If you’re looking for the right words to describe a mythical creature if your writing, check out the following 10 words and get some tips on how you can use them.
1. Deadly
Definition
Something likely or with the ability to cause death.
Examples
“Keep that deadly dragon away from me. I value my life too much to lose it now!
“The townspeople said a deadly creature lived beneath the lake, but it hadn’t been seen in years.”
How it Adds Description
“Deadly” gives the impression that the mythical creature has the strength to kill people, and this can create fear within other characters in the book. The adjective can also imply the creature has killed people in the past, which might make characters want to take revenge for anyone murdered by the creature. Overall, most characters will take steps to avoid a “deadly” mythical creature.
2. Muscular
Definition
Someone who’s forceful or strong due to lean muscles.
Examples
“The werewolf was much more muscular than he expected, and this sent a chill down his spine.”
“He was the most muscular creature the town had ever seen. Nothing about his build was human.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to give a physical description of your creature, “muscular” shows they’re fit and lean. This also implies the creature has more power than the average human, which might frighten others if the creature has a violent nature. Some people may even admire the creature’s “muscular” physique and use it to inspire their own fitness regime.
3. Magnificent
Definition
Something extremely beautiful, impressive, or good.
Examples
“The magnificent unicorn galloped down the hill with ease. It was a treat to watch but ever so rare to see.”
“She slipped onto the back of the magnificent dragon and held on for dear life. It was going to be a bumpy ride.”
How it Adds Description
Many mythical creatures are positive and awe-inspiring, and the word “magnificent” is perfect for describing these positive qualities. “Magnificent” implies that most characters are impressed by the creature, and it can also imply the creature is beautiful to look at. “Magnificent” creatures might be more cherished than others, as many people appreciate them.
4. Gigantic
Definition
Something extremely big in degree, size, or amount.
Examples
“He was shocked by the size of the gigantic griffin, and his facial expression showed it.”
“How did you manage to lose the gigantic troll? He’s impossible to miss!”
How it Adds Description
Size is an important characteristic of mythical creatures, as many tend to be larger than humans. “Gigantic” shows how impossibly large your creature is, especially in comparison with the other characters. “Gigantic” creatures might be feared at first due to their stature, but if they’re gentle many will forget their anxieties and be calm around them.
5. Petrifying
Definition
Something that is very frightening and can paralyze others with fear.
Examples
“He kept his eyes shut during the whole voyage. He didn’t want to risk seeing a petrifying siren.”
“She’d always thought dragons were petrifying, but when she finally met one up close, it wasn’t scary at all.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show your reader that the creature is extremely scary, “petrifying” is a powerful adjective to use. This tells the reader that characters dread facing the mythical animal, further implying that it could harm them. Characters with nervous dispositions are more likely to be “petrified” than braver characters.
6. Striking
Definition
Something very unusual or noticeable.
Examples
“The mermaid was the most striking woman he’d ever seen. He had to keep pinching himself to check he wasn’t in a dream.”
“She glanced at the striking fairy in awe. The fairy’s beauty was simply unmatched.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to describe the creature’s beauty or simply their appearance, “striking” can be used to show they have a noticeably different look. This could mean they’re very beautiful or simply just have very defined facial features. Characters might find it difficult to ignore “striking” creatures, especially if they’ve never seen them before.
7. Rapid
Definition
Something that can move extremely quickly.
Examples
“The king called for a rapid dragon. He wanted to fly as fast as possible.”
“The troll was rapid, despite its clumsy movements. It was fascinating to watch.”
How it Adds Description
You can use the adjective “rapid” to showcase the speed at which your creature moves. “Rapid” implies very quick movements, and this quality might be used to help your characters travel faster. A “rapid” creature is likely to be very important to society due to its inhuman speed.
8. Minuscule
Definition
Something very small or fine.
Examples
“The minuscule creature has disappeared from her sight. She searched high and low, but she had no idea where it was hiding.”
“Despite its minuscule size, the imp was extremely dangerous. The townspeople locked it up for extra security.”
How it Adds Description
Small mythical characters can be described as “minuscule” to show their extremely small stature. This might make them cute to some, but a “minuscule” character can still be scary or powerful. Other characters might be intrigued by their size and may want to study them.
9. Adorable
Definition
Something attractive or cute that people feel affection for.
Examples
“Her pet unicorn was simply adorable, and she spent hours riding it across the meadows.”
“The gnomes were adorable creatures, and they didn’t have a nasty bone in their bodies.”
How it Adds Description
When a mythical creature is pleasant or cute, other characters might find them “adorable.” This shows they feel great affection for them and consider them a friend or companion. “Adorable” creatures aren’t usually dangerous or frightening.
10. Enchanting
Definition
Something that gives people feelings of pleasure or delight.
Examples
“The queen thought the way the majestic dragons circled over the castle was enchanting.”
“She glanced at the enchanting mermaids in the bay with jealousy. She wished she could laze in the sun all day combing her hair.”
How it Adds Description
“Enchanting” shows that the mythical creature is pleasing to watch or be around due to its appearance or delightful actions. Any “enchanting” creatures might become public spectacles as people travel great distances to see them or be in their presence.