A cryptid, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is an animal, such as the Sasquatch or Loch Ness Monster, that has been claimed to exist but never actually proven to exist; a creature known only from folklore or legend, the existence of which is not proven by scientific observation. Contrary to popular belief, cryptids don’t have to be supernatural, mythical or even all that strange—though many popular creatures acquire these characteristics as their legends grow.
Why bring this up on a page of witchcraft? Because while some creatures are actually mythological beasts or magical, a cryptid is technically, by definition, an unproven folklore creature. Many of these do not have anything to do with witchcraft and that is why I wanted to define them here. Cryptids are not the same as familiars, spirit animals, guides, but can be mythological creatures and folklore. It is another way to classify creatures, one of which I do not use very often. While I enjoy the stories, I cannot say I actually believe in any of them as opposed to some mythical creatures and paranormal creatures that I absolutely believe in and have even encountered myself.
Cryptids, which are animals that cryptozoologists believe may exist somewhere in the wild, are not believed to exist by mainstream science. Cryptozoology is classified as a pseudoscience, which primarily looks at anecdotal stories, and other claims rejected by the scientific community. While biologists regularly identify new species following established scientific methodology, cryptozoologists focus on entities mentioned in the folklore record and rumor.
Entities that may be considered cryptids by cryptozoologists include Bigfoot, Yeti, the chupacabra, the Jersey Devil, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Mokele-mbembe. Some noted parallels in cryptozoology and other pseudosciences are ghost hunting and UFOology, and highlighted uncritical media propagation of cryptozoologist claims.
Although Cryptozoology is not considered a real science, it is based on the sciences of Zoology and Paleontology. Many Cryptids probably don’t exist, but there is a high possibility that others do. In fact, National Geographic proved that Hogzilla and the Congo Elephants, two Cryptids thought to be hoaxes or not real, did exist. If more Cryptids do exist, there are scientific evolutionary roots on to how these creatures possibly evolved.
There are a few different ways to classify a Cryptid:
Unconfirmed – Cryptids whose existence is alleged but not demonstrated.
Discredited; (explanation) – Cryptids that have a body of evidence against their existence.
Proposed; (animal name) – Cryptids with an alternative explanation accepted by the general scientific community.
Extinct – Animals that are generally believed to be extinct, but which cryptozoologists believe may have an extant relict population.
Confirmed (animal name or cause) – Animals once classified as cryptids but whose existence has now been confirmed.
Hoax – Cryptids once thought to be real but later conclusively proven to be hoaxes.
Former – Cryptids that with findings, have been proved to be living and real, and known as animals or plants (etc.)
There is even a quiz! What cryptid are you?
Although I do feel a certain way about my results……. 😒
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