Nikole Stewart
Throughout history, there have been instances where people have debated the reality of folklore. While many walk around determined that mythical creatures from lore are complete fiction, others still wonder. And if you have a little whimsy in your life, then you might be interested to learn about these legendary creatures that people still debate, from sirens to Nessie.
6. Vampires
Vampires might seem like a stretch when it comes to legendary creatures that people still debate. The popular supernatural creature is a common inclusion in literature, film, and television. But apparently, it’s believed that a medical condition inspired vampires, which only influences people believing that they’re real.
One medical condition is porphyria, which is a rare group of inherited blood disorders that affects the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin essential for oxygen transport in the blood. And apparently, it offers familiar traits, including sensitivity to sunlight, gum recession, reddish-brown teeth, excessive hair growth, and more.
5. The Kraken
The ocean is a large expanse of undiscovered territory, and many of us are sure that there’s something down there, we just don’t know what. With the knowledge that we’ve explored more of our solar system than our oceans, it seems only fair that there’s something hidden. And interestingly enough, the Kraken is a common legendary creature that many believe exists. The giant, octopus-like creature that is known for wrecking boats comes from Scandinavian folklore during the 18th-century and is common in literature and film.
Interestingly enough, it might have some truth behind it, as a giant squid can grow to be 42 feet long. That being said, the folklore might be in reference to seeing one of these giant creatures; however, with how big the ocean is, there’s no telling what’s down there.
4. Yeti
The Yeti, also known as an Abominable Snowman, is similar to Bigfoot, as it’s often depicted as a large bipedal creature covered in white fur, often thought to be around the Himalayas. Stories have constantly been passed down about seeing a creature like this during their adventures, and many have noted seeing large footsteps that are practically unexplainable.
And just like Bigfoot, there have been searches, revealing samples of hair and photos, sparking international interest. However, most evidence can be proven to be from other animals, like bears; however, many are still debating the reality of this legendary creature.
3. Mermaids
Another aquatic creature that actually might have some truth behind it is mermaids. Again, the ocean is large, and there’s no telling what’s down there that we’ve yet to discover. While many are dead set on the fact that these creatures are just a myth, many are still debating it. But interestingly enough, these mythical creatures originated in Syria around 1000 BC in the form of Atargatis, according to Science Focus, who was a fertility goddess that could turn into a fish.
European sailors eventually took the myth in the 15th century when they reported mermaid sightings. Along with that, Christopher Columbus described a mermaid in 1493. But again, it’s hard to truly prove the evidence, especially when most of it was brushed away with the belief that scurvy was impacting sailors’ vision.
2. Loch Ness Monster
Another popular myth that many people fully believe is real is the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie. This lake creature is practically a celebrity in Scotland, and it helps bring tourism. But even though she’s one of the best-known legendary creatures, many still have a hard time believing it.
Supposedly, Nessie lurks in the waters of Loch Ness, and is a long-necked monster that has been spotted throughout history, with many boasting about photos that have been captured. One of the most famous photos is what seems to be a log or a floating piece of wood. And while it’s evident that it’s a hoax, that doesn’t stop people from believing in it.
1. Bigfoot
Speaking of photos that usually can be explained away, we have one of the all-time best-known legendary creatures in the world, the Sasquatch, or Bigfoot. This tall, bipedal creature is known for being harry and elusive, and often roams the forests of the Pacific Northwest. While there has been very little evidence of his existence, he’s in the same boat as the Yeti, highly believed and even sought after.
Scientists have surmised that most sightings and theories are actually bears or boars, but that hasn’t stopped people from traveling miles upon miles in hopes of being the one to spot him. Plus, there are even events and festivals dedicated solely to him.