Echidna, sculpture by Pirro Ligorio, 1555; located in Parco dei Mostri (Monster Park) in Lazio, Italy
Echidna
Origin: Ancient Greek mythology
Combination: human + snake
Classification: Reptile
Other Names: [none]
Associations: monstrosity, motherhood, underworld
In Greek mythology, Echidna is a fearsome and mysterious creature. She is often depicted as half-woman and half-serpent, combining the beauty of a nymph with the lower body of a snake. Echidna is known as the "mother of all monsters" due to her notorious offspring. According to mythology, she gave birth to various monstrous creatures such as the Sphinx, the Nemean Lion, the Chimera, and many others. Echidna embodies the untamed forces of nature and the chaos that can emerge from it. She represents the concept of monstrous birth and the primal fears associated with powerful and destructive beings.