What Pliny Saw Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Salamander

The stories surrounding the mythical creature that is the Salamander are numerous, and almost certainly based on exaggerated accounts of early explorers such as Pliny.

Pliny himself described the creature in his work, "Naturalis Historia", saying that "it never comes out except during heavy showers and disappears the moment the weather becomes clear."

Many others have added to the description of the mythical beast which shares its name with the modest amphibian. Part of Pliny's description actually seems to contradict the most famous association of the Salamander - fire. Whilst this mythical creature became intimately linked with fire, Pliny claimed that it was cold enough to extinguish any fires that did begin.

Jewish folklore tells us that smearing the blood of the Salamander on your body will give you immunity from burns.

Answer: A single eye in the centre of their heads

The Arimaspians were also described by Herodotus, whom Pliny mentions in his "Naturalis Historia." The "Ripaean Mountains", where Pliny said the Arimaspians dwelt, are usually assumed to be the Carpathians.

The Griffin is usually held in classical mythology as the guardian of gold, and the Arimaspians were said to constantly be at war with these powerful hybrids, trying to get their hands on the gold.

Answer: The Achlis

Pliny was most likely observing a European elk/moose, whose taxonomic name is Alces alces. As well as the similarity in name, the links between the moose and Pliny's Achlis are clear - the top lip of the moose being so large that it hangs over its teeth. Pliny said that the lip of the Achlis would often get in the way when grazing, and so the beast would usually walk backwards.

The Achlis would have also been a sitting duck for any nearby hunters, as it had no joints in its back legs, severely limiting its mobility.

Answer: The Sciapod

Sciapods (from the Greek meaning "shade foot") are also known as Monopods. Pliny claimed that these curious dwarf creatures could jump great distances, but would spend most of their time on their back, shielding themselves from the sun with their enormous foot.

Pliny credits Ctesias in his passage from "Naturalis Historia", which mentions that the Sciapods live in tribes in Ethiopia, as well as India.

Answer: The Amphiptere

The Amphiptere was a common symbol in Medieval European heraldry, and when wrapped around a spear was said to symbolise justice by means of punishment.

The Amphiptere in Arabian folklore was said to live in the tops of Frankincense trees, and would guard the fragrant substance from any creatures (including humans) that approached. Its method of defence was simple - the Amphiptere would wrap its wings around itself and would use its sharp tail as a javelin, throwing itself at the attacker.

Answer: Pegasies

Pegasus is one of the most famous beasts in Greek mythology, was born from the blood of Medusa, and was the steed of Bellerophon when he defeated the Chimera.

Pegasies are said by some sources to be the children of Pegasus, but by others to have been transformed by angels at the request of the great winged horse.

Answer: They have no heads

Ethiopia is said to be the home of several mythical creatures, many of which also owe their existence partly, if not totally, to Pliny the Elder. Such creatures include the Catoblepas, the Camelopard, and the Manticore.

The Blemmyes are yet another strange tribe of men described by Pliny in his "Naturalis Historia", and are described as having no head, but eyes, a nose and a mouth on their chests.

These men were also described by Herodotus several centuries before Pliny.

Answer: The elephant

Pliny certainly holds elephants in high regard and talks about them in great detail. Book eight of Pliny's "Naturalis Historia" says, "The elephant is the closest of all animals to humans in intelligence. It understands the language of its own country, and can therefore understand and obey orders. Elephants are wise and just, remember their duties, enjoy affection, and respect religion. They know that their tusks are valuable, so when a tusk falls off they bury it." (Taken from the bestiary.ca site.)

Pliny tells us of how dragons often attack elephants, trying to kill or blind them. However, the elephants were able to put up a good fight, and both would often perish when in combat - the pair would usually fall from the sky, crushing each other upon impact.

Whilst dragons were described by Pliny as being in both Ethiopia and Mauritania, he claims that the largest species dwelt in India.

Answer: The Basilisk

It was said that almost everything about the Basilisk was deadly. Its venom was potent and could be fired long distances, killing even birds in the sky. Its skin was deadly to touch, even if the contact was indirect. Its gaze was petrifying, killing instantly. Finally, the mere presence of the Basilisk was said to scorch land, rot fruit and remove life. For this reason, the deserts of northern Africa were said by some to be the result of the Basilisk.

Answer: The Giant Squid

The stories of the Giant Squid are certainly not an original creation of Pliny the Elder, and have been spoken of many times by writers pre-dating Pliny. Sailors would return with stories of how these enormous monsters would bring down entire boats, utilising their powerful suckers and whipping tentacles.

The stories of this marine monster are thought to have given birth to the Kraken, a giant monster of Norse mythology.

Whilst many claimed that these creatures were not real, there have proven to be species of squid which grow to huge sizes, such as the Colossal Squid, which is said to grow to around 45 feet long (similar to the size described by Pliny). Still, these giants live so deep in the oceans, that all of those observed near the surface of the water are dead and are being washed up on the shore. Therefore, you are more likely to find them fighting sperm whales at several thousand feet below the surface than fighting with ships above it.