Defining the Monster Classifications Used in My Blog

Perhaps the least professional aspect of this blog is going to be the Classifications I use. The terms I use are largely based on existing terms, but may not use the professional/scholarly definition. As such, I feel some of the terms will require exact definition to avoid confusion. There will naturally be some overlap in classifications, especially with creatures that have vague or conflicting tales, but this system is purposefully broad to account for that.

Monster Types

Beast

This refers to any monsters that are either enhanced versions of normal animals or take the form of a human. This classification includes the Nemean Lion, the Midgard Serpent, and the Black Dog Spirit

Chimera

This refers to monsters that, like the creature it gets it’s name from, are comprised of two or more animal parts. This classification includes the Hippocampus, Gryphons, and of course the Chimera

Demi-God

This refers specifically to monsters that have divine heritage of some kind. I’m not delving into any heroes, nor will I classify anything beyond first-generation as a demi-god. This classification includes Fenrir, Echidna, and Ammit

Demi-Human

This refers to monsters that have both human and animal characteristics. This classification includes Centaurs, Mermaids, and the Minotaur

Draconic

This refers to large reptilian or serpentine monsters. This classification includes Sea Serpents, Drakons, and Wyverns

Kaiju

This refers to giant monsters, especially ones that serve as stand-ins for cataclysmic events, as per the Japanese tradition. This classification includes Apophis, Typhon, and Leviathan

Magic User

This refers to witches and spell weavers, specifically those who are never classified as fully human. This classification includes Baba Yaga, Faeries, and Abikus

Polymelic

This refers to monsters that would probably be normal if not for an excess of body parts. This Classification includes Sleipnir, the Hydra, and Cerberus

Psychic

This refers to monsters that exist as psychic phenomena, often spawned by strong emotion or mass belief. This classification includes Tulpas, Poltergeists, and Ikiryo

Shape-Shifter

This refers to monsters that can change their form or disguise themselves with an illusion or glamour. This Classification includes Changelings, Werewolves, and Selkies

Spirit

Not to be confused with ghosts, this refers to semi-tangible and specifically sub-divine creatures that serve as symbols for a function of nature. This classification includes Faeries, Nymphs, and most Youkai.

Undead

This refers to monsters that have died but continue to behave as a living creature. This classification includes Vampires, Ghouls, and Ghosts

Monster Source

Cryptid

This will have some overlap with the Folklore source, but this will refer to monsters that still have an impact on modern people, such as Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Loch Ness monster.

Folklore

This refers to monsters that are either part of a local legend, such as the Black Dog, or were used in tales such as Aesop’s Fables or Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Mythology

This refers to monsters from religious stories, both modern and past. Due to their abundance, this will be the most common source.