A creature that is half human and half animal is often called a therianthrope.
The term "therianthrope" encompasses a broad range of human-animal hybrids found in mythology, folklore, and art across various cultures. These beings can possess different combinations of human and animal characteristics.
Here's a breakdown:
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Therianthrope: This is the most common and widely accepted term. It specifically refers to a being that combines human and animal features.
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Examples in Mythology and Culture:
- Egyptian deities like Anubis (jackal-headed) and Bastet (cat-headed) are prime examples of therianthropes.
- Werewolves, although specifically wolves, fall under the broader therianthropic category as they represent a human-animal transformation.
- Minotaurs (bull-headed humans) from Greek mythology are also classic examples.
- Various cultures depict deities and spirits with animal heads and human bodies, or vice versa.
While other terms might be used in specific contexts (like "animal-human hybrid" in scientific discussions, though often theoretical), "therianthrope" is the most accurate and widely understood general term.
