Favourite Monsters?

[Mark Robson]

Balinor's request to see griffins appear in my new series has been granted, with them playing a major role in Shadow, Book 2 of the Dragon Orb series. Does anyone else have any favourite monsters that they would like to see play a more major role in a fantasy story? (I'm not promising that any will appear in my stories, but I'd be intrigued to see what people like.)

The monsters can be ones from mythology, or made up monsters that they think should be given a shot.

My favourite new monsters so far in the Dragon Orb series are ice worms - heavily armoured, segmented creatures that swim through ice and snow. They attack in swarms, are as thick as a man's arm, have icicle-like teeth and no eyes. They are incredibly difficult to kill and have only one weakness that I can identify ... but I won't, or it might ruin the story!

[Lobolover]

my favourite is "Fishhead"-from Cobbs story of the same name.

[Mark Robson]

Not familiar with that one. Can I take it that Fishhead is a literal description of the monster in question?

[Lobolover]

uh,you have to read Cobbs story (five,seven pages,rather short) to know what I mean.

[j. d. worthington]

Here you go, Mark:

Fishhead (1911) by Irvin S. Cobb

It has elements of what would be called racism these days, but it really is a fine story with a carefully modulated ironic tone.

As for my favorite monster -- very difficult to say. In some ways, Frankenstein's creation remains my favorite; in others, it's that demonic little monkey in Le Fanu's "Green Tea". There are plenty of other contenders for that title... I think I'll have to give this one some thought....

[Lobolover]

Thanks for the quick coverage.

[BookStop]

Though not really a monster, more a death messenger, the Banshee is quite interesting. The Kelpie (another Irish folklore creature) is a great monster because of its benign appearance.

[Mark Robson]

Thanks for posting the link to the Fishhead story, j.d. I enjoyed reading that.

Banshees and Kelpies are both fascinating. I love the fact that Kelpies crop up in folklore all over the place with different names - gives them more credibility.

I must admit that I particularly enjoyed the recent use of the Kraken in Sam Enthoven's book - TIM: Defender of the Earth. He paints the creature very differently to its normal role in stories - benevolent, wise and incredibly old.

[Marky Lazer]

Clurichauns!

[M@.Price]

I know they aren't exactly monsters, but Elves have to be my singularly favourite race. Elves, and maybe Drow.

[JDP]

I like the Jabberwocky.

[Joel007]

Dragons were a great starting point

I always like to see classic monsters in a new light. For example, an explanation why the gaze of a basilisk is said to be deadly. (Like, it's seen you, you're dead meat!) Rather than the straight folklorish monster, you get something which may have given birth to the folklore itself!

[Nesacat]

Am looking forward to the ice-worms. They sound amazing.

And yes have always wondered about the basilisk. And then there's the Chimera as well not to mention the Sphinx and the Sirens.

As for the Jabberwock ... I've been trying t work out what he looks like since I learnt the poem back in school so I'd definitely like to see your take take on this one; eyes of flame and all.

[Joel007]

Wasn't there a drawing of it shortly after the poem?

The Jabberwock that is.

[JDP]

Originally Posted by Nesacat

As for the Jabberwock ... I've been trying t work out what he looks like since I learnt the poem back in school so I'd definitely like to see your take take on this one; eyes of flame and all.

Here is my artist's impression (unfortunately, I'm only inspired to do the head at the mo!):