If you’ve ever read a mystery or adventure story that includes a strange, elusive creature, chances are you’ve encountered a cryptid. But what exactly is a cryptid — and why do writers love to include them in their stories?
A cryptid is an animal or creature whose existence is suggested by sightings, folklore, or anecdotal evidence, but has not been scientifically proven. These are creatures that hover between reality and legend, sparking curiosity and imagination. Some cryptids are purely mythical, while others, like the Tasmanian Tiger, were once real but are now considered extinct — yet occasional “sightings” continue to inspire tales.
Famous examples of cryptids include:
- Bigfoot / Sasquatch – a giant, hairy humanoid reported in North American forests.
- Loch Ness Monster – the legendary aquatic creature said to inhabit Scotland’s Loch Ness.
- Mokele-Mbembe – a dinosaur-like creature claimed to exist in the Congo River basin.
- Tasmanian Tiger / Thylacine – officially extinct, yet the subject of numerous reports and legends in Tasmania.
Writers love cryptids because they are inherently mysterious. They let us play with the “what if?” factor in fiction — what if the creature is still out there? What if it interacts with humans in unexpected ways? In humorous or quirky mystery books, cryptids can be central plot devices, comic relief, or even near-characters in their own right.
For readers, cryptids offer a thrill: the tension between fact and legend. They appear in novels, short stories, folklore collections, and even movies. In a Tasmanian setting, the thylacine as a cryptid blends natural history, cultural memory, and storytelling potential, giving authors a rich canvas for both suspense and humour.
So the next time you encounter a “cryptid” in a book, remember: it’s more than a monster or a myth. It’s a doorway to curiosity, mystery, and the fun of imagining the impossible. In my Windy Mountain series, the Tasmanian Tiger plays exactly this role — a creature that’s part legend, part story engine, and all mischief.
JOHN MARTIN 