Best mythical creature to use as livestock?How would a human livestock facility run by aliens...
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Best mythical creature to use as livestock?
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Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.
In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?
Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.
fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock
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|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.
In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?
Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.
fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
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@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.
In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?
Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.
fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock
$endgroup$
Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.
In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?
Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.
fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock
fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock
asked 2 hours ago
CSNCSN
12116
12116
3
$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
3
$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago
3
3
$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago
1
1
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Perfectly Normal Beast
Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).
Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain
Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.
Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.
Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".
"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."
Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Hydra
It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.
(There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
$endgroup$
– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
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Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
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– Thorne
17 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.
Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.
Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.
Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.
Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).
There are many, many more possibilities...
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.
The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!
You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!
(In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)
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add a comment |
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Humans
(And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)
Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.
It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.
Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.
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$begingroup$
Well, we found the evil emperor...
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– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.
New contributor
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$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
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– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
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– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
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– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
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– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)
Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).
Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.
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1
$begingroup$
Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
$endgroup$
– Thorne
15 mins ago
add a comment |
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7 Answers
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7 Answers
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$begingroup$
Perfectly Normal Beast
Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).
Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain
Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.
Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.
Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".
"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."
Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perfectly Normal Beast
Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).
Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain
Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.
Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.
Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".
"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."
Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perfectly Normal Beast
Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).
Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain
Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.
Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.
Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".
"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."
Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.
$endgroup$
Perfectly Normal Beast
Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).
Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain
Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.
Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.
Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".
"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."
Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.
answered 2 hours ago
MathaddictMathaddict
4,352532
4,352532
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Hydra
It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.
(There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
$endgroup$
– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
$endgroup$
– Thorne
17 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Hydra
It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.
(There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
$endgroup$
– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
$endgroup$
– Thorne
17 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Hydra
It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.
(There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)
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The Hydra
It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.
(There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)
edited 1 hour ago
answered 1 hour ago
GeneGene
85217
85217
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Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
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– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
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Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
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– Thorne
23 mins ago
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The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
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– Thorne
17 mins ago
add a comment |
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Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
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– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
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Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
$endgroup$
– Thorne
17 mins ago
$begingroup$
Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
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– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
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Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
$endgroup$
– Tim B♦
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
$endgroup$
– Thorne
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
$endgroup$
– Thorne
17 mins ago
$begingroup$
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
$endgroup$
– Thorne
17 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.
Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.
Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.
Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.
Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).
There are many, many more possibilities...
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.
Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.
Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.
Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.
Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).
There are many, many more possibilities...
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.
Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.
Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.
Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.
Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).
There are many, many more possibilities...
$endgroup$
Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.
Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.
Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.
Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.
Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).
There are many, many more possibilities...
answered 1 hour ago
JBiggsJBiggs
8,76811840
8,76811840
add a comment |
add a comment |
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The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.
The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!
You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!
(In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.
The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!
You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!
(In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.
The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!
You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!
(In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)
$endgroup$
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary
An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.
The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!
You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!
(In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)
answered 35 mins ago
theREALyumdubtheREALyumdub
2828
2828
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Humans
(And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)
Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.
It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.
Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.
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Well, we found the evil emperor...
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– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
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Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
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– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Humans
(And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)
Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.
It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.
Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Well, we found the evil emperor...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Humans
(And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)
Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.
It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.
Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.
$endgroup$
Humans
(And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)
Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.
It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.
Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.
answered 13 mins ago
RenanRenan
49.9k13115250
49.9k13115250
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Well, we found the evil emperor...
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– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Well, we found the evil emperor...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
$begingroup$
Well, we found the evil emperor...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Well, we found the evil emperor...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
$begingroup$
Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
4 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.
New contributor
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Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
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– JBH
2 hours ago
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Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
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– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
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The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
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– JBH
2 hours ago
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@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
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– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
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I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
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– Renan
23 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.
New contributor
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
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– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
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– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
$endgroup$
– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.
New contributor
$endgroup$
A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 2 hours ago
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
5826
5826
New contributor
New contributor
$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
$endgroup$
– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
$endgroup$
– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
$endgroup$
– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
$endgroup$
– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
$endgroup$
– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
$endgroup$
– SciFiGuy
2 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
$endgroup$
– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
@SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
$endgroup$
– theREALyumdub
28 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
$begingroup$
I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
$endgroup$
– Renan
23 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)
Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).
Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.
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1
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Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
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– Thorne
15 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)
Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).
Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.
$endgroup$
1
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Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
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– Thorne
15 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)
Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).
Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.
$endgroup$
Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)
Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).
Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.
edited 1 hour ago
answered 1 hour ago
RafaelRafael
1,710615
1,710615
1
$begingroup$
Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
$endgroup$
– Thorne
15 mins ago
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
$endgroup$
– Thorne
15 mins ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
$endgroup$
– Thorne
15 mins ago
$begingroup$
Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
$endgroup$
– Thorne
15 mins ago
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
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– JBH
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
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– Logan R. Kearsley
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
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– Arkenstein XII
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
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– JBH
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
26 mins ago