Centaurs looked half human in appearance, but these legendary creatures were wild and crazy animals at heart. According to Ancient Greek mythology, the lower body of centaurs had the speed and kicking power of a stallion. The creature had an upper body like a human and human-like intelligence; unfortunately they often used their smarts to come up with clever plans to battle and kidnap people. Legends say there were good centaurs, with one taught by the Greek gods and honored with a permanent place in the sky.
Headed Horseman: Centaurs