A Manticore
The manticore is a legendary magical creature originating from Persian folklore. It is similar to the Egyptian sphinx in that it is a magical hybrid that is largely feline. It possesses the body of a lion, a long scorpion-like tail, and sports an expansive pair of wings upon its back much like those of a bat or even a dragon. Persian mythology also originally describes the manticore as having a human face, though this particular trait has been overlooked or dismissed over time and so the creature has generally been described in modern times as having a lion's face.
The manticore is said to be a ferocious predator that feeds on human beings. Its scorpion tail delivers a poisonous sting that can either paralyze or kill prey, allowing the monster to devour its victim whole, leaving no bones, clothing or possessions behind.
In Popular Culture
Television
- Marcie Fleach dressed as the Manticore in the Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated episode Menace of the Manticore.
- A European special agent dresses up as one of these creatures in the Be Cool, Scooby Doo! episode Mysteries on the Disorient Express in order to steal a classified microchip, although the disguise bears little resemblance to the Manticore of legend.
- A manticore appears in the pilot episode of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. The beast attacks the Mane Six characters but is only lashing out due to a thorn in its paw. Fluttershy pulls the thorn from the manticore's paw and it thanks her by licking her.
Video Games
- Manticores appear in all the Scribblenauts games.
