Manticor (Martigora), copperplate engraving by Matthäus Merian from Johannes Jonston’s “Historiae Naturalis,” 1650
Manticore
Origin: Persian mythology
Combination: human + lion + scorpion
Classification: Mammal
Other Names: Mantichore, Manticor, Merthykhuwar, Mardkhor,
Martigora
Associations: ferocity, poison, human consumption
The Manticore is a mythical creature from various ancient mythologies, including Persian, Greek, and Indian. It is depicted as a creature with the body of a lion, a human face with sharp teeth, and a tail that ends in a cluster of venomous spines.
The Manticore is often described as a fierce and bloodthirsty creature, known for its ferocity in hunting and devouring its prey. It is considered a formidable and dangerous monster, feared by humans. In some legends, it is said to have the ability to mimic human voices to lure its victims.