An interesting question came up in Sunday’s TWUBS Chat. A simple one too, which I’ll divide into 3 and let everyone have fun. As usual, you can answer in the comments or on your blog with a link to here. Enjoy.
- What type of magical beast would you want as a mount?
- What would be your primary use for it? Work, play, errands, etc.
- What would you name it?
About Charles Yallowitz
Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
Legends of Windemere 
I still want a Pegasi pack string. Do they have a mule version for all the packing? Great way to get around and still have a nice campsite.
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Don’t think so. Though it seems Disney has one named Burrito. Showed up in ‘The Three Caballeros’.
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I suppose I’d have to say a dragon, just because. And I’d probably use it for everything, because if you have a dragon to ride around on why not use it. Not sure of the name. I tend to have to get to know an animal before a name comes to me.
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So the dragon’s name would be whatever he/she wants. 😉
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The Latin name of Cerberus, the mythological dog with 3 heads guarding Hades, comes from the Greek Kerberos (Κέρβερος), which in turn possibly derives from the Sanskrit word for “spotted” or “speckled” (कर्बुर – karbura).
So, I’ll pick Cerberus for the sheer fun of riding an effing three-headed killing machine that answers to the name of Spot. I would then ride him to the super market and have him devour anyone parking in the handicapped zone without actually being a handicap (pet hate of mine).
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Is that ‘spotted’ thing true? I remember reading a meme about it on-line. Then I tried to do research and saw several people saying that it was false. Even so, a Cerberus would be a lot of fun to have. What’s your stance on him flipping cars that fail to use their turn signal?
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I found the Wikipedia link, plus another few ones. Looks pukka to me.
I’m all for it. Thanks for the reminder 😀
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Pukka . . . That an Irish folklore creature? Want to say it’s a black horse type animal that can bring good or bad luck.
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Lol – it is British English for ‘the genuine article’. But I like your idea better 😀
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Was thinking of Pookah or something similar apparently. Pukka never made it to this side of the Atlantic. Closest think might be what a drunken Frat Boy says after a kegger.
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I think it’s an Indian word, actually, so it makes sense it’s unknown your side of the pond. Except for said frat boy, of course.
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Probably more of a noise than a word. 🙂
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How do you think most of the words started off? 😀
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Spontaneous verbal eruption?
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Now all I can think of is some of those B’ movies in the 50s…
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The terrifying classics. 🙂
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Terrifying being the operative word here – for all the wrong reasons 😀
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Ha!!! That’s fabulous. 😀
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It would have to be Pegasus. That way I could cover land AND air. And I’d want the sheer enjoyment of fun and flying!
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If only there was a way to add sea travel in there. 🙂
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Hmmm…. An aquatic Pegasus. Hey, it could happen in a fantasy novel, right? It could be crossed with a Pooka, the Irish water horse. Land, sea and air. I like it!
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Hippocampus is probably the closest thing within the Greek Pantheon. Like a Mere-Horse.
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I’ll stay with a Griffen. I would use it for short commutes and also to swoop in on my enemies to surprise and confuse. Her name would be Thunder.
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You could park on rooftops too. They like being high up. 🙂
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That is why I mentioned the commute. You know roof of grocery store type of commute.
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It is part eagle, so maybe you can do some fishing too.
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Those talons would come in handy.
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They’re pretty good with the beak too.
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I can imagine.
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Lol ok I love the idea of Cerberus Spot, but I’ll have to go with the racing snail from Neverending Story. It would be entirely for play, I would get a lot of snail friends for him and name him Trogdor the Magnificent. He would never have be forced to race again, poor thing. We would just sit around making flower crowns for each other in the sun all day.
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Sounds like the life. Been a long time since I saw that movie too. Waiting for the kid to be old enough for it.
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lol aww you’re never too old for that film, I re-watch it probably once a year!
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Finally own the thing, so it’ll be easier.
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I’m sorry to have missed that chat. Here are my answers.
1. What type of magical beast would you want as a mount?
I’d go with a unicorn, an LOTR-type eagle, a winged horse, or a dragon—but only if the dragon wants me as a mount. In my world, the dragons have been enslaved and are sick of being used as mounts. But if they bond with someone, they don’t mind as much.
2. What would be your primary use for it? Work, play, errands, etc.
Probably for long-distance travel and war purposes. For everyday errands, I’d go with a horse or walk. I can’t see using a magical creature every day. They have their own plans.
3. What would you name it?
Depends on the color and temperament and sex of the animal. I’m partial to floral names.
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The chat was fun, but I have to admit that the technical difficulties on my end were a pain. Constantly hitting refresh or following by searching Twitter for the hashtag made it impossible to relax for long.
War purposes?
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Probably a Toruk from Avatar (I think that’s what they’re called). I would keep the name, it being tradition and all, and fly as often as possible!
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Is that the pterodactyl-like things? I only saw the movie once.
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Yep, it’s the fiery red one!
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I’d rather fly on my own, but a dragon would be nice, too. A smallish one, not 100 ft long, or where would you land? I would fly everywhere. Zero emissions, you know.
I see a “steeds r us” vignette coming.
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I’m actually surprised I haven’t done that already. Good point on the landing space. Especially with a dragon, there aren’t many open spaces or sturdy rooftops for him.
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