15 People Reveal Which Magical Creatures They Believe Really Exist

Let’s be honest: it’d be pretty sweet if magical creatures existed in our world. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t love to ride a dragon to work every day.

Most of us won’t ‘fess up to really believing these creatures exist out there in the world, hidden from our puny human eyes, but these 12+ people aren’t scared to go on the record!

#15. Interesting to me.

“While I don’t believe that they actually exist, the way that Native American refuse to ever talk about Wendigos/Skinwalkers always seemed interesting to me.

Perhaps the original tribes has some loonies among them and therefore was deemed as “supernatural” or it simply served as a way to keep children away from the woods? Who knows.

Edit: Does writing about these creatures on Reddit also draw their attention to you? Because then I just fucked us all.”

#14. Changed into myth.

“Unicorns.
The earliest written accounts of unicorns describe them more akin to deer in looks. There’s also a abnormality they can have with their antlers where they curl together into what looks like a single pointed horn instead of two twisting antlers.
It makes sense that they could be changed into myth.

Also, there’s a REAL species of flying dragon!
Ok, so Gliding dragon is a better description…. and it doesn’t breathe fire. Its native to indonesia”

#13. Before we could understand.

“Aralez. Mythological dog angels from Armenian culture. With the widespread stories of dogs saving people’s lives, providing companionship, and giving their very lives for people I can only believe that the Armenian tales recount tales of dogs in prehistory. Before we could understand the depth of their emotion and mental lives fully.”

#12. From the watery depths.

“Kraken.

Wouldn’t surprise me if one appeared from the watery depths.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraken#/media/File:Denys_de_Montfort_Poulpe_Colossal.jpg”

#11. Eaters of the Dead.

“I am Ojibwe. When people in the past faced Starving-Times due to crop failure/drought, or tribal warfare etc-people who had no other choice would eat the dead out of absolute desperation. People would go mad from starvation before they finally did this. As you can imagine, it was deeply shameful for survivors. After the Starving-Time, no one in the community wanted to discuss it, what they had to do to survive.

For our people, the Wendigo legend originated with these experiences. The Wendigo was a euphemism, an ACTUALIZATION of the survivors emotions during and after the Starving-Time, wherein the urge to eat became all-consuming of a person’s spirit. That the maddening hunger possessed them to such an extent that it would cause them to eat the community’s dead.

Instead of discussing their actual feelings about the cannibalism that was caused by starvation, the story of the Wendigo began. It continued to shape in retelling for centuries and centuries since time immemorial between different Ojibway communities.

So picture the Wendigo. A huge, towering spirit that walked the bush. It’s power was so great, that it knocked down trees as it moved. It came to life every winter, especially after drought. When the People could not store enough food in spring, summer and fall-for winter.

When the communities crops had failed. When the forest had been dry as tinder, and no berries and roots could grow. When the fishing had been poor because the fish were not running in the streams. When the hinting was poor because animals starved. Because animal-mothers could not eat enough and they did not produce milk for their babies and the babies died, and the mothers starved. When even the beavers the Land left because the streams dried up and because the birch trees withered.

That was when the Wendigo came to the Land to torment the People. It followed them through the bush as they searched for food, until they could go no further. The Wendigo then ran down the People. Possessed the People. Made them mad with hunger and lust for food of any kind. Made them so evil and mad that they would eat the dead. The Elders. The children. And if the Wendigo entered you, you also became a Wendigo. You could then possess others to become Eaters of the Dead as well.”

#10. Especially not at dusk.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily likely per se, but my family are Irish and they hardcore believe in the Fair Folk, or the Aos Si. They’re not exactly fairies, they’re … different? Meaner. You don’t fuck with them, basically, and if something’s going horribly wrong in your life it’s probably because you fucked with them or you made them angry. And you have to be careful how you talk about them, too – kind of like with skinwalkers, you don’t name them. You just call them the Fair Folk, or the Folk.

They mostly hang out and try to get you to owe them a favour. You don’t take anything from the Folk, or you owe them one, and you don’t want to be in that position. There’s lots of different types that do lots of different things, though.

I don’t wanna come off as that weirdo who believes in what is… essentially fairies, but I grew up with the stories and I have a healthy level of skepticism about this. I’m not saying they’re real but I’m also not about to step into a fairy circle any time soon. Especially not at dusk.”

#9. Hiding in the depths.

“Anything from the sea really sounds plausible to me considering how little we have explored it. Sea serpents and the Kraken are major examples of something that could realistically be hiding in the depths and only come up to the surface on rare occasions.”

#8. I’ve dated it.

“The Jersey Devil. I’ve dated it.”

#7. Just some poor rabbits.

“Jackelopes definitely exist. Only they’re not some weird rabbit antelope hybrid. They’re just some poor rabbits infected with the Shope Papilloma Virus which causes strange horn-like growths.”

