The Most Underrated Mythical Creature, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the mythical creature you think is the most underrated!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:57

Many mythical creatures, often overshadowed by more popular legends, hold stories rich with cultural heritage and moral lessons. These lesser-known beings provide a deep well of intrigue and mystery, yet they often don't receive the attention they deserve. By ranking these underrated entities, we offer them a spotlight and a chance to be appreciated by a broader audience. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and richness of global mythologies. Each vote cast on this site contributes to elevating a creature from the shadows of obscurity into the light of recognition. Your participation not only aids in reshaping the conventional hierarchy of mythical beings but also helps in preserving the lesser-known folklore that might otherwise fade into oblivion. Engaging with these rankings allows for a greater understanding of world cultures and their storytelling traditions, ensuring these tales continue to inspire and educate.

What Is the Most Underrated Mythical Creature?

1

69
votes

Selkie

A mythical creature from Scottish folklore that is said to be a seal that can shed its skin to become human. Selkies are often depicted as tragic figures who long to return to the sea.
2

17
votes
Kelpie

A water spirit from Scottish mythology that takes the form of a horse. Kelpies are said to lure people into the water and drown them.
The Kelpie is a mythical sea creature that hails from Scottish folklore. It is often depicted as a water horse with a dark and sleek body, typically described as being black or grey, and possessing a strong muscular build. The most distinguishing feature of the Kelpie is its mane, which appears to be made entirely of seaweed and other types of aquatic vegetation.

Origin: Scottish folklore

Appearance: Water horse with a dark, sleek body

Color: Black or grey

Size: Varies, depending on folklore

Mane: Seaweed and aquatic vegetation
3

32
votes
Baku

A Japanese mythical creature that is said to devour nightmares. The Baku is often depicted as a mix between a lion, tiger, and elephant, with the trunk of an elephant.
The Baku is a mythical creature that originates from Japanese folklore. It is often referred to as the 'Dream Eater' or 'Nightmare Devourer.' The Baku is said to possess a powerful and unique ability to consume bad dreams and nightmares, bringing peaceful and restful sleep to those in need.

Origin: Japanese folklore

Alternative Names: 'Dream Eater', 'Nightmare Devourer'

Ability: Consumes bad dreams and nightmares

Appearance: Resembles a mix of various animals such as elephant, rhinoceros, and bear

Size: Varies in depictions, ranging from small to large
4

23
votes
Chimera

A fire-breathing monster from Greek mythology that has the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent.
The Chimera is a fantastical creature that exists within the world of Sonaria. It is a combination of various animals, resulting in a truly unique and captivating being. The creature has the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Its appearance is both majestic and intimidating, making it a sight to behold in Sonaria's diverse and enchanting world.

Size: Varies, but typically larger than a lion

Habitat: Various environments including forests, mountains, and caves

Abilities: Flight, fire-breathing, enhanced strength

Lifespan: Unknown, believed to be several hundred years

Diet: Carnivorous, preying on small to medium-sized animals
5

21
votes
Hippocampus

A creature from Greek mythology that is part horse and part fish. Hippocampi were said to have pulled the chariots of sea gods.
The hippocampus is a small, seahorse-shaped structure located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It is primarily known for its vital role in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Size: Approximately 3-4 cm long

Structure: Bilateral, consisting of two main regions: the hippocampus proper and the dentate gyrus

Neurogenesis: Continual generation of new neurons throughout life

Connections: Extensively connected to other brain regions, including the neocortex, thalamus, and amygdala

Memory formation: Crucial for the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term memories
6

11
votes
Wendigo

A creature from Native American folklore that is said to be a cannibalistic spirit. Wendigos are often depicted as tall, emaciated beings with sharp teeth and claws.
The Wendigo is a mythical creature deeply rooted in the folklore of the indigenous people of North America. It is a malevolent and cannibalistic spirit that is believed to possess humans and transform them into monstrous creatures.

Appearance: The Wendigo is often described as a gaunt, emaciated creature with rotting flesh and glowing eyes. It is exceptionally tall, reaching up to 15 feet in height. Its body is covered in matted hair and its limbs are elongated and skeletal.

