Myths About Animals and Mythical Creatures

Imagine that an owl from Hogwarts finally delivers you a letter opening the doors to a new school year at a famous school of magic. Ahead are many important introductions, exciting adventures with friends, and meetings with magical creatures. In the list of required textbooks for those walking down Diagon Alley, this interesting bestiary will definitely be included.

This book from a popular series will help you meet fantastic creatures from myths and legends of different cultures around the world—from Japan and the British Isles to Scandinavia and America. You’ll learn omens and beliefs associated with real animals.

You’ll find out how ordinary cats can become cannibals, how long a dragon egg needs to hatch, and how demon dogs of Britain—such as Gabriel’s hounds, the Black Shuck, the Barguest, and the Grim—differ, as well as who the hound of the Baskervilles was in reality.

You’ll also learn what onocentaurs, ichthyocentaurs, and bucentaurs look like, and how dangerous a mardagai— a werewolf from Armenian mythology—is. You’ll discover what the bear was cursed for and how to recognize the Slavic Fire Serpent.

The book also reveals the riddle of the Sphinx, helps you sort out different types of dragons and griffins, and introduces you to the wise centaur Chiron—mentor to gods and heroes.