#6. I believe.

“Nicholas Cage. Some say it’s all movie magic, but I believe he’s real.”

#5. Really really really.

“It’s not that I inherently believe there is scientific evidence corroborating its existence, but I just really really really want Mothman to exist.”

#4. The one who stops the flow of rivers.

“Not that I think it’s likely, but I love the Mokele Mbembe legend. Supposedly some sort of dinosaur-like creature living in the swamps in Cameroon or thereabouts. It’s name means “the one who stops the flow of rivers.”

Legend has it that this enormous beast has a long neck, and is bigger than an elephant. It’s supposedly walks along the riverbeds and swamplands most submerged, and has been thought to kill large predators like crocodiles, but then not eat them. There is a story about a small village that killed one of these creatures and ate it, and a short time later, everyone who had eaten its flesh became sick or died.

The main reason it’s so compelling is that the jungle and swamplands where it supposedly lives are so dense and impassable for people that it could have conceivably lived in the relatively unchanged climate for thousand upon thousand of years, and humans would have never encountered it, or even been able to venture into its habitat with any reasonable effort.”

#3. They steal your undies.

“Trolls are real and they steal your undies.”

#2. Probably less exciting.

“Some form of yeti or Sasquatch, aka “Bigfoot”, most likely did exist at one point in time. It doesn’t seem entirely unreasonable to me, albeit the real thing was probably less exciting.”

#1. Basically nil.

“Do aliens count?

I guess aliens.

I don’t think there’s a chance in hell that they’ve visited Earth, or abducted people, but somewhere out there?

Yeah, I definitely think so.

The universe is so mind-bogglingly massive that the odds of us being the only life in the universe are basically nil.”

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These 5 Detective Riddles Will Test Your Logic Skills

Who hasn’t wished they could live a day in the life of Sherlock Holmes, Angela Landsbury, or Nancy Drew, just to see if their wits and problem-solving skills could match up? If you’re one of those people, then you’re in luck, because these 5 detective riddles should be right up your alley!

#5. Trapped.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Young Mary is trapped in a castle in Costa Rica, and to get out safely, she must choose one of four doors. Here’s what’s behind each of them:

Door 1: Lava that would immediately melt anyone
Door 2: A killer clown that would beat any person to death
Door 3: A deadly frost that would freeze her at once
Door 4: Cops that would shoot any man or woman indiscriminately

Which door should she choose?

Continue reading when you’re ready for the answer!

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These People on Tumblr Are Wowed by Crazy Intelligent Crows

The first time I learned how crazy smart members of the Corvidae family – which includes crows and ravens – are, it totally blew my mind. They can solve multiple step puzzles, for one, and well…afterward, I wasn’t quite so quick to dismiss the happenings in The Birds.

In case you’re new to the information, we’ve got some human and bird encounters below. Prepare yourself to be stunned!

It all began with this post:

Photo Credit: Tumblr

And others quickly jumped on with their own examples of why, while you might not need to fear the crow, you should definitely respect them.

 

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Photo Credit: Tumblr

 

Want to check it out for yourself? Watch this awesome video!

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Science Says It’s Pointless to Try and Pressure Picky Eaters into Being Adventuresome

There are two types of people in the world – people who, when faced with food, shrug and dig in regardless of preference and people who wrinkle their noses and would rather go hungry than take one single bite of food they don’t 100% enjoy.

Now, being one of the former (there are very few foods I’ll flat-out refuse to eat, and some of those are due to food allergies), I can say that it can be hard to understand the picky eaters in my life. Food, in general, is just enjoyable for me, and the concept of deciding not to eat rather than just try something that I might not like is completely foreign.

After reading this new study published in the journal Appetite, though, I may have to change my attitude – and the practice of trying to cajole the picky peeps into trying new things – because according to science, it just doesn’t work.

Photo Credit: aboutislam

Not only that, but forcing kids (and presumably anyone) to eat unwanted foods doesn’t affect any outcomes later in life. When it comes to children (actual children), the tension that can invade mealtime over food battles can also damage the health of your overall relationship.

According to Dr. Julia Lumeng, the author of the study, pediatrician, and professor:

“Parental pressure is having no effect, good or bad, on picky eating or weight in this population. The kids’ picky eating also was not very changeable. It stayed the same whether parents pressured their picky eaters or not.”

The study followed 244 ethnically diverse toddlers and compared the pressure tactics of parents to the children’s healthy growth and the eventual reduction of picking eating and found zero to support the position of forcing kids to clean their plates of everything they hate.

“We found that over a year of life in toddlerhood, weight remained stable on the growth chart whether they were picky eaters or not.”

