The Man-eater
The manticore is a mythological creature of great reputation and great courage. Finding its earliest home in Persia, this beasty has since moved on. From literature to coats of arms and from Persia to most of Europe the manticore has traveled.
Like any other mythological or supernatural creature the manticore is not exempt from having many different tales and many different appearances. However, reported sightings mainly describe manticores as large animals with the face of a man, body of a lion and a poisonous tail. Though tails may vary, the most common seems to be one that is capable of shooting venomous porcupine-like quills at the manticore's prey.
If you are easily disturbed by the slightest of gruesome facts then I suggest you turn back now. If you aren't then by all means read on.
Manticores preyed on humans. Not on the lonesome traveler that frequently became lost, but on groups of men. Two or three at the least. And though these creatures can be weakened, there is no mention of a manticore ever being killed (to the best of my knowledge that is). So if you plan to try and fight one here's a piece of advice: don't. Once stung by a manticore the fight for the prey is over; paralysis will overcome the prey and leave it an easy snack for the manticore. And after the manticore finishes eating there is nothing left - bones included.
Like any other mythological or supernatural creature the manticore is not exempt from having many different tales and many different appearances. However, reported sightings mainly describe manticores as large animals with the face of a man, body of a lion and a poisonous tail. Though tails may vary, the most common seems to be one that is capable of shooting venomous porcupine-like quills at the manticore's prey.
If you are easily disturbed by the slightest of gruesome facts then I suggest you turn back now. If you aren't then by all means read on.
Manticores preyed on humans. Not on the lonesome traveler that frequently became lost, but on groups of men. Two or three at the least. And though these creatures can be weakened, there is no mention of a manticore ever being killed (to the best of my knowledge that is). So if you plan to try and fight one here's a piece of advice: don't. Once stung by a manticore the fight for the prey is over; paralysis will overcome the prey and leave it an easy snack for the manticore. And after the manticore finishes eating there is nothing left - bones included.
If you ever hear the sound of a trumpet yet find no cause for it, be careful. Manticores are rumored to have voices that sound like trumpets combined with the lower notes played on a flute, making for a strange melodious sound. Most other animals know to flee on hearing this song-like dialect, yet humans are captivated by its beauty. Hence another example of when beauty is a deadly weapon.
Ah, the beautiful things are always the downfall of the best of people. The songs of the sirens and the beauty of a samodiva, as well as the more natural creatures of this world - all are beautiful yet deadly. Perhaps next time I shall share a story with you instead of facts. It would be a pleasant change to be sharing some of my adventures, as unexciting that they may be. But I'm afraid I've started to be a bore with my tediously dull words so for now I shall put my pen down.
Until we meet again,
The Friendly Steampunk
Credits to Google Images for the picture
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