Throughout history, countless stories have emerged about mythical creatures. While many of these legends have been debunked, their origins often stem from real-life inspirations.
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Here Are 5 Ancient Legends Inspired by Real Animals:
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Okapi
The okapi often resembles a mix of a giraffe, zebra, and antelope. The males have a pair of side-by-side horns that, when viewed from the side, appear as a single one, giving the illusion of a unicorn.
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Gigantopithecus
The gigantopithecus, the largest ape to have ever lived, was speculated to have been bipedal, walking on two legs. This paints a striking resemblance to legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Yeti.
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Oarfish
The giant oarfish, the world's largest bony fish, dwells at depths of 656 to 3,280 feet and is rarely seen near the surface. Its immense size and elusive nature are believed to have inspired maritime legends of sea serpents.
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Manatee
Christopher Columbus once thought he spotted mermaids. However, upon closer observation, he was unimpressed. In reality, Columbus had encountered manatees.
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Theropod
Theropods were a group of dinosaurs known for their hollow bones and three-toed limbs. Experts suggest that these massive creatures may have inspired dragon myths.