Europe even have cryptic outside mythology? Nessie doesn’t count.
I’d say that cryptids are a modern iteration of the same phenomenon which used to be mythologic creatures.
Now they call it angels, demons and the book of Revelations
Werewolves, vampires, baba yaga, fae, bean sidhe, vättar, tomtar, will o the wisp, trolls, Näcken, sylphs, undines, changelings, sirens, cyclops, gorgons, demon boars galore, and loads more local legends
Dragons, basilisks, unicorns, fire breathing salamanders were part of the average folk beliefs in the European middle ages and Renaissance. For example, in the gorgeous Lady and the Unicorn tapisseries from ~1500 you can see in Paris.
Where salamander
Symbol of Francis I of France, visible in his castle in Blois.
Very cool.
I was searching the tapestry like where’s waldo.
Italians
I’VE SEEN ONE ONCE, IT WAS TERRIFYING! IT WAS ALL “bibedi bobedi” AND WANTED ME TO EAT PIZZA!
Just wear pineapple around your neck, you’ll be fine.
Unless the specific cryptid is attractive. Which they are. Then you will be the one chasing them around begging then to make you pizza. Its a weird power they have.
Terrifying
I heard once that they supposedly have to speak with their hands. Sounds horrific.
