Enchanted Creatures: Our Monsters and Their Meanings

by Natalie Lawrence

The hydra rears its many heads in a flurry of teeth and poisonous fumes. The cyborg lays waste to humanity with a ruthless, expressionless stare.

From ancient mythology to modern science fiction, we have had to confront the monsters that lurk in the depths of our collective imagination. They embody our anxieties and our irrational terrors, giving form to what we don't wish to know or understand. For millennia, monsters have helped us to manage the extraordinary complexity of our minds and to deal with the challenges of being human.

In Enchanted Creatures, Natalie Lawrence delves into 15,000 years of imaginary beasts and uncovers the other-worldly natural history that has evolved with our deepest fears and fascinations. Join Lawrence on a tour of prehistoric cave monsters, serpentine hybrids, deep-sea leviathans and fire-breathing Kaiju. Discover how this monstrous menagerie has shaped our minds, our societies and how we see our place in nature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, History, Dragons, Folklore

358 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

I am an author and illustrator who explores our relationship with the natural world, looking through multiple lenses - from the biological to the mythic and psychoanalytic. I have a first-class MCantab in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, during which I spent most of my time in the Zoology department. After that, I completed a MSc and Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science at Cambridge, exploring the making and meanings of monstrous creatures in seventeenth century Europe.

I published my first book when I was a teenager, Feathers and Eggshells, inspired by my very favourite place, Hampstead Heath and the birds I was entranced by as a child. I have given a TedX talk, appeared on BBC Radio, and worked with installation artists. Currently, I live in a converted church in London with my partner and two Maine coons, Loki and Thor. My study is filled with plants and a natural history collection - which includes everything from megalodon teeth to Venus flower baskets and hornbill skulls

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof. A real mixed bag. There are some fun morsels and thought provoking ideas in here, but it feels like it's trying to cram so much in that it doesn't manage to build a cogent thread to lead to some of the conclusions in the text.

There's a thread of odd, largely inconsequential, mistakes (Michael Crichton isn't a paleontologist, the Goblin King is called Jareth not Jared, phobia of snakes isn't the #1 phobia, tiger bones don't come from Africa) that make me question some of the more consequential statements in the book. The two combined make me feel this book really needed another edit pass.

I enjoyed it most when I had a bitesize chunk, I found it frustrating when it threaded these chunks together to not-always-convincing degrees. I think if it had more space or narrower focus to explore some of the more interesting ideas put forward it would be more what I'm after in this sort of book. This felt more like a tasting menu - which isn't necessarily a bad thing! - but I was hoping for something to get my teeth into.

[Costantino Andrea De Luca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Il libro racconta come gli esseri umani abbiano inventato tante "creature meravigliose" per rappresentare gli aspetti più selvaggi e irrazionali del loro animo.

Sebbene il tema di fondo sia interessante, la trattazione rimane spesso superficiale. L'autrice menziona tanti argomenti, passando dai miti mesopotamici a Beowulf, dalle pitture rupestri a Medusa, dai dinosauri ai titani, ma non approfondisce seriamente quasi nulla. Il risultato è che ci si dimentica in fretta ciò che si legge.

Il libro contiene qualche errore grossolano. A pagina 69, per esempio, si sostiene che "il Minotauro ha probabilmente tremila anni. Ha vissuto una lunga, prospera vita fin dal I millennio a.C., quando fu descritto nei poemi e nelle storie di autori greci come Plutarco e Diodoro Siculo".

Leggendo simili frasi, mi è venuto il dubbio che l'autrice non abbia ben capito come funzioni la cronologia. Non ha senso, infatti, sostenere che l'invenzione del Minotauro risalga a 3000 anni fa citando due autori greci di epoca romana, vissuti circa 2000 anni fa. Plutarco tra l'altro non scrisse nulla nel I millennio a.C., essendo vissuto tra il I e il II secolo d.C.

In generale, questo saggio non mi ha convinto particolarmente. Nonostante ciò, ho apprezzato lo stile di scrittura divulgativo e qualche aneddoto curioso. La storia del medico olandese (Jacob de Bondt) alle prese con la fauna indonesiana è effettivamente interessante.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be advised, this is more about the psychology and sociology of monsters than about the monsters themselves. Entertaining and educational, but could have been cut by a third.

