The TOP 5 Most Terrifying Monsters from Greek Mythology

Keeping with a Christmas Tradition [Unsubscribe]( | [Report spam]( [logo-en] View this email [in your browser]( [Logo-2_2x_1] The TOP 5 Most Terrifying Monsters from Greek Mythology [pic_0] Christmas is a time for ghost stories. Yes, you read that right... in fact, it was a long lasting tradition. And if you looking for proof, just recall Dickens’ masterpiece, the Christmas Carol, where the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future swirl about hauntingly. “Christmas as celebrated in Europe and the U.S. was originally connected to the 'pagan' Winter Solstice celebration and the festival known as Yule. The darkest day of the year was seen by many as a time when the dead would have particularly good access to the living,” religious studies professor Justin Daniels [told]( Omnia, a University of Pennsylvania blog. So in keeping in spirit of the holidays, we thought we should conjure up the scariest ‘ghosts’ from ancient Greek mythology. 5. The Charybdis and Scylla Known from: The Odyssey Confronted by: Odysseus You might argue that because the Charybdis and the Scylla are actually two different monsters, that they should not occupy the same spot on our list of nightmarish creatures. However the two creatures, who lived on opposite sides of a narrow strait, have become so synonymous that it is impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other. The Charybdis is never explicitly described, other than saying it is a ferocious sea monster that lives under a rock on one side of a narrow strait. The Charybdis regularly swallows massive amounts of water which create monstrous whirlpools that are capable of destroying an entire ship. [BTN] Similarly, the Scylla lives on the opposite side of the narrow strait and is believed to have been a many headed sea monster that fed on the flesh of sailors who unwittingly traveled too close to the beast's’ lair. The phrase “between a Charybdis and Scylla” now is understood to mean being stuck between two dangerous decisions with no apparent solution. 4. Cerberus Known from: General Mythology, The Legend of Heracles Confronted by: Heracles Cerberus is a popular creature in ancient mythology. Hades’ loyal guard dog, Cerberus was a massive hound with three heads that guarded the entrance to the underworld. It was said that the beast only had an appetite for living flesh and so would only allow the deceased spirits to pass, while consuming any living mortal who was foolish enough to come near him. It is said that the three heads were meant to symbolize the past, present and future. In other versions of the myth the three heads represent youth, adulthood, and old age. [BTN] [Want to know MORE About the most terrifying Monsters from Greek Mythology? Claim your FREE E-Book - Monsters and Myths Here!]( 3. The Minotaur Known from: The Legend of Theseus Confronted by: Theseus [BTN] A grotesque abomination that possessed the body of a man and the head of a bull, the Minotaur is best remembered for his affinity for devouring flesh and his cryptic home, deep within the confines of the twisted labyrinth. [The labyrinth was an impossible maze constructed by the inventor Daedalus]([.]( It was said to have been located under the palace of Knossos, the home of King Minos of Crete. The story goes that [Theseus, the hero of Athens, volunteers to be sent to Crete as a sacrifice to the monster.]( Upon arriving Theseus is aided by Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos. Before the Athenians can be trapped within the labyrinth, Ariadne releases Theseus from his holding cell and brings him to the entrance of the great maze. Theseus navigates the labyrinth and discovers the Minotaur sleeping in the center of the vast dungeon. Using the element of surprise, Theseus attacks the Minotaur and dispenses the monster with ease. 2. Medusa Known from: The Legend of Perseus Confronted by: Perseus A monstrous creature with the ability to turn to stone any person who gazed upon her face, Medusa remains a popular monster of ancient mythology. Interpretations of Medusa differ. Some accounts describe how Medusa was born to the archaic marine deity, Ceto. In this version of the tale, Medusa is born with a hideous face and a serpent’s tail where her legs should be. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Medusa was told to have once been a beautiful maiden who was transformed into a hideous monster after being raped in the temple of Athena by the sea god Poseidon. The one aspect of Medusa that remains consistent through various legends his her hair, which was said to have been composed of writhing, venomous snakes. [BTN] 1. Typhon Known from: The Theogony Confronted by: Zeus [BTN] When making this list, I gave serious thought to who would occupy the seat as the most terrifying monster of Greek mythology. I asked several colleagues and took several polls. However, when we take time to truly consider all the legendary beast, there can be only one clear winner. Typhon was known as the “Father of All Monsters.” He was birthed from Gaia (the earth) and Tartarus (the depths of hell). He was said to have been the most ferocious creature ever to roam the earth. Typhon was massive. It was said that when he stood upright, his head brushed against the stars. The lower half of his body consisted of two coiled viper tails that constantly were hissing. Instead of fingers, several dragon heads erupted from his hands. He was said to have wings that, when spread, could blot out the sun. Fire flashed from his eyes, striking fear into the heart of any living creature, even the might Olympians. Typhon was so mighty, that the only conceivable opponent to defy him was Zeus himself. While the other Olympians ran in fear, Zeus stood firm against the monstrous being. A great battle ensued that caused countless earthquakes and tsunamis. The war between Typhon and Zeus was so mighty that it threatened to break the planet in two. Eventually Zeus would triumph over Typhon. By casting one hundred well aimed thunderbolts to the head of the monster, Typhon was cast down into the pits of Tartarus where he was sealed away for all time. However, the rage of this monster could not be contained. While he was trapped beneath the earth, he occasionally would experience fits of anger. His furry would manifest in the form of volcanic eruptions, and in this way Typhon continues to terrorize humanity from his earthly prison... and wins the number one spot of Most Terrifying Monster from Greek Mythology! The Monsters from Greek Mythology are by definition Legendary! 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