Dragons
In Norse mythology, a greedy dwarf named Fafnir became so obsessed with hoarding his cursed gold ring and treasure that he eventually transformed into one of these
Dragon
Known for being grounded, practical, and deeply loyal, Taurus is represented by this strong, stubborn farm animal
Bull
Known as the ultimate symbol of rebirth and renewal, the phoenix is a legendary, brightly colored bird that bursts into flames at the end of its life and rises brand new from these
Ashes
You don't even have to visit the ocean to spot a twin-tailed mermaid—one has been featured since 1971 on the iconic green-and-white logo of this Seattle-born coffeehouse chain.
Starbucks
In the Harry Potter series, Dobby and Winky are loyal, magic-wielding house-elves who can only be set free from serving a wizarding family if their master presents them with one of these everyday items.
Piece of clothing
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Triwizard champions must sneak past four fiercely protective mother dragons guarding their nests—including Harry's deadly opponent, the spiked-tail breed named this.
Hungarian Horntail
A man with the body of a hourse is called what?
Cenutaur
In the Harry Potter series, Professor Dumbledore keeps a loyal, scarlet-and-gold pet phoenix named Fawkes, whose magical tears have the power to do this
Heal any wound
Tired sailors at sea—including Christopher Columbus—famously mistook these gentle, slow-moving marine mammals for mermaids from afar.
Dugongs
Long before they became Santa's cheerful toy-makers, elves in Norse mythology were glowing, nature-loving spirits ruled by Freyr, the god of sunshine, peace, and this season.
Summer
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Hagrid briefly plays "mom" to a newly hatched Norwegian Ridgeback dragon, giving the baby fire-breather this surprisingly cute name.
Norbert (or Norbaerta)
A man with the body of a elk is called a
Rumitaur
Because the phoenix rises stronger and brighter after burning to ashes, it has become a popular symbol of resilience and a fresh start—and also lends its name to the sunny capital city of this U.S. state.
Arizona
According to Scottish and Irish folklore, these gentle mythical seal-folk can shed their furry seal skins to walk on land as beautiful humans—and are known for being fiercely devoted, loving mothers to their children.
Selkies
In the beloved 2003 holiday comedy Elf, Will Ferrell plays Buddy—a human raised at the North Pole who insists that the four main elf food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns, and this
Maple syrup
How do dragons make their flame?
By a fire-sack an internal organ with flamable liquid in it that dragons can light and spit at will
In Greek mythology, this famous half-half monster lived in the center of a giant underground maze called the Labyrinth on the island of Crete.
Minotaur
According to ancient Greek legend, there is only ever one phoenix alive at a time, and when it is ready to die, it builds a cozy nest out of fragrant spices and twigs—including this popular baking spice.
Cinnomen
Beachcombers often find tough, leathery black pouches washed up on the sand called "mermaid's purses"—which are actually protective egg cases laid by sharks and these flat, winged ocean fish.
Rays
In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Elves and the Shoemaker, a poor shoemaker wakes up each morning to find beautifully stitched shoes left on his workbench—and his grateful wife repays the tiny helpers by sewing them miniature sets of these.
Suits
According to Harry Potter lore, the official motto of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry translates from Latin to "Never tickle a sleeping"
Dragon
According to Greek myth, most centaurs were born from a king named Ixion and Nephele—a magical cloud-woman crafted by Zeus to look just like this goddess of marriage and motherhood.
Hera
In Slavic folklore, the Firebird is a radiant, glowing phoenix-like creature whose fallen tail feathers never stop shining—one single feather is bright enough to light up an entire room, eliminating the need for this traditional way of light
Candles
In German folklore, a heartbroken water spirit named Lorelei sits atop a steep rock along this famous European river, combing her golden hair and singing a mesmerizing song that distracts passing sailors.
Rhine
In Swedish and Norwegian holiday folklore, families leave out a warm bowl of this creamy, cinnamon-topped rice dish on Christmas Eve to keep their helpful little household elves—known as tomte or nisse—happy and protective of the home.
Porridge