Cannibalistic Nature: The Wendigo is primarily known for its insatiable hunger for human flesh. It is believed that those who resort to cannibalism in extreme conditions may be possessed by the Wendigo spirit and transformed into the creature.

Unending Hunger: One of the key traits of the Wendigo is its eternal craving for human flesh. No matter how much it consumes, it is never satisfied, and its hunger drives it to constantly seek out new victims.

Cold and Winter: The Wendigo is often associated with cold climates and winter. It is believed to have powers that intensify during these seasons, making it a formidable and dangerous creature.

Spirit Possession: According to legends, the Wendigo can possess individuals, causing them to exhibit erratic behavior, insatiable hunger, and a gradual transformation into a Wendigo.
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17
votes
Manticore

A creature from Persian mythology that has the body of a lion, the head of a human, and the tail of a scorpion. Manticores are said to be extremely ferocious and deadly.
The Manticore is a mythical creature that has its origins in Persian mythology. It is a fearsome and powerful beast that combines the features of multiple animals. The body of a lion, the head of a human with three rows of sharp teeth, and a tail that ends with a cluster of venomous spines, resembling those of a scorpion.

Physical Appearance: Lion body with a human head and scorpion-like tail

Teeth: Three rows of sharp, deadly teeth

Tail: Ends with a cluster of venomous spines

Strength: Possesses incredible physical strength

Speed: Agile and capable of quick movements
8

7
votes
Gorgon

A monstrous creature from Greek mythology that has snakes for hair and can turn people to stone with its gaze. Medusa is the most famous Gorgon.
The Gorgon is a mythical creature known for its fearsome appearance and petrifying gaze. It is a type of female creature with hair made of venomous snakes, and its body is covered in scales. The most famous representation of a Gorgon is Medusa. She is widely recognized as the primary Gorgon character in mythology and is often depicted as a monstrous and terrifying being. In Greek mythology, Gorgons were considered guardians and protectors of various sacred places.

Origin: Greek mythology

Representation: Female creature with venomous snake hair

Body: Covered in scales

Gaze: Petrifying to those who make eye contact

Names: Medusa, Euryale, Stheno
9

11
votes
Pegasus

A winged horse from Greek mythology that is often depicted as a symbol of inspiration and poetry. Pegasus is said to have been born from the blood of Medusa.
Pegasus is a sleek and elegant call sign that represents grace, power, and mythical beauty. It is inspired by the legendary winged horse from Greek mythology, known for its ability to fly and carry thunderbolts for the gods.

Speed: Mach 2.8

Range: 4,500 nautical miles

Crew: 1 pilot

Length: 60 feet

Wingspan: 45 feet
10

15
votes
Thunderbird

A bird from Native American mythology that is said to control the weather and cause thunder and lightning. Thunderbirds are often depicted as large, powerful birds with wingspans that can reach up to 20 feet.
The Thunderbird is a mythical creature in Native American folklore. It is often portrayed as a large bird with magnificent feathers and powerful wings. In various legends, it is said to have the ability to produce thunder by flapping its wings and lightning from its eyes or beak. The Thunderbird holds significant spiritual importance and is believed to possess weather-controlling powers.

Size: Enormous

Appearance: Large bird with impressive feathers

Wingspan: Vast and imposing

Power: Ability to create thunder and lightning

Weather control: Believed to have control over weather phenomena

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated mythical creature. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mythical creature is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3558 views
207 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mythical creature once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mythical creature is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most underrated mythical creature

Mythical creatures have always fascinated humans since ancient times. From the Greek gods and goddesses to the dragons of Chinese folklore, these creatures have captured our imaginations and inspired countless tales and legends. While some mythical creatures like unicorns and dragons have gained widespread popularity, others have remained relatively unknown and underrated. In this article, we explore the most underrated mythical creatures that deserve more recognition. These creatures range from the mischievous Pooka of Irish folklore to the fearsome Chupacabra of Latin American legends. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of mythical creatures and discover the hidden gems that are often overlooked.