Photo Credit: Parents.com

Basically, stop worrying so much about every left piece of broccoli or perfectly delicious rice that’s met with a turned-up nose. Sure, you should still introduce your kids (and others) to a variety of foods in the hopes that one day they’ll acquire a more refined palate, but otherwise…don’t stress.

If you want to go the extra mile, Dr. Lumeng also suggests using the words “choosey” or “selective” instead of “picky” in order to keep your child’s associations with food and mealtime more positive.

Honestly, I feel like this study just set me free as a mother, friend, and wife. Now, I can let my husband and my toddler eat the same types of meals six days a week and know that at least one of them will probably still turn out okay.

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The Reason Why There Are No Mosquitoes at Disney World

It’s hard to imagine any place in Florida being insect-free, but that is the case at The Happiest Place on Earth, Disney World.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

And it’s all because of a carefully-planned operation created to make sure that guests have the most comfortable experience possible (and because mosquitoes carry serious illnesses). The Mosquito Surveillance Program runs the show at Disney World, ensuring that guests are not eaten alive while they wait to get on rides or stroll around the grounds. The program entails spraying insecticides and maintaining natural predators at the park.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The Mosquito Surveillance team captures the insects, freezes them, and studies them to learn how to best rid Disney World of the pests. They also keep chickens on the grounds and test their blood to see what kind of diseases they might be contracting from mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Disney actually made a film during World War II about the dangers of malaria, so you know the folks at the park are well versed in the dangers of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. Watch the video below for more information.

Now if only Disney could find a way to make things a little cooler during the summer…

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8 Tips for Getting a Cat to Like You, According to Science

Let’s be honest, everyone wants to be on the cat’s good side…assuming they have one. If not, you might wanna stay on your guard in case that cat decides it’s your lucky day to get a scratch to the knee or hairball in your shoe.

Cats can be finicky about pretty much everything, so it’s a good thing you’ve got science on your side this time. Take a look!

#8. Play with them.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Cats are stealth predators and need to regularly vent that energy. A recent study found that cats prefer human interaction even over food…but only when that human came part and parcel with an interactive toy.

#7. Play hard to get.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In other words, let the cat make the first move as far as initiating the interaction, and don’t insist on continuing once they relay that they’re finished.

Every cat owner knows that’s a recipe for scratches!

#6. Keep your cat inside most of the time.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Cats are less domesticated than dogs and will revert quickly into a feral mindset if set loose on their own. A recent Italian study verified that cats who were indoors or supervised outdoors in an enclosed space were more in sync with their owners.

#5. Put yourself in a kitty mindset.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Friendly cats greet each other nose-to-nose. You don’t want to put your face in an unfamiliar cat’s face, but you can mimic their preferred greeting with a fingertip to the nose – you just might get a boop or a rub for your efforts.

#4. Socialize the cat when it’s young.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The more chances a cat has to interact with humans as a kitten, the more likely it is to grow up enjoying that sort of affection and interaction. This seems like a no-brainer, but there is plenty of science to back it up.

#3. Check your wandering hands.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Studies have confirmed what many cat owners know – stick to petting the head and cheeks for the best response. A majority of cats aren’t comfortable with scratches on the belly or hindquarters, and will not hesitate to let you know.

#2. Keep a watchful eye.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

You should be able to read a cat’s mindset by observing it’s behavior – hissing and growling, of course, but also simple tail twitches, retreating, or a hunched posture will also communicate distrust. On the flip side, purring, rubbing, and sitting nearby are all positive signs. Don’t push them when they’re not comfortable and they’ll be more likely to come to you when they are.

#1. Food does not equal love.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A recent study of overweight cats showed that once the cats lost weight, they were more affectionate, purred more often, and enjoyed sitting in their owners’ laps again.

Don’t overfeed kitty if you want more love!

h/t: Mental_Floss

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Check out These 5 Fascinating Facts About Middle Children

Middle children definitely drew the short straw when it comes to siblings. Think about Jan Brady’s character in The Brady Bunch. Always being overlooked, always living in the shadow of her siblings (and then acting out and throwing hysterical fits).

Photo Credit: ABC

But scientific studies show that middle children don’t really have it all that bad after all. It turns out that they can be very creative, independent, and have great leadership qualities.

So turn that frown upside down Jan Brady (and all the other middle children out there). Here are 5 facts very interesting facts about the middle kids of the world.

1. Their lack of self-esteem might not be a bad thing

Middle children might not get a ton of attention at home and might get overlooked sometimes, but this can help keep their egos in check. Katrin Schumann says, “Having an accurate sense of your self-esteem is more important than having high self-esteem. Surprisingly, new studies show that high self-esteem does not correlate with better grades in school or greater success in life. It can actually lead to a lack of perseverance in the face of difficulties.”

