There are many fascinating creatures in the realm of fantasy, but some of the most captivating are the seven magical beasts. These extraordinary beings possess remarkable abilities and characteristics that make them truly unique. Let us embark on a journey through these enchanting creatures and explore their mythical world. First on our list is the majestic phoenix. Known for its ability to rise from its own ashes, this bird represents rebirth and renewal. With its vibrant plumage and powerful wings, the phoenix captivates all who lay eyes on it.
With its vibrant plumage and powerful wings, the phoenix captivates all who lay eyes on it. Legends say that its tears possess healing qualities, and it is often associated with fire. Next, we have the graceful and elusive unicorn.
Snow White and the Seven Magical Creatures
I was texting with a friend recently about dwarves. Look it’s not that weird, okay, the whole internet was doing it. Disney has been releasing live-action retreads of its old animated classics and, since it’s been working out so well for them, they are pressing on. (Sidebar: it is not actually working out all that well for them.)
Nevertheless, they persisted. Last week we were treated to some publicity photos for the new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs . The dwarfs…are not dwarfs . Technically they are “magical creatures,” according to Disney. This is to discourage misrepresentation of actual little people, who would surely hate to be thought of as kindly defenders of vulnerable women. So anyway now it’s Snow White and the Seven Magical Creatures of Various Sizes and Genders. Catchy!
This did get me and my friend thinking about the original dwarves, though. As in, the magical kind of pagan mythology. The word “dwarf” comes from the Old English dweorg and has various cognates in other Germanic languages, my favorite being Old High German: twerg . This refers to a club dance that dwarves were thought to perform in the caves, which is where we get our modern English word “twerk.” Just kidding. But that would be hilarious.
It is true, though, that dwarves are more mysterious and unnerving in origin than their modern counterparts. Pretty early on in the folklore it was established that dwarves are indeed short and do indeed like digging: they either live or work in the hills and underground, hunting out treasure for reasons of their own. As a polar counterpart to the elves, dwarves are creatures of earthy stock: dark, solid, brooding.
What they are not, always, is friendly. In Grimm’s Fairy Tales the story of “Snowdrop,” or Snow White, does feature seven little men who are the picture of virtue. Their kindly delight in the heroine’s beauty counterbalances the evil stepmother’s venomous envy. But in other stories—“Snow White and Rose-Red,” or “Rumpelstiltskin,” for example—dwarves are sinister and even outright cruel.
Like Elves, dwarves have a certain distance from humanity that makes them hard to pin down and predict. We encounter them at the borderland between their world and ours, beyond which lies an entire unknown country with its own customs and logic. Think of Tolkien’s miners, driven by a fearsome desire into the dark heart of the earth. Or think of the “hollow hills” of Irish legend, where inscrutable ancient powers dwell. They may cheer or threaten us according to their imperious whims; by virtue of their supernatural powers they have the right to a certain indifference about our little lives.
Yet even if we are at their mercy, these mythic creatures never quite disregard us all together. They can curse and bewitch us, they can charm and attract us; the one thing they can’t seem to do is ignore us. They are always getting wrapped up in the drama of mankind, in spite of themselves. Somehow humans—short-lived, quarrelsome, and ludicrously fragile as we are—keep on drawing the interest of the realms beyond and above us.
There is deep wisdom in this, I think. It comes up again and again, from myth to myth. Whatever the pantheon, whatever legendary creatures populate a culture’s imaginary world, there is always a place in the hierarchy just above humans, occupied by intelligent beings who can’t seem to look away from us. Who seem to care deeply, one way or another, about what happens to us.
John Milton, in Paradise Lost (2.1052) depicts Earth as a “pendant world,” hanging in a golden chain between heaven and hell. There are far more powerful forces at work in the world above us—and below us, too. But we are the entry point for spirit into flesh, the fragile hinge of all creation. Ours is the first and lowest spark of free will that makes it possible for matter to take on divine form, so that if we rise, all things may rise. And if we fall, who knows what else may fall.
That’s why, in The Lord of the Rings , the real analogue for humanity’s place in the cosmos isn’t the race of men. It’s the race of hobbits: small, absurd, and utterly pivotal. The proud powers of darkness would love to destroy us; the blessed angels could happily remain indifferent to us; but God alone, for the sake of his most delicate and fantastic triumph yet, has chosen us as the conduit for order into chaos.
