Lingkan Reang
Sailors mistook manatees and dugongs for mermaids due to their human-like features.
The giant squid inspired kraken legends, though it is far less violent.
Fossils of dinosaurs likely inspired dragon myths across cultures.
The extinct Siberian unicorn, a giant rhino, inspired unicorn myths.
The long, snake-like oarfish inspired sea serpent legends.
Himalayan bears are the likely origin of the Yeti or Abominable Snowman myth.