Cryptozoology is literally translated as "the study of hidden animals."
Wikipedia says the term refers to "the search for animals which are considered to be legendary or otherwise nonexistent by mainstream biology. This includes looking for living examples of animals which are considered to be extinct, such as dinosaurs" and "animals whose existence lacks physical support but which appear in myths and legends..."
When I stop and think of all the fabulous creatures that can be found in the beautifully-illustrated old beastiaries http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beastiary and how separate cultures the world over have managed to describe the same types of beasts time and time again, I have to wonder how that is possible. Did these creatures exist at some point? Is there some sort of strange genetic memory that is passed down from ancestors who lived day-to-day with these animals? I think it's entirely possible. I think it's much more fanciful to believe these separate and distinct cultures independently managed to dream up the same outlandish creatures despite basic yet essential differences in key elements such as climate and terrain that would seem to necessitate a certain set physiology.
I'm utterly fascinated with this subject. There is a wealth of information out there on cryptids - granted, by it's very nature, most of it is theory or conjecture - but that doesn't make it any less interesting.
Come with me and I'll introduce you to some of my favorite monsters.
