French fancy
The South of France is a place we normally associate with the Cannes film festival and glamorous people hanging out on yachts! But it’s also the home of the magical
Matagot. This spirit being’s favourite guise is as a beautiful black cat, although it can appear as a dog, rat or a fox, depending on when and where you spot it. Stunning in appearance, it has striking eyes and is associated with wealth. If caught, it should be taken home and fed well. In return it will give you riches beyond your heart’s desire! Gascony, close to the Pyrenees, is one of the best places to spot one, should you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods.
As well as being home to beautiful beaches and crystal-clear seas, Greece is rich in history and of course mythology, and you’ll find temple ruins and incredible archeology from Athens to Rhodes. One of the lesser-known mystical creatures is the
With the front legs and head of a horse and the back legs and wings of a rooster, this wacky-looking creation is thought to symbolise solar power. Its image can still be seen in ancient relics, pottery and artwork found in museums and temples throughout the land. Thought to carry the souls of the dead on to the next life, they’re also associated with good luck particularly for those who like to travel. Carrying an image of this being is said to ensure that every trip is a safe and happy one.