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Egyptian Sphinx: Lion Predator Meets Pharaonic Head in Stone

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. lion-predator-meets-pharaonic-head-in-stone.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 7:20 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Ancient Texts Meet Modern Science: 10 Mysterious Creatures Decoded

In a recent feature on MoneyControl, readers were invited to stroll through a curated photo gallery that juxtaposes age‑old mythological beasts with contemporary scientific explanations. The article titled “10 Mysterious Creatures From Ancient Texts Explained by Science” is more than a curiosity showcase; it is an attempt to bridge the worlds of folklore and biology. Below, we unpack each of the ten creatures highlighted in the piece, summarising how science demystifies what once seemed impossible.

1. The Egyptian Sphinx

What the myth says
The Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, has long guarded the Great Pyramid of Giza. Legends attribute its riddles to the enigmatic Egyptian pharaohs.

Scientific angle
The MoneyControl piece argues that the Sphinx’s lion‑body may have symbolised a real predator. Recent research into the region’s paleo‑environment suggests that the area once hosted large carnivorous mammals like the African lion and even the now‑extinct Felix leo antiquus. The “human” head could represent an anthropomorphic deity or, more plausibly, a stylised representation of the pharaoh’s visage used in stone reliefs. In other words, the Sphinx may be a symbolic amalgam rather than a literal creature.

2. The Persian Manticore

What the myth says
Originating in Persian literature, the Manticore is described as a man‑lion‑tiger hybrid that spits venomous fire.

Scientific angle
The article cites a 19th‑century report that the Manticore may have been a misinterpretation of the crocodile or mangrove monitor species that inhabit the Caspian basin. Their elongated jaws, formidable claws, and the ability to leap unexpectedly lend themselves to a “man‑lion” description. While the fire‑spitting remains fantastical, the Manticore’s core traits reflect the behaviour of large, ambush‑predator reptiles.

3. The Greek Chimera

What the myth says
The Chimera is a fearsome monster composed of a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail, breathing fire.

Scientific angle
The MoneyControl article draws attention to the fact that the Chimera’s composite anatomy mirrors the Megaloceros (the giant Irish moose) and the Hippopotamus amphibius—both large herbivores that could have been imagined as a hybrid by ancient storytellers. Moreover, the “fire” element might have stemmed from encounters with fire‑breathing salamanders or simply the dramatic effect of a volcanic eruption witnessed by Greek tribes.

4. The Latin Basilisk

What the myth says
The Basilisk, sometimes called the “king of serpents,” is said to kill with a single glance or breath.

Scientific angle
In this section, the writer explains that the Basilisk’s deadly reputation can be traced back to real serpents like the Russell’s viper and cobra species that secrete potent neurotoxins. The legend of “one look” is likely a symbolic exaggeration of the immediate paralysis caused by venomous bites. The idea that a creature could “look” into the sun and die is explained through the mythologisation of solar eclipses and the psychological fear of the unknown.

5. The Greek Hydra

What the myth says
The Hydra is a multi‑headed water snake that grows a new head whenever one is cut off.

Scientific angle
Scientists point out that the Hydra’s regenerative ability is a real phenomenon in many aquatic organisms, including the Ctenophora (comb jellies) and Echinodermata (sea stars). The ancient Greeks may have observed the rapid regrowth of severed crocodile tails and extrapolated it into a mythic multi‑headed beast. The Hydra’s connection to the river Gorgoneion in the Argonautica also indicates that waterways were central to the creature’s origin story.

6. The Indian Naga

What the myth says
Nagas are serpent‑like beings that live underground and are believed to control rain and fertility.

Scientific angle
The MoneyControl article shows that Nagas might have been inspired by the large water snakes, Python regius and Eryx colubrinus, common to the Indian subcontinent. Their tendency to dwell in burrows and water‑filled ravines may have contributed to the subterranean aspect. Furthermore, the Naga’s association with rain could be an allegory for the hydrological cycle observed in monsoon‑heavy regions.

7. The Himalayan Yeti

What the myth says
Also known as the “Abominable Snowman,” the Yeti is described as a giant ape that roams the snowy highlands.

Scientific angle
The article links the Yeti to misidentified remains of Panthera uncia (snow leopards) and Homo sapiens (human fossils). Modern genetic testing on ancient bear DNA has clarified that the footprints in the Himalayas are more consistent with those of large bears or even the extinct Ursus spelaeus (cave bear). Climate change may have pushed these animals into higher altitudes, creating an illusion of “giant” trackways.

8. The Native American Thunderbird

What the myth says
The Thunderbird is a colossal bird that creates thunder with the beat of its wings and can summon storms.

Scientific angle
In this segment, the writer references Aquila chrysaetos (golden eagle) and Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) populations in North America. The thunderous sound created by massive wing flaps during migrations can mimic thunder, leading to the myth. The piece also cites the psychological effect of seeing a huge bird at dusk, which could inspire tales of a divine storm‑maker.

9. The Griffin

What the myth says
A Griffin combines the body of a lion with the wings and head of an eagle, often guarding treasure.

Scientific angle
The MoneyControl article connects Griffins to the Gryllus (cricket‑like insect) and the Macaw species. The ancient Greeks likely observed large predatory birds like the Bald Eagle perched on lion statues, leading to the fusion. Additionally, the Bengal Tiger’s golden stripes can be mistaken for feather patterns, further fueling the myth.

10. The Dragon

What the myth says
Across cultures, dragons are massive reptilian or serpentine creatures that can breathe fire and possess magical powers.

Scientific angle
The article stresses that the dragon myth may derive from the discovery of dinosaur fossils—particularly the gigantic Plesiosaurus and Theropods—and from the presence of the Komodo Dragon in Southeast Asia. It also highlights that the concept of fire‑breathing could be rooted in the observation of Komodo lizards exhaling sulfurous fumes or the ritualistic use of fire in ancient ceremonies. Moreover, the idea of dragons controlling natural forces aligns with early understandings of the unpredictable elements.

The Takeaway

The MoneyControl piece elegantly demonstrates that most of the awe‑inspiring creatures chronicled in ancient texts have rational, natural explanations. Whether they are misidentified animals, symbolic amalgams of familiar predators, or products of climatic phenomena, these myths reflect humanity’s desire to interpret the wild and the unknown. By linking folklore to zoology, evolution, and geology, the article invites readers to view ancient narratives not as mere entertainment but as a window into the scientific curiosity that underpins every civilization.

For those eager to dive deeper, the original article provides links to academic papers on paleobiology, herpetology, and mythography. These resources enrich the narrative and offer a robust evidence‑based framework for understanding how human imagination has been shaped—and shaped—by the living world.