All the way from closed spaces to towering heights, from giant insects to taxes, the real world serves more than just enough to get you all startled. Allow me to take you on a tour to the realm of the fanciful and help you explore some of the most terrifying demons from Greek Mythology.
- The Sphinx: The first creature on our list is the Sphinx which was confronted by Oedipus (a tragic hero in Greek Mythology). The Sphinx is touted to have the body of a lion, the head of a woman, and its wings are of an eagle.
Let me tell you the popular version of the story where the Sphinx blocks Oedipus’ path by throwing a riddle on his way. Unlike other travelers, Oedipus answered the riddle correctly. Had he not, Oedipus would have been strangled and devoured by the mysterious creature. As a result, the Sphinx throws herself from a high cliff, destroying herself out of rage and frustration.
- The Minotaur: A gnarled atrocity that possesses the body of a man and the head of a bull is the Minotaur. This hideous demon is remembered for his affinity for devouring on flesh and his cryptic home that lies deep within the confinement of the twisted labyrinth (constructed by the inventor Daedalus). The labyrinth is said to be located under the palace of Knossos, the home of King Minos of Crete, who lost his son Androgeus when the boy was murdered in Athens. As atonement for Androgeus’ murder, every year the Athenians were forced to send seven young men and maiden to the island of Crete, who were released to the labyrinth only to be systematically hunted down and be devoured by the Minotaur.
- Medusa: A grotesque creature which possessed the ability to turn anyone into stone who stared upon her face. Interpretations about Medusa differ in every story. In this version, she is born with a hideous face and a serpent’s tail to the archaic marine deity, Ceto. The very aspect that remains consistent through many legends is her hair, which is rumored to have been composed of writhing, venomous snakes.
- Cerberus: A massive hound with three heads was a loyal guard dog of Hades that guarded the entrance to the underworld. The beast is said to have an appetite only for living flesh, thus allowing only the deceased spirits to pass. He would consume any living mortal that was foolish enough to even come close to him. The three heads of Cerberus symbolized the past, the present, and future.
- The Hydra: The final one on our list is the deadly Hydra which is serpent-like water monster possessing reptilian traits. Its venom was so poisonous that, even the breath exhaled by the Hydra could kill a man. The monstrous creature could regrow its limbs with alarming speed. Severing its head would be a futile task as two more would grow in its place. The Hydra is said to be hiding in an underwater cave guarding the entrance to the underworld.
Keeping my fingers crossed – these creatures aren’t for real. Just imagining about their deadliness sends chills down my spine, though in a completely exhilarating way. Enjoy your journey down the fictional lane by exploring these demons from Greek Mythology.