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Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures - Global Mythology: An Illustrated Bestiary of Legendary Beasts, Monsters & Spirits from Around the World.
Step into the hidden realms of
The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology
—an immersive artbook and fantasy reference that brings dragon lore, mermaid legends, and countless other supernatural creatures vividly to life. From the moment you open its pages, you’ll travel across deserts, oceans, and cloud-capped peaks, guided by luminous paintings from master illustrator Satoshi Watanabe and prose that bridges ancient legends with modern imagination.
Richly researched yet endlessly readable, this global folklore anthology profiles over 100 cultural myths—from Greek labyrinth guardians and West African river spirits to cryptids stalking Nordic forests. Each entry functions as both story and origin tales, epic lore, mythic symbolism, and fresh insights into how these beings still echo through movies, games, and pop culture today. It’s a worldbuilding resource and cryptid guide in one beautifully bound collector edition.
The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology reveals how myth answers timeless questions about fear, hope, and identity. From Japanese tales to Cerberus, the three-headed dog, this book will inspire and teach you about myths from around the world. Discover how Pegasus got its wings, what lesson the trickster kitsune hides beneath nine silver tails.
Whether you’re crafting a roleplaying campaign, seeking creative inspiration, or simply chasing wonder, this volume delivers a treasure trove of storytelling fuel.
Perfect for gamers, artists, historians, and dreamers alike, this encyclopedia belongs on every coffee table and in every adventurer’s pack and myth lover's. Turn the page—your next legendary encounter awaits.
Richly researched yet endlessly readable, this global folklore anthology profiles over 100 cultural myths—from Greek labyrinth guardians and West African river spirits to cryptids stalking Nordic forests. Each entry functions as both story and origin tales, epic lore, mythic symbolism, and fresh insights into how these beings still echo through movies, games, and pop culture today. It’s a worldbuilding resource and cryptid guide in one beautifully bound collector edition.
The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology reveals how myth answers timeless questions about fear, hope, and identity. From Japanese tales to Cerberus, the three-headed dog, this book will inspire and teach you about myths from around the world. Discover how Pegasus got its wings, what lesson the trickster kitsune hides beneath nine silver tails.
Whether you’re crafting a roleplaying campaign, seeking creative inspiration, or simply chasing wonder, this volume delivers a treasure trove of storytelling fuel.
Perfect for gamers, artists, historians, and dreamers alike, this encyclopedia belongs on every coffee table and in every adventurer’s pack and myth lover's. Turn the page—your next legendary encounter awaits.
- GenresMythology
214 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 27, 2026
I was skeptical at first.
Not because of the premise of the book, but because of the price.
I know, I know. But I buy a lot. And I wasn’t sure if this book was worth it.
I can now say it is.
Stunning illustrations, beautiful crafted storytelling and it’s very clear that the author takes a high interest in these stunning myths, legends and folklore around the world.
A lot of these legends were new to me and I loved how we got a little bit of all mayor countries own take on mythology. From Norse to Korean, from Mesopotamian to African. All these tales were powerful, interesting and absolutely fantastic to read about.
The only thing is the fact that for this price I had hoped the cover/ feel/ spine etc. was more decorative. It’s not. It’s still beautiful. I have just bought more beautiful books for half the price. (You can tell I really love a stunning book,right?)
Am I getting another?
Yes.
It’s a favorite topic of mine, okay?
Read: 27.08.2026
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Mythology- folklore- illustrated
Cover: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes- and bonus info- the spine does not have the “number one” on, so if you just want the Egyptian or the Slavic mythology book from all these - you can.
Not because of the premise of the book, but because of the price.
I know, I know. But I buy a lot. And I wasn’t sure if this book was worth it.
I can now say it is.
Stunning illustrations, beautiful crafted storytelling and it’s very clear that the author takes a high interest in these stunning myths, legends and folklore around the world.
A lot of these legends were new to me and I loved how we got a little bit of all mayor countries own take on mythology. From Norse to Korean, from Mesopotamian to African. All these tales were powerful, interesting and absolutely fantastic to read about.
