Mythic Creatures Folklore Speaker Series: Dragons and Other Mythic Beasts: Misunderstood Natural Evidence with Dr. Adrienne Mayor

For thousands of years, humans around the world have brought mythic creatures to life in stories, music, and works of art. Uncover the origins and significance of legendary creatures of the air, land, and water, such as dragons, mermaids, and Bigfoot, through the lenses of distinguished speakers in their fields. Talks will be followed by a meet-and-greet and light reception in the museum’s main lobby.

In this talk, Adrienne Mayor uncovers the origins of ancient and medieval stories about dragons, unicorns, and other fantastic creatures in Europe and Asia. She investigates how some popular animals of myth might have arisen from misunderstood evidence observed in Nature. Misidentified parts of exotic living animals, fossils of long-extinct flora and fauna, and dinosaur bones and footprints in stone — all have played roles in confirming people’s belief in fabulous beasts.

Hager Auditorium
Free for members, $5/non-member
Registration is required.