[Sembray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first drawn to this book by the captivating cover, and on reading the synopsis I knew it would make for interesting reading. Lawrence has studied monsters and what they reveal about our understanding of the world, and this volume represents a pithy and enjoyable voyage through their weird and wonderful worlds. Each chapter covers a different archetype, ranging from the minotaur and snake women to dragons of chaos and dinosaurs. As a species we've been drawing monsters for as long as we've been creating cave art, and we are still fascinated by them today as any trip to the cinema will demonstrate. As well as retelling stories of their origins and how they've been viewed throughout history, Lawrence delves into our collective subconscious to demonstrate how monsters have shaped and been shaped by our understandings of our selves and our position in the cosmos. She reveals that far from being mere fantasies, these beasts represent primeval and basal human fears of a variety of subjects, ranging from female sexuality and extinction to our own bestial impulses and what were seen as exotic aspects of unknown lands and people. On the whole, this book offered an enjoyable and wide-ranging overview of our conception of monsters, illustrating why they still persist and terrify us in our supposedly more rational age. It's a perfect read for a spooky autumn evening, as well as an eye-opening dive into some of our oldest and most enduring facets of the imagination.

[Dave Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun. A very entertaining look at monsters from mythology and other stories and examining what they mean and why they appeal to people (like me).

[Sam Worby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Preachy, patronising, and way too ungrounded. Just a lot of speculation spun into a kind of show off essay collection. Dull. Not worth reading if you know anything about the subject.

[Jas (Jaswoahreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie Lawrence immediately makes my list of authors I'd love to have over for a dinner party.

I really hope we see her taking on a Natalie Haynes-esque career trajectory.

[James Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn into Enchanted Creatures! Lawrence's mix of storytelling and insight kept me hooked, making me see monsters in a whole new light - reflecting our deepest fears and anxieties. The mix of mythology, science, and storytelling is super interesting, and it’s easy to get lost in. A fascinating and unforgettable read!

[Ava Van den Bergh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Echanted Creatures overall. It’s an interesting and wide-ranging look at monsters – where they come from, how they’re interpreted and why they still mater today. The book covers a lot of ground, sometimes maybe a bit too much, but if offered a lot of interesting facts. I especially liked the mythological parts and the psychological interpretations of those ‘monsters’.

The first part of the book was my favorite. It focused on specific monsters and explored their interpretations and meanings. It didn’t stick to the usual Greco-Roman myths like Medusa or the Minotaur, but also included lesser-known figures like the Mesopotamian Tiamat and the Anglo-Saxon Grendel from Beowulf. I really liked book looked at these stories through a psychological lens: are monsters really monsters or just a projection of our own deepest desires and thoughts, that we reject and shunt of to outsiders?

Some chapters felt a bit unfocused. Chapter 7, for example, was about European curiosity cabinets. It described how exotic animals where sometimes seen as ‘monstrous’ and how ‘monsters’ could be constructed using various parts of animals. But the examples where mostly likened to dragon-like creatures, and I was left wondering if there weren’t any other creatures they considered monstrous. Snake- and dragon-like creatures seemed to be the main focus of the entire book.

The chapter on the Leviathan had a similar issue. It included a long list of sea creatures, but only went into detail on a few of them, like sharks and walruses. Others were just briefly mentioned, without much explanation. And in the final chapter, modern monsters like zombies and vampires were only mentioned in passing, which felt an afterthought.

One thing that stood out to me was the author’s attitude towards religion. Lawrence often refers to a world of “men and monsters, without gods”, but in many mythologies the line between monsters and gods is blurred. Gods can create monsters, protect against them, or even be monsters themselves.

I’ve also noticed a few small mistakes, like the name ‘Jared’ instead of ‘Jareth’ for the Goblin King from Labyrinth, and a couple of factual errors. Nothing major, but it still made me question validity of the other facts in the book.

Even with those flaws, I still think Enchanted Creatures is a good read. It gives a broad overview of monsters and what they might represent. I would have preferred fewer monsters with more in-depth analysis, but each chapter could easily be it’s own book, so as an introduction or overview this certainly has it’s worth. Especially the first chapters are worth recommending.

[Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me the most wasn’t the creatures themselves, but the way the author uses them to talk about us. Monsters and myths don’t come from nowhere: we created them to explain what we didn’t understand, to give shape to our fears, to reflect the darker parts of our nature.

The book offers a deep and thought-provoking analysis of our need for storytelling and meaning — and how legends have always served that need. Each creature is a doorway into broader reflections on who we are, what we fear, and what we hope to become.