The only thing is the fact that for this price I had hoped the cover/ feel/ spine etc. was more decorative. It’s not. It’s still beautiful. I have just bought more beautiful books for half the price. (You can tell I really love a stunning book,right?)
Am I getting another?
Yes.
It’s a favorite topic of mine, okay?
Read: 27.08.2026
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Mythology- folklore- illustrated
Cover: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes- and bonus info- the spine does not have the “number one” on, so if you just want the Egyptian or the Slavic mythology book from all these - you can.
September 18, 2025
I loved reading this book, an encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures - Global Mythology, Beasts, Monsters and Spirits from around the world. What an Awesome book to read and the pictures are stunning.
I learnt a lot from reading this book, my favourites though, were the Centaur, Cerberus, Gorgon, Griffin, Minotaur, Siren, Fenrir, Valkyrie, Banshee, Werewolf, Sphinx, Doppelganger, Mermaid, Vampire and Wendigo.
But I really did love them all and loved learning more about them. Awesome read! I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I learnt a lot from reading this book, my favourites though, were the Centaur, Cerberus, Gorgon, Griffin, Minotaur, Siren, Fenrir, Valkyrie, Banshee, Werewolf, Sphinx, Doppelganger, Mermaid, Vampire and Wendigo.
But I really did love them all and loved learning more about them. Awesome read! I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
A Stunning Journey Through Myth and Imagination
A Stunning Journey Through Myth and Imagination
From the first page, this book pulled me into a world of wonder and legend. The artwork is breathtaking and makes each creature feel alive and full of history. I loved how every entry blends story, culture, and meaning in a way that is easy to read and fascinating. It taught me so much about myths from around the world while sparking my imagination. This is a book I keep returning to for inspiration and pure enjoyment.
A Stunning Journey Through Myth and Imagination
From the first page, this book pulled me into a world of wonder and legend. The artwork is breathtaking and makes each creature feel alive and full of history. I loved how every entry blends story, culture, and meaning in a way that is easy to read and fascinating. It taught me so much about myths from around the world while sparking my imagination. This is a book I keep returning to for inspiration and pure enjoyment.
March 8, 2026
Delivers on detailed, beautiful and engaging images
I already read the second encyclopedia and can say that ‘Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures’ consistently delivers on detailed, beautiful and engaging images. Critics claim that the images are AI generated. I’m sure that’s true, however these images have been clearly edited and carefully curated if the were generated by AI. I will say that there are some redundancies between volumes 1 and 2 but that would be expected given the nature of each volume.
I already read the second encyclopedia and can say that ‘Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures’ consistently delivers on detailed, beautiful and engaging images. Critics claim that the images are AI generated. I’m sure that’s true, however these images have been clearly edited and carefully curated if the were generated by AI. I will say that there are some redundancies between volumes 1 and 2 but that would be expected given the nature of each volume.
November 23, 2025
extensive book on mythical creatures
This book has to be the most extensive book on mythical creatures that I’ve ever read. I feel like every mythical creature is covered from the popular well known ones like the cyclops, werewolves, and Pegasus to the unknown ones that I had never heard of before, like Echidna, Lamia, and Draugr. Each creature had a beautifully illustrated image also. Very impressive.
This book has to be the most extensive book on mythical creatures that I’ve ever read. I feel like every mythical creature is covered from the popular well known ones like the cyclops, werewolves, and Pegasus to the unknown ones that I had never heard of before, like Echidna, Lamia, and Draugr. Each creature had a beautifully illustrated image also. Very impressive.
January 5, 2026
Great read
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I noticed quite a few misspellings' I know this can happen and I'm not trying to be judgmental. Overall this is a good read and the pictures are beautiful and well illustrated.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I noticed quite a few misspellings' I know this can happen and I'm not trying to be judgmental. Overall this is a good read and the pictures are beautiful and well illustrated.
July 5, 2026
AI generated nonsense.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews