Creatures of magic have always captured the human imagination and have been a staple in myths, legends, and folklore. These enchanted beings are often depicted as possessing supernatural abilities and often play a significant role in various narratives. One such creature is the unicorn, a mystical horse-like creature with a horn on its forehead. Unicorns are often associated with purity and grace, and their horns are believed to have magical properties. Legends tell of their ability to heal sickness and cleanse water, making them highly sought after by humans. Another magical creature is the phoenix, a legendary bird known for its ability to be reborn from its own ashes.
Check out more artworks from the Getty's online collection. We suggest the following search words: moonlight, sun, castle, and landscape.
With color drained from the world, a brother and sister set sail on an epic adventure to find and restore color, while being helped and hindered by all manner of real and mythical creatures. With color drained from the world, a brother and sister set sail on an epic adventure to find and restore color, while being helped and hindered by all manner of real and mythical creatures.
Another magical creature is the phoenix, a legendary bird known for its ability to be reborn from its own ashes. The phoenix represents renewal and immortality, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life. It is often depicted with vibrant plumage in shades of red, orange, and gold, and its song is believed to inspire and bring hope.
The J. Paul Getty Museum
Welcome, kids and families. You are about to embark on an epic journey through tall tales performed by storytellers, puppets, artists, and animations. This online series features three spellbinding stories of daring adventures, fantastical beasts, and magical enchantments, each followed by an art-making workshop guided by our Fantastic Journeys artists. Want more adventure? Enjoy imagination-sparking activities as you explore story-inspired artworks from the Getty collection. All aboard!
Garment for the Moon
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
Garment for the Moon
A traditional Jewish folktale
Performed by Michael Katz
A common tailor is given the seemingly impossible task of creating a garment for the moon. In his quest the tailor journeys to a castle, meets a queen, and discovers the power of magic and transformation.
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
Make Your Own Magical Moon Mobile
With artist Marianne Sadowski
Create a moon mobile, then dress it with colorful clothes using magical paint techniques and everyday materials. Watch the video and download the Moon Mobile PDF for instructions and materials.
Collection Connection
Explore these artworks using fun, family-friendly activities inspired by Garment for the Moon.Check out more artworks from the Getty's online collection. We suggest the following search words: moonlight, sun, castle, and landscape.
The Story of Minka and Misho
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
The Story of Minka and Misho
Original story performed by Moira Lael MacDonald
With color drained from the world, a brother and sister set sail on an epic adventure to find and restore color, while being helped and hindered by all manner of real and mythical creatures.
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
Make Your Own Mythical Puppet Theater
With artist Moira Lael MacDonald
Create a fanciful puppet theater inspired by The Story of Minka and Misho. Watch the video and download the Puppet Theater PDF the Dragon Template PDF, and the Theater Template PDF for instructions and materials.
Collection Connection
Explore these artworks using fun, family-friendly activities inspired by The Story of Minka and Misho.
Check out more artworks from the Getty's online collection. We suggest the following search words: dragons, sirens, griffins, insects, Hoefnagel, and sailing.
The Tale of Miniyamba
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
The Tale of Miniyamba
Adaptation performed by Baba the Storyteller with their kora, a West African stringed instrument
An unexpected encounter between a young boy and a monstrous snake deep in a baobab forest sparks an unlikely friendship that could save a village and possibly the world.
Subtitles/closed captions are available in English and Spanish.
Make Your Own Mysterious Creature Collage
With artist Austyn de Lugo-Liston
Create a mysterious, mythical creature using simple collage techniques and easy-to-find materials, inspired by The Tale of Miniyamba. Watch the video and download the Creature Collage PDF for instructions and materials.
Collection Connection
Explore these artworks using fun, family-friendly prompts inspired by The Tale of Miniyamba.Check out more artworks from the Getty's online collection. We suggest the following search words: snake, forest, cloud, harvest, and Northumberland Bestiary.
Getty Wants Your Feedback!
Help us improve our family offerings by participating in an online survey or focus group! By sharing insights about your experience with the Fantastic Journeys series and other online activities, you can help Getty design future opportunities that better meet the needs and interests of families. Thank you.
Explore More Family Offerings
Want more art-making activities? Make Artful Bouquets, craft Royal Crowns, and bake Cuneiform Cookies.
Want more stories? Enjoy the family-friendly re-telling of the ODDyssey by the Troubador Theater Company.
Banner image: Initial S: A Griffin and Rider (detail), unknown artist, about 1240–1250, tempera colors, gold leaf and silver leaf on parchment.
Dragons are another classic creature of magic, commonly depicted as large, fire-breathing reptiles. These mythical beings are often associated with strength, wisdom, and power. Many cultures have their own interpretations of dragons, from fearsome creatures to benevolent protectors. Mermaids, half-human and half-fish beings, are also creatures of magic. These enchanting creatures are known for their beauty and captivating singing voices. Legends tell of their ability to lure sailors with their songs and charm. Fairies, small humanoid beings with magical powers, are often depicted as mischievous and playful. They are believed to live in nature, granting wishes and casting spells. Fairies are associated with magic, nature, and enchantment. Magical creatures are not only found in folklore and mythology but also in popular culture, with many films, books, and TV shows featuring these fantastical beings. They continue to captivate audiences and fuel our imagination with their supernatural abilities and mysterious allure. From unicorns to dragons and everything in between, creatures of magic will always hold a special place in our hearts and minds..
Reviews for "Mythical Creatures: Guardians of Ancient Wisdom"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Creatures of Magic Neer", but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, with characters that lacked depth and development. I had a hard time connecting with any of them and found myself not caring about their fates. The writing style was also a bit clumsy, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity for a captivating magical story.
2. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Creatures of Magic Neer" because it simply wasn't engaging enough. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it hard to stay invested in the story. The pacing was slow, and the world-building was inadequate, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making the characters seem flat and uninteresting. Overall, I found this book to be uninspiring and would not recommend it to fellow fantasy lovers.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Creatures of Magic Neer" to be underwhelming and forgettable. The writing style was dull, lacking the descriptive imagery and poetic language often found in fantasy novels. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to emotionally invest in their journey. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, leaving me confused and uninterested. I had hoped for an enchanting and immersive reading experience, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.