From fearsome trolls and lumbering giants to impish satyrs and magical elves, mythical creatures have captured our imaginations for a long time. It is also without doubt that some people believe they truly exist. Whether you believe it or not, cultures worldwide have passed down tales through their younger generations and created untold volumes of lore.

Today, legendary beasts continue to captivate as stories were often broadcast and kept alive in books, movies, and on television. Until this second, their scientific existence is unknown. The darkness under the bed or off the path in the forest or in our neighbor’s heart, here is a closer look at the two most storied mythical creatures found in myth and lores. 

Fairies
Fairies are defined as mystical creatures taking a humanoid form. The first impression that springs to mind are that fairies are diminutive, guiding-winged spirits- often taking a form of a beautiful woman- who uses their magical dust to grant wishes or to perform benevolent deeds. While this presentation is commonly known in children's storybooks, they actually have a darker and more sinister history. 

Traditional folklore from England, Ireland, and Scotland depicts this creature as soulless, wicked, and temperamental entities. They are not always tiny as many people generally believe. Depending on the region, fairies can take size as big as a normal human. 

Some fairy legends from Western Europe go if you come across a fairy ring- usually a visible circle of mushrooms- do not dare to step inside. The ring created by the fairies to lure their victims can lead to a number of dire consequences. 

The first one, some myths warned that if you enter, you can die young. Another story alleged that once you enter the ring, you will be forced to dance forever until you die of exhaustion or went mad. Fairy rings could also mean instant portals to the fairy realms where you will be trapped inside for eternity. So, watch out for the mushroom circle when you are traveling to the forest. 

People from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, also have their own version of fairies, called Ebu Gogo. Ebu Gogo is depicted as small humans that often steal food from kitchens and kidnap little kids.

Centaurs
In modern days, centaurs, creatures that are part man and part horse, are considered symbols of supporting forces of good. However, its origin myth is on the contrary. 

From Greek mythology, Centaurs inhabited the mountains and forests of Thessaly and Arcadia. One of the most popular stories which involve the centaurs is that a long time ago, the King of Lapithae held a wedding in Thessaly. During the event, the creatures drank too much wine that they attempted to ride off with the bride. A fierce battle ensued and it was called Centauromachy which appears regularly in ancient Greek art, pottery, and temples. 

The battle represented centaurs as the untamed, and unchecked side of mankind. Battling with their inner animalistic instinct, it is not that they did not try to become more humane, but in the Parthenon, the temple of Athena, Greece, and Centaurs are among the enemies of the Greek state. 

Indonesians, on the other hand, are more familiar with Kuda Sembrani, which is more similar with Pegasus as both has wings but not taking humanoid form.