Can Science Explain Legendary Creatures?
Monsters hiding in the mist-shrouded lochs of Scotland and lumbering through remote forests have ensnared our imaginations for generations. From the elusive Loch Ness Monster to the shaggy Yeti and the infamous Bigfoot, tales of mysterious creatures roaming just beyond the boundaries of science have been part of human culture for centuries. But is there any truth to these stories? Or, as a recent conversation on “Things Visible and Invisible” explores, are cryptids less about undiscovered animals and much more about us—the people who search for them?
The Allure of the Unknown: Why We See What We Want to See
It turns out, the stories we tell about monsters may say far more about human psychology than about biology. Many academics who study cryptozoology don’t actually believe in the existence of unknown beasts. Instead, they’re fascinated by what cryptid sightings reveal about how we perceive the world—and how easily we can be tricked by our own minds.
Human perception isn’t infallible. We interpret the world through a filter of expectation, imagination, and cultural narrative. When we enter a shadowy forest or gaze across a vast, still lake, we don’t approach as blank slates. We carry with us centuries of myth and legend. This phenomenon, called “expectant attention,” suggests that when we experience something unfamiliar—a ripple in the water, a fleeting movement in the dark—our minds are primed to fill in the gaps with the monsters of our cultural landscape.
For example, someone visiting a dense, mountainous forest might imagine human-shaped forms hidden among the trees, or see shapes in the lake and immediately think of lake monsters. It’s only natural: folklore and storytelling are woven into our DNA as humans, shaping the way we perceive and interpret the unknown.
Cryptids in the Age of Science (and Social Media)
As technology connects us more easily, stories of cryptids travel faster than ever. The internet acts as a megaphone for urban legends. Creatures like the “Dogman”—once obscure—have now become viral phenomena through forums, YouTube, podcasts, and social media. The very act of discussing or debunking cryptids actually perpetuates and transforms them, turning them into enduring fixtures in modern folklore.
There's also a booming commercialization around legendary monsters. Loch Ness tours, Bigfoot expeditions, and a growing merchandise industry all feed into a collective desire for the mysterious and unexplained. This isn’t restricted to earnest believers; skeptics, tourists, and curiosity seekers all become participants in keeping these stories alive.
At the heart of this fascination is something deeply human: the yearning to believe in something greater, mysterious, or magical. Myths about monsters sometimes even serve as substitutes for religious or spiritual belief, offering a sense of wonder and connecting us to the ancient traditions of storytelling and the search for meaning in a confusing world.
The Congo Dinosaur: Fact, Fiction, and the Power of Imagination
Take the example of Mokele-Mbembe, a creature said by some to inhabit the deep lakes and swamps of the Congo. Described in Western accounts as a living “brontosaurus,” this myth gained traction just as museums around the world were first displaying gigantic dinosaur skeletons a century ago.
But upon closer examination, the descriptions of Mokele-Mbembe don’t even match what science currently knows about sauropod dinosaurs. The idea of dinosaurs surviving in the unexplored wilds of Africa was shaped as much by colonial notions of an "untamed" continent as by any actual discovery. And as local people interacted with Western explorers, they adapted their stories, giving rise to a modern tradition that entertains—and sometimes profits from—cryptid tourism.
This cycle reveals how folklore evolves in response to cultural expectations, media attention, and even economic opportunity. The monsters we seek are often reflections of our dreams, fears, and the stories we want to believe.
Is Science Open to Mystery?
Skeptics often point to scientific discoveries like the coelacanth—a fish thought extinct until it was found alive in the 1930s—as proof that even the impossible can happen. Surely, if a prehistoric fish can reappear, giant lake monsters or surviving dinosaurs could exist too?
The reality, however, is more nuanced. The rediscovery of the coelacanth owes much to the fact that its remains were difficult to identify in the fossil record; not so for massive marine reptiles like plesiosaurs, which would leave far more obvious traces. While science is always open to new discoveries, rigorous evaluation of cryptid claims usually finds mundane explanations: known species, optical illusions, hoaxes, or simply cases of mistaken identity.
That isn't to say there are no mysteries left. Marine biologists and zoologists acknowledge that unknown large animals may still exist in remote parts of the world or deep in the oceans. And, indeed, new species are discovered every year. But so far, none match the sensational monsters of popular legend.
Why Studying Belief in Monsters Still Matters
So, if the evidence for legendary biological monsters is lacking, why do cryptozoologists persist? The answer lies in what these stories tell us about ourselves. The phenomenon of believing in cryptids—or simply enjoying tales about them—offers insight into the workings of human imagination, social dynamics, and even the psychology of belief.
Interestingly, studies suggest those drawn to belief in cryptids often hold other fringe beliefs as well, sometimes ranging from harmless fun to positions that can conflict with science. This doesn’t mean exploring mysterious creatures is itself a problem, but it’s a reminder that how we approach the unexplained can shape the way we think about evidence, skepticism, and scientific inquiry.
Stories about monsters will probably never vanish—they fulfill a deep-seated human hunger for wonder, mystery, and meaning. The real richness of cryptozoology may not reside in the forests or lakes, but in the stories and hopes we share with each other.
Conclusion: Love the Mystery, Cherish the Truth
In the end, whether or not Bigfoot hides among the redwoods or Nessie patrols the depths of Loch Ness, these stories offer more than just tales of the unknown—they are windows into how we see ourselves and our world. While science demands evidence, folklore persists because we want to believe, to imagine, and to connect with something greater than the ordinary.
So, go ahead—enjoy the monster stories, embark on that Nessie boat ride, debate the possibilities with friends. But remember: the greatest mysteries may lie not in the depths of lakes or shadowy forests, but in the depths of our collective imagination. And that’s a wonder worth celebrating.
📕 Guest: Darren Naish
Darren Naish is a British vertebrate paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and science communicator. He’s authored key paleontology texts like "Dinosaur Facts and Figures" and runs the long-standing science blog Tetrapod Zoology. His book "Hunting Monsters" examines the myths and realities behind cryptozoology’s most famous creatures.
📝 Blog: Tetrapod Zoology https://tetzoo.com/
🐦 X / Twitter: @TetZoo https://x.com/TetZoo
