Katoblepas (from the Greek καταβλέπω [katablépō] “look down”) is a legendary creature , described first by Pliny the Elder , and then by Claudius Elian , who lives in Ethiopia . In legends, this creature has the body of a buffalo and the head of a boar . The back of his torso is significant and protects the beast, and its head is always lowered down. His gaze or breath can either turn people into stone or kill them, moreover, his gaze is supposedly dangerous even for other catoblepas and the beholder, if he can suddenly see himself.
| Catoblepas | |
|---|---|
 engraving of 1614 with the image of catoblepas | |
The image of catoblepas, according to modern assumptions, is based on real encounters with wildebeests : some dictionaries claim that the word is synonymous with the word "wildebeest" [1] . Subsequently, catoblepas was described as a real animal by Leonardo da Vinci .
In art
At present, the real existence of catoblepas is not even considered by cryptozoology , but it occasionally appears in various works of modern art, such as science fiction and computer games:
- In the game Final Fantasy VIII .
- In the game Heroes of Might and Magic III (featured under the name "Gorgons" ).
- In the game The Witcher .
- In the game Pathos.
See also
- Book of fictional creatures
Sources
- ↑ McGowen, Tom. Encyclopedia of legendary creatures . - Chicago: Rand McNally, 1981.- 64 pages p. - ISBN 0528824023 , 9780528824029, 0528800744, 9780528800740.