It begins with ancient myths, exploring how they reflect the hardships of life on Earth. Then it moves through figures like serpent women — symbols of male fear toward the seductive power and allure of the feminine. And it ends with the towering kaiju, born from the terror of our own destructive potential, especially in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

A compelling blend of anthropology, psychology, and pop culture — smart, sensitive, and enlightening.
Highly recommended for everyone: myth lovers, monster fans, and anyone curious about the human condition.

Recensione in italiano

Quello che mi ha colpito di più non sono state tanto le creature in sé, quanto il modo in cui l’autore le usa per parlare di noi. Mostri e miti non nascono dal nulla: li abbiamo creati per spiegare ciò che non capivamo, per dare forma alle nostre paure, per specchiarci nei lati più oscuri dell’animo umano.

C'è un’analisi profonda e stimolante del bisogno umano di narrazione, di senso, e del modo in cui le leggende rispondono a questo bisogno. Ogni creatura raccontata è lo spunto per una riflessione più ampia su chi siamo, su cosa temiamo, e su cosa desideriamo diventare.

Si parte dai miti ancestrali, che ci aiutano a comprendere quanto la vita sulla Terra non sia mai stata semplice, né scontata. Si passa per figure come le donne serpente, emblema della paura maschile nei confronti del potere della seduzione e del fascino femminile. Si arriva infine ai giganteschi kaiju, che incarnano il terrore della nostra stessa capacità distruttiva, soprattutto dopo l’orrore delle bombe atomiche su Hiroshima e Nagasaki.

Un saggio che intreccia antropologia, psicologia e cultura pop con intelligenza e sensibilità. Consigliato a tutti: a chi ama i miti, a chi è incuriosito dai mostri… ma soprattutto a chi vuole capire un po' di più l’essere umano.

[Laurence · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A gorgeous looking book and very easy to read. Well written and understandable. However the author comes to various topics with subtle conclusions already in place and doesn’t always argue enough to convince an astute reader. Some things seems to be incorrect - the carchardontosaurus is definitely not ‘5 times bigger than a t.rex’, for example. It may be slightly larger, though even that seems inconclusive, but is certainly thought to have been lighter and with a less powerful bite.

The author also comes to these thoughts with their own views on the bible and religion. Takes god out of the picture as though that is a given these days, despite science’s remit of ‘how’ not ‘why’ which cannot disprove god at all. Also the biblical picture language of Revelation is never taken as anything but supposed to be literal by the author, and as such comes across as dismissive.

Lots of interesting history of people and ages and various bones and fossils but most of the conclusions or what things mean are either uncertain or not securely argued.

[Lemony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so interesting to read! I picked it up initially due to the gorgeous cover art and for it covering what I felt was a similar idea/topic to a podcast I enjoy (Mythical Monsters). I didn't realize what a fascinating read it would be!

I felt that the culmination of the different ideas and topics surrounding each type of creature added to my understanding of it and gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own ideas around the different monsters. Learning about the histories of different monsters alongside the cultures and times of their creation, and with links to modern thinking and scenarios, was so informative and eye-opening.

This book fully rekindled my love for monsters and myths and makes me want to learn even more <3

[Judith Heede · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intellectual, emotional, and cinematic journey into the monsters we create.

Natalie Lawrence’s Enchanted Creatures is one of those rare reads that manages to be incredibly well-researched without losing its sense of magic. A story of myth, psychology, and cultural reflection — a book as magical as it is deeply researched. From the ancient beasts of Gilgamesh to the cinematic terror of Jaws, from AI-generated future monsters to classic alien fears, this book is not only a thrilling catalogue of mythical and modern creatures but also a profound inquiry into the human psyche.

As a lifelong movie lover and writer myself, I was particularly drawn to the way Lawrence stitches together references from literature, film, and history with academic elegance and a storyteller’s heart. It’s a rare blend — intellectually satisfying yet utterly enchanting, like reading a fairy tale with a footnote from Cambridge.

One of the most eye-opening sections for me was the chapter on women and snakes. It made me reflect deeply on how many of these so-called monstrous figures — like Medusa or other serpentine female archetypes — were crafted by male storytellers projecting their own fears, desires, and insecurities onto women. Historically, women weren’t allowed into creative or myth making spaces. So it’s no surprise that the myths we inherited often demonize female sexuality or power. Lawrence unpacks this with nuance and clarity, making it impossible not to see the same patterns still echoing today — in the way society shames and labels women for owning their sensuality. That chapter alone felt like a revelation.

