Asians are some of the most superstitious people in the world. Local legends and cultural beliefs have been heavily influenced by Buddh'Ism and Hindu'Ism (Burma is over 90% Buddh"Ist). A wide variety of mythical creatures are found in Burmese (Myanm'Ar) folklore that influenced not only South East Asia culture but world and literary culture as well. A precise origins of it are not known. However at the time King Ana'Wrahta (1044-1077) was ruling, spirit worship was rampant.
The Chinthe is a leo-gryph (lion-like creature). According to Burmese (Myanm'Ar) legends, lions are noted for their bravery and magnificent and thus considered the best guardians for religious shrines, pagodas, and edifices. They are often seen at the entrances of pagodas and temples, often depicted in pairs and locals believe they serve to protect the pagoda. The Burmese people revered and loved the Chinthe and is used symbolically on the royal thrones. Predating the use of coins, brass weights cast in the shape of mythical beasts like the lion were commonly used to measure standard quantities of staple items. Today, the Chinthe is featured prominently on the Kyat, Burmese's currency.
The Man'Ussiha is a combination of Pali man'ussa (man, representing wisdom) and siha (lion, representing strength). A half-lion half-man mythical creature that is a symbol of a guardian and usually found guarding the 4 corners of a pagoda, it has a human head and torso and lion hindquarters. It is comparable to the sphinx. The mythological figure is said to be more than 2,000 years old.
The Belu, with straight fangs, is a giant ogre similar to an oriental gargoyle. It is a common creature representing a huge, cruel, humanoid, shape-shifting and man-eating monster. However, as an example of a benevolent Belu is the famed Popa Medaw (Queen-Mother of Popa, Lady of Popa, or Mei Wunna) the namesake of Mount Popa in Shan State. Popa Medaw is a spirit (nat) of Burma (Myanm'Ar). She was a flower-eating ogress of an extinct volcano 50km/31mi South East of the Site of Bagan.
The Magan is a mythical sea monster resembling a crocodile with a prehensile snout and vice-like jaws. In Hindu mythology, can be depicted as a half-terrestrial animal in the frontal part (stag, deer, crocodile or elephant) and half-aquatic in its hindquarters (usually a fish or seal tail, though sometimes a peacock or even a floral tail is depicted). Also known as Makara, it can take many different forms throughout Asia. In Hindu astrology, Makara is equivalent to the sign of Capricorn.
The Pyinsa Rupa is a creature made from the amalgamation of parts of five different animals: elephant, bullock, horse, carp, and dragon. An alternative belief is that it consists of lion, elephant, buffalo, carp, and hintha. It is the official mascot of Myanm'Ar (Burma) Airways International.
An amalgamation of 9 animals in one creature, the Nawa Rupa (Nawayupa) is a national symbol of Rakhine State (formerly Ar'Akan State). The locals believe this symbol brings good luck and is commonly found throughout the ancient kingdom of M'Rauk U.
The Karaweik Bird is a mythical creature of a bird that supposedly possesses a pleasant and melodious cry. Traditionally, a barge in the shape of the bird was used in formal ceremonies as a royal commuter boat. The Karaweik Palace at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon is the most well-known symbol of the Karaweik Bird.
Pretas are mythical creatures believed to have been false, corrupted, compulsive, deceitful, jealous or greedy people in a previous life. As a result of their karma, they are afflicted with insatiable hunger for a particular substance or object. Traditionally, this is something repugnant or humiliating, such as cadavers or feces, though in more recent stories, it can be anything, however bizarre.
