This is a list filled with creatures many people, including me, grew up believing in and wished actually existed because of how complex, powerful, and beautiful they were said to be.
The sacred firebird, as it's been called, was said to have a lifespan of 500 to 1000 years, after which is basically turned to ash and was reborn, remembering all that had happened beforehand. If anything, it is the most interesting creature to have been created, and has served for a long time as a symbol of strength and loyalty.
A hybrid of sorts between a lion, a bird, and a woman - the sphinx was so cunning that its riddles left everyone dumbfounded, and ultimately ended up killing them when they got the wrong answer. The sphinx has been immortalized in Egypt, where statues of this mythical creature remain.
First off, let me say I'm aware that there are some forms of dragons that really do exist. What I mean here though are the giant, fire-breathing dragons that inhabit stories, movies, songs, and most of all, our imaginations.
The most shocking thing is that until quite recently, many very well-educated people believed unicorns had or did exist. It was a symbol of purity, and a source of healing powers that only the phoenix could match in mythology.
There have been many descriptions of mermaids throughout history, some good, others bad. Some described mermaids as evil, others as undoubtedly good. Regardless, they've been a mainstay in fairy tales and children's imaginations for the longest time for good reason.
select one here...