In the Koran (2:30), when God announces his intention to create humanity as “a vice-regent on the earth,” the angels are shocked: “will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood?” Are you really going to hang the fate of the universe on the shoulders of this mud-born ape? When there are a thousand tongues of flame and spirit, rarified creatures of unimaginable purity, who already “glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Yes indeed, says God, for “I know that which you do not know.”
The 12th-century abbot Bernard of Clairvaux once imagined all of heaven and earth hanging in suspense as Mary made her choice to bear the son of God in her womb. “The angel waits for your reply…we too, O Lady, are waiting.” Dwarves and elves alike, angels and demons, principalities and powers hold their breath to see which way the earth will turn, and whether the body of humanity will consent to host the visitation of the divine.
The literal humility of our state, the fact of our being molded together out of dust and breath, is what makes us indispensable by definition. A mere breath, a word of consent, a hot meal served in a little house to a poor girl lost in the woods: that is the stuff that the pride of demons cannot endure. It is enough to bring hell crashing down around Satan’s ears.
Rejoice evermore,
Spencer
I was texting with a friend recently about dwarves. Look it’s not that weird, okay, the whole internet was doing it. Disney has been releasing live-action retreads of its old animated classics and, since it’s been working out so well for them, they are pressing on. (Sidebar: it is not actually working out all that well for them.)
This mystical horse-like creature is revered for its purity and beauty. With a single horn protruding from its forehead, the unicorn is said to possess immense magical powers. It is believed that the touch of its horn can heal wounds and purify water. Moving on, we encounter the mighty dragon. Known for its fearsome appearance and fiery breath, this creature has been a staple of mythology for ages. Dragons are often portrayed as both wise and dangerous, guarding hidden treasures or wreaking havoc upon civilizations. They embody power, protection, and knowledge. Among the seven magical beasts is the cunning and mischievous griffin. This hybrid creature combines the features of an eagle and a lion, symbolizing both courage and intelligence. Griffins are often depicted as guardians, fierce protectors of sacred places and treasures. Then, there is the enchanting mermaid. These half-human, half-fish beings possess alluring beauty and are known for their mesmerizing voices. Legends tell us that mermaids are capable of granting wishes but are also known for their treacherous nature, luring sailors to their doom with their enchanting songs. Similarly, we encounter the seductive and dangerous siren. These mythical creatures, often portrayed as half-woman, half-bird, captivate sailors with their irresistible voices, leading to their demise. Their haunting melodies have become synonymous with temptation and danger. Finally, we stumble upon the mysterious and ethereal faeries. Often depicted as tiny, winged creatures, faeries are mischievous and whimsical. They are believed to have magical powers and often inhabit enchanted forests, bringing luck or misfortune to those who encounter them. In conclusion, the realm of mythical creatures is teeming with wonders, and the seven magical beasts are no exception. From the phoenix's rebirth to the siren's deadly melodies, each creature possesses a unique charm and allure. These fantastical beings continue to captivate our imagination, reminding us of the enchanted worlds that lie beyond our own..
Reviews for "Journey through Time and Imagination: Meet the Seven Mythical Beasts"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Seven magical beasts" after hearing so much hype about it, but I ended up being quite disappointed. The plot felt too predictable and the characters lacked depth. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging and dull. I struggled to connect with the story and found myself skimming through parts. Overall, "Seven magical beasts" just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish reading "Seven magical beasts" because I found it incredibly boring and poorly written. The dialogue felt clunky and unnatural, making it difficult to get invested in the characters or their interactions. The pacing was also off, with repetitive and unnecessary scenes dragging the story down. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As a fan of fantasy novels, I was excited to dive into "Seven magical beasts." However, I found the worldbuilding and magical system to be underdeveloped and confusing. It felt like the author just threw in random fantastical elements without much thought or explanation. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and didn't feel fully fleshed out. While I appreciate the attempt at creativity, "Seven magical beasts" missed the mark for me in terms of a compelling fantasy read.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I was let down by "Seven magical beasts" as the story seemed to lack originality and failed to captivate my interest. The plotline felt cliché, and the magical creatures were poorly integrated into the narrative. The pacing was also inconsistent, with slow sections that made it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I feel like I've read similar stories before, and "Seven magical beasts" didn't offer anything new or exciting to the genre.