2. They can be good negotiators

Photo Credit: iStock

One advantage of being stuck in the middle all the time? You can become a good negotiator. Katrin Schumann, co-author of The Secret Power of Middle Children, says, “Middles are used to not getting their own way, and so they become savvy, skillful manipulators. They can see all sides of a question and are empathetic and judge reactions well. They are more willing to compromise, and so they can argue successfully. Since they often have to wait around as kids, they’re more patient.”

3. They might be an endangered species

The numbers don’t lie: women used to have a lot more kids. But since the early 1970s, the numbers have declined. Today, 48% of American women have two children, as opposed to 3, 4, or 5 in years past. Society has changed, and people are going to school later and longer, getting married later in life, and the cost of raising kids has gone through the roof.

All this adds up to smaller families, which means fewer and fewer middle children out there. What a shame!

4. They’re faithful

Photo Credit: US Air Force

One study showed that 80% of middle children claimed they have never cheated in a relationship. In comparison, 65% of firstborn children and 53% of youngest children revealed they have been unfaithful to a partner or a spouse.

Studies also show that middle children are the happiest in their marriages…but not with each other because both people might tend to want to avoid conflict.

5. Middle children = Leaders

If we use the loose definition of middle children and include children who were not the oldest or youngest in their group of sibilngs, 52% of American Presidents fall into that category. That list includes Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy. Not bad company, eh?

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Check out this Middle School’s Creative Project to Inspire Students and Promote Mental Health

Being a teacher is a tough job, so it goes without saying that they are more than deserving of the time they get to take off each Summer. And that fact makes what these middle school teachers from Forney, Texas, are doing all the more special.

They teach at Warren Middle School. Middle school, y’all. Lord help them. As a teacher friend once said, “It’s the age when they need the most love, but also the age when they’re the hardest to love.”

Photo Credit: Facebook

On the flip side, it’s not at all easy being a middle schooler – and that goes double, I think, for middle school girls. Which is why some of the teachers volunteered their time this summer to transform the girls’ bathroom with uplifting, reaffirming messages of positivity and hope.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

The messages painted on the doors are meant to inspire girls and help them get through those days that are particularly rough. The school district shared images of the project on their Facebook page.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

They also put empowering messages above the mirrors, where girls sometimes need to see them the most.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Facebook

What’s even cooler is that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed by other school districts, some of which are looking to copy Warren’s inspiring artwork.

Photo Credit: Facebook

The hardworking teachers at Warren Middle School aren’t the first to tackle a project like this one – a North Carolina Middle School hired a local artist to do something similar last year, and a Girl Scout mom tweeted her emotional experience seeing affirming messages in a California high school bathroom awhile back.

I think it’s safe to say Warren won’t be the last school attempting to remind girls that they are seen, powerful, and full of promise, just the way they are.

Thank goodness.

Next up: Let’s do the same for the boys, hmm?

h/t: ScaryMommy

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According to a New Study, Millennials Actually Have It Harder Than Other Generations

Millennials are the butts of many jokes these days. From social media to their coveted avocado toast, older generations love to poke fun. As someone who lives on the fringe of this generation (I’m a Xennial), I’ve always been a bit affronted for them – because the world is not what it once was, no matter whether older generations want to believe that’s true or not.

But now that there’s this handy dandy chart basically proving that they’re not just a bunch of whiners, well…maybe people will believe them, even if they’re never going to say they’re sorry.

The charts come as a result of a study done by Axios, and the bottom line is this: even though the median income hasn’t changed since 1977, the cost of literally everything else has risen significantly.

Today’s 30-year-olds, Axios tweeted, are more likely to still be living at home and be saddled with significant college debt than any generation before them.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Here are how the rest of the charts break down:

Photo Credit: Twitter

Basically, Millennials are better educated but make less money, and consequently own fewer homes. They’re more in debt. Far fewer of them are getting married, and the birth rate has dropped by almost a whole child per couple.

Even though most people won’t take the study seriously because everyone knows Millennials are just whiners, the truth is that people in this age group don’t need a chart or survey to know they’re not as well off as their parents.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Photo Credit: Twitter

Photo Credit: Twitter

The good (?) news is that Millennials now make up 25% of the voting population, so they do have the power to change the way things are done if they take that responsibility seriously.

So get out there and do your civic duty, people!

h/t: ScaryMommy

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These 10 Facts about Astronauts Are Really out of This World

Not everyone is brave enough to venture out into the cold, dark depths of outer space. So, it only makes sense that astronauts are pretty badass. Here are 10 facts about astronauts that’ll make you appreciate how awesome they really are.

1. Don’t leave home without it

Photo Credit: did you know?

2. Beautiful

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3. Mars

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4. Walk of Fame

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5. Clever

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6. Ohio

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7. Gotta go

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8. Gravity

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9. Wow

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10. Here come the ladies!

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