From a psychological angle, Lawrence brilliantly explains how we as humans externalize the parts of ourselves we don’t want to face — our fears, shadows, urges — and project them onto “monsters,” whether in nature, in fiction, or in imagined futures. With my background in psychological work, this hit home. It’s projection, plain and simple — dressed up in dragon scales and movie soundtracks.

And yet, for all its scholarly insight, Enchanted Creatures never loses its sense of wonder. It reads like myth itself — rich, evocative, and timeless. There’s historical depth, pop culture relevance, and a touch of fantasy that makes it feel like both an academic study and a love letter to the human imagination.

In short: I was enchanted. Natalie Lawrence has created something truly special — a book that not only entertains, but challenges, reveals, and heals. Highly recommended for readers who love mythology, psychology, cinema, and stories that make you see the world (and yourself) differently.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted Creatures: Our Monsters and Their Meanings, is a captivating exploration of the monsters that have emerged from our imaginations, and how they shape our understanding of ourselves, nature, and the cosmos.

The book is a profound journey through myth, psychology, science and history, echoing the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung while presenting a fresh, compelling voice that speaks to today's turbulent world.

In the Monsters of Creation section, she deftly unpacks the symbolism of prehistoric beasts on cave walls and the chaos dragons and Minotaur of ancient myth. She illuminates how these creatures reflect the duality of our nature—the clash between chaos and order, creativity and destruction. She also shows us that to create and grow, we must face our inner monsters and harness the chaos within us.

In Monsters of Nature, she brings to life figures like Medusa and Grendel, showing how our fears and prejudices have historically turned powerful symbols of wildness and femininity into objects of horror. She makes a compelling case that these monstrous depictions reflect society's attempts to suppress what it finds threatening. Fans of Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, or modern retelling such as Circe by Madeline Miller will love this. With issues like environmental degradation and gender equality, this section feels particularly timely and necessary.

The final section, Monsters of Knowledge, challenges the supremacy of scientific rationalism. She explores how strange new discoveries, like the dinosaurs, were imagined and radically shaped by existing worldviews, and reminds us that we have always needed wonder.

The conclusion is Titans of Gaia which reflects on how modern monsters like Godzilla mirror our anxieties in the Anthropocene, where humanity itself is the greatest threat.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exploration of monsters and their psychological and cultural roles. Lawrence takes a chronological overview, from prehistoric cave paintings and sweeping through the classical, medieval, early modern and modern eras, ending with Godzilla.

The focus is mainly European and Near Eastern, and when she does range further afield, she uses a European lens, however, this is acknowledged within the text: Other Mythologies and Cultures Are Available! I liked the sensitive way she handled perspectives.

My favourite chapters were among the earlier ones about the chaos dragons of Mesopotamia; gorgons and snake-women, and Grendel, but the whole book engaged my attention nicely.

Having written a chapter on how Europeans 'monsterfied' the distant lands, animals and people they colonized, I think Lawrence could have written an interesting chapter on how native cultures 'monsterfied' European invaders, though I don't know whether that process occurred: I bet it did, but there's no way the UK school curriculum I went through could have dealt with that!

Interesting, thought-provoking and lively 4.25 🧌

[Kraven Moorhead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really about the Monsters themselves and more of a Sociology/History book.

It's definitely could have been cut down. The most interesting parts of this book are where Natalie provides a history of the Monsters creation and the stories underpinning the Monsters legend.

However the rest is just terrible. It feels like a patronizing lecture by a middle-upper class privileged person who seems to think they are a victim of all societies ills. I mean we didn't come here to be lectured on sociological issues. Of course they are important but that's not why people picked up this book. It feels like Natalie couldn't help but make this book about herself and her views instead of Spotlighting the reason people wanted to read this.

As others have said, she also gets a lot of the history wrong here. It makes you wonder if she is even qualified.

Avoid.

[Jonathan Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75.

A fascinating look at the monsters of myth and history, and why we may have dreamed that up, filled with interesting historical informational and curiosities. I thought it would go into more detail around pop cultural monsters, and a couple of these references cite incorrect character names, so perhaps it's a benefit it didn't. Overall a swift and interesting read, recommended if you have any interest in folklore, myth, or paleontology

[Ellie Cripps · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was less detailed than I had hoped/ expected, but I enjoyed some of the sections and the overall premise of exploring mythical creatures from the perspective of why we have and continue to find them compelling.

[Claire]

I couldn't get into this... however I did like this quote "Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories"

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Sabrina Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up!

[audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think not exactly what I thought it would be, and wish it went into more detail for each category! I just feel like there could be more.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 but Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars.

[Dr. Rory · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5