Origins of Legendary Creatures

What are the origins of well-known legendary figures, such as the phoenix, the unicorn, and the mermaid? From Ancient symbols and myths to Medieval bestiaries, we are going to explore their appearance and evolution, and try to dig a bit deeper. Why do certain motifs, such as the phoenix, appear across various cultures? What are the Physiologus and the illustrated bestiaries from the Middle Ages? What is the psychological and cultural appeal of part-human, part-animal hybrids such as the mermaid? Let's find out!