. It embodies wisdom and healing, and is believed to live in the Tree of Life, possessing knowledge of all ages.
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