Mythical Creatures [EDITING]

Hippocampus

Hippocampus is a part horse and part fish mythical creature adopted into legends and mythology of various cultures. Hippocampus's upper part namely head, neck and the forelimbs are of horse and the remaining part resembles either fish or a dolphin. One of the many with Greek origin, the legend of Hippocampus was also prevalent in Middle East, especially region bordering the Mediterranean Sea and in ancient Roman civilization.

The name Hippocampus is also a combination of Greek words, 'Hippos' meaning horse and 'Kampos' meaning sea monster. Art forms of Greek or Etruscan culture has many examples where a Hippocampus is described in detail. For example, Poseidon, the Greek god of horses and sea is depicted and believed to drive a chariot pulled by horse like mythical creatures which might refer to Hippocampus. He rode the waves with the help of these mythical beasts who were also believed to ferry water nymphs, Nereids.

Homer's poems were the first to mention them as 'swiftly flying' and 'brazen hoofed' horses which pulled Poseidon's legendary chariot on the waves. Hippocampus mostly lived a secretive and isolated life. It lived in deep sea fighting tough waves but its nature was clam and peaceful. These were among the few mythical creatures, which were loyal to their master, always quick to respond and lived with dignity.

Part of the reason why such horse-like characteristics are attributed to Hippocampus is that these mythical creatures were always thought of as horses. But in later depictions these mythological creatures were imagined as semi-fish or semi-horse beasts. It was also believed that whenever sea near the coast became frothy or foamy, these mythological creatures are leaping with big strides deep in the sea.

Hippocampi are also believed to be noble and helpful mythical beasts which saved many sailors or ships from drowning and sinking respectively. Many maritime logos or symbolism today have a Hippocampus on it due to this legendary association of good will and service with its nature. Similarly, they are depicted in many cultures on artistic and creative designs as on bronze-ware, silver-ware or paintings and on.

A part of the brain is referred to as Hippocampus because of its tendency to resist fits and seizures. This is a part of the tribute to the legend of these mythical creatures. Also, a sea horse is scientifically known as Hippocampus which is also glorification of one of the most kind-natures mythical beasts created by humanity.

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Information from mythicalcreatures.info

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