Living legends – on the reality of our fables and myths
How real are our mythical creatures? Where do they come from and which legends have been woven around them? On the basis of ancient folk tales and sagas from many different cultures and with a surprisingly large knowledge of zoology, Josef H. Reichholf investigates the three most mysterious mythical creatures. According to zoological diagnoses, the unicorn, the legendary ancient beast with miraculous power in its horn, is a real animal that was later attributed with mythical characteristics. The phoenix, risen in majesty from the ashes, has its origins in the flamingo. And the fire-breathing dragon in scaly armour, the most puzzling of these mysterious creatures, was never an animal but a man!
A fascinating journey through time, mythology and natural history.
