Mythical creature (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: CHIMERA (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Mythical creature" with 7 letters is "CHIMERA".Chimera is a mythical creature from Greek mythology, depicted as a monstrous being with parts from multiple animals—typically a lion, goat, and serpent. It symbolizes something fantastical or impossible, often used metaphorically to describe an illusion or dream that cannot be realized.
Why “Chimera” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “mythical creature.” The answer, CHIMERA, fits perfectly:
- Mythical creature: Chimera refers to a legendary beast from ancient mythology, composed of different animal parts — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, chimera fits the enumeration accurately.
- Precise meaning: In mythology, the Chimera is a monstrous creature combining the features of a lion, a goat, and a serpent, embodying a hybrid symbol of fear and imagination.
The term chimera has its origins in ancient mythology and later evolved metaphorically:
- Origin and usage: From Latin chimaera and Greek khimaira (“she-goat”), the creature first appeared in Greek mythology. It was described as a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake.
Mythological context:
- The Chimera was said to ravage the lands of Lycia (modern-day Turkey) until it was slain by the hero Bellerophon riding his winged horse, Pegasus.
- In classical art and literature, the creature represented chaos, illusion, and the unnatural blending of forms.
Modern meaning:
- Used metaphorically to describe any impossible idea, illusion, or fanciful dream — “The plan was a political chimera.”
- In genetics, it describes an organism containing cells from different zygotes — “A human chimera has both male and female DNA.”
Examples:
- “The ancient Greeks believed the Chimera breathed fire.”
- “Her hopes of instant success proved a chimera.”
- “Scientists studied a conjoined chimera embryo.”
In quick crosswords like “Mythical creature (7),” the clue depends on general cultural or mythological knowledge:
- Definition: “Mythical creature” directly defines chimera without further wordplay.
- Clue type: A factual or general-knowledge clue — no hidden meanings or puns involved.
- Solving tip: Common crossword “mythical being” clues often feature words like satyr, hydra, sphinx, unicorn, or chimera.
- Distinctive features: The clue’s singular wording (“creature,” not “creatures”) and enumeration (7) make chimera the perfect match, as few other mythological names share that length.
