Majestic Creatures Profile

Hippocampus

Habitat: warm sea near coral reefs
Dimensions: like a pony
Diet: Seaweed
Rated Danger Level: 2
Appearance: Horse with a fish tail and fins
Beast Tamer: The Beast Tamer has not gotten a hold of a

Hippocampus

since opening their doors.

Other names:
Greek - Hippokamps / Hippokampoi
Latin - Hippocampus / Hippokami
Translation - Crooked Horse

The

Hippocampus

was a sea creature with the head and front legs of a horse, and hind quarters which took the form of a fish tail. Artwork of the

Hippocampus

showed a long fish tail with beautiful green and/or blue scales. The horse's mane was replaced with fins. In ancient Greece and Rome, they believed that regular seahorses grew up to form Hippokami.

In Greek mythology, the sea god, Poseidon, was recorded riding a

Hippocampus

drawn chariot, usually with two or four of the beasts. The Nereides, water-nymphs of the sea, used Hippocampi as mounts to travel through the ocean.

Hippocampi are not the only land animals with fishy appearances in Greek mythology. There also existed a lion called "Leokampos", a bull called "Taurokampos" and a goat called "Aigikampos". The Aigikampos creature became famous in the Capricorn constellation that governs the skies in December through January.

It is unknown if the concepts are linked, but the Kelpie is a well heard folktale in Scotland. The Kelpie is a water demon that takes the form of a horse. They lure people to bodies of water and devour those who get too close. Kelpies could potentially be the demonic cousins of the Hippocampi.

The planet Neptune is surrounded by 16 moons, one of which is named after the

Hippocampus

. It is called Hippocamp.

An extract from "Creatures of Akasuna" by Morrigan Darkwaters:

"Hippocampi are amazing-looking animals that consist of the upper body of a horse, usually with a white, grey or light-blueish mane, and the lower body of a sea-horse creature. They prefer to live near the shore, and can be found, even if they are quite rare, near coral reefs. Hippocampi have a very mild temperament and are incredibly docile creatures, which is why they can usually be seen in the presence of sirens that use them as carriers. As they can only be seen when the sea is calm and they are so rare, hippocampi are considered by sailors to be a sign of good luck for their travels, and no sailor would ever harm one willingly."

Victariah Meets a Hippocampus

During my time at sea, I have met many terrifying and beautiful creatures. Hippocampi are among the most friendly and gorgeous you could ever meet. When I first saw one, I thought I was dreaming (it's not unlike me to dream of being in the water). A little, green-blue, horse's head poked through the surface of the water and retreated just as quickly as it appeared. Soon afterwards, four more faces appeared, some larger than the others. It was a family! They gave this unusual cry and dipped below the still water once more.

I couldn't resist, I had to join them and see them closer. I dove below, my tail giving me the trajectory needed to catch up with the school of Hippicampi. They must align themselves with Waterbearers, because they surrounded me and allowed me to swim and play with them. It was a magical experience.

Would you like to meet a Hippocampus?