Mythical creatures

Almost every creature on Earth has legends of imaginary beasts. Some are like humans with supernatural powers. Some are part human, part animal while others are unlike anything we know. Giants or ogres are enormous human – shaped creatures. They are usually seen as fearsome but stupid monsters that feed on human flesh. Famous giants include Goliath in the Bible, and Cyclops, Atlas and the Titans in Greek mythology. Leprechauns are small Irish fairies who bring good luck. They are helpful creatures, usually shown wearing green clothes, with an apron, buckled shoes and a red cap. Their fun – loving nature means that leprechauns are fond of alcohol, music and sport, but they are also mischievous and love practical jokes. Other “little people”, including elves, dwarfs, gnomes and pixels, appear in many European fairy stories. A centaur is half – horse and half – man, with the head and arms of a man and the body of a horse.