What’s a cryptid I hear you say? Coming from the Latin word for ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’, cryptids are creatures which are alleged to be real, but their existence is shrouded in mystery and conspiracy. A bit like Big Foot and aliens. The ‘are they?’ or ‘aren’t they?’ is the fuel that keeps the cryptid fire burning.
I was first introduced to cryptids through the game Poptropica. This was quite possibly the best and one of the most imaginative levels the game had come up with. Essentially, you arrive at Cryptids Island and it’s up to you to prove the existence of a select number of cryptids for a lucrative 1 million dollar reward. Sounds easy enough, right?
As Halloween approaches, let’s dive in to the fascinating world of cryptids.
Nessie
By far, one of the most famous cryptids, is the Loch Ness Monster. Hailing from the mists of Scotland’s Loch Ness, the legend of a fearsome water serpent has captured the interest of local and international media for decades. Encounters with the enormous water monster date back as early as 565 AD, where Irish Missionary, St Columba, came face to face with an enormous serpent-shaped monster.
Most of us will know of Nessie’s most famous photo, taken by Robert Wilson in 1934. However, the gentle giant was nothing more than a long-necked, plastic submarine hoax.
Speculation around Nessie’s existence still continues to this day, with research groups taking to the water, intent on being the first group to find unequivocal evidence. So far, nobody has seen Nessie, not even with our new fangled technology. It begs the question: wouldn’t such a huge water-dwelling creature have been seen by now? Supposedly. Or does she stick to the depths? Even blue whales have to come up to the surface! But that’s cryptids for you. Their appeal is in that grey area.
The Chupacabra
El Chupacabra is a Latin-American cryptid which translates to “goat sucker”. Reports of livestock mysteriously being killed in Puerto Rico in 1955 were attributed to this terrifying, vampirish beast. However, others were not so convinced. The appearance of the chupacabra in general is mixed. Some say it is a large dog with spines along its back. Others depict the chupacabra as a kangaroo-like creature that stands on its hind legs. Most recently, it’s thought chupacabras are actually just coyotes infected with mange. Either way, the legend of the chupacabra remains a mystery and one that has found its way into popular culture.
The Yeti
The myth of the yeti has been around for what seems like an age. According to legend, the yeti is a giant ape-like monster. It has white hair which helps it blend into its snowy environment of the Himalayan Mountains. It’s also been called the Abominable Snowman, with cousins the Sasquatch and Big Foot living in America. According to Monsters Inc., he also has a penchant for making lemon flavoured snow cones.
The Jersey Devil
By far the creepiest cryptid I’ve ever come across is the Jersey Devil. To understand its origins, let’s have a read of the letter they give you in Poptropica:
Let us travel back in time 300 years to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. On a dark, moonless night, Mother Leeds gave birth to her thirteenth child. A hideous creature emerged with feathery wings, a long tail, horns and a head like a horse. It let out a terrible cry and flew up the chimney…
people still report hearing its unearthly cry in the woods late at night.
That still gives me the chills! American folklore depicts the Jersey Devil as a goat-like creature with large wings and a long tail. Among the many hoaxes, the Jersey Devil is likely a story made up by early settlers to entertain (and definitely scare) folks by candlelight. I know for a fact I wouldn’t sleep for weeks.
What’s your favourite cryptid?? Let me know if you’d like to see another blog post on these fascinating figures of legend!
rebekah writes stuff. 