It is hard to find a good starting point when it comes to such a beguiling topic, but I will try to begin by exposing the historical context and backgrounds for the best-known monsters and creatures first. The creation myths and folkloric roots for many of these legends are extensive, but I will be mindful to break the long runs of text with pictures and side notes whenever possible. I will focus some attention on how those beliefs and images have changed to fit into our modern world and our psyches; hinging the psychological connections to factual evidence. Be aware that legends and myths are based in fact, so many of these beasties have very old ties to cultural and spiritual beliefs and heavy, albeit uncanny, ultra-natural tethers. Though most monsters are considered to be dark, evil, or unholy in nature, many have deeply rooted religious origins. 

 

          As my The Origins of Monsters series progresses, I would like to continually update this content and revise it as I continuously research and uncover information from new-old sources all the time. I may add future categories as well. If you have any suggestions for a particular monster, creature, or magical being, pop over to my contact page and leave me a message or visit my FB page and we can discuss it there. For now, let’s start with a few of the classics as follows:

​

Werewolves, Lycanthropy, & Dogmen

Skinwalkers, Shapeshifters, & Wendigos

Cat People & Cat Creatures

Demons, Demonic Creatures & Forces

Vampires

 

          Though the following subjects bear a less malevolent image and more of a magical or fantastical one, they too can be presented in a very dark or monstrous way, so I may eventually add a subcategory with information on these classics too:

​

Witches & Witchcraft

Faeries, Goblins, & Elves

Mermaids & Sea Monsters

Ghosts & Hauntings 

 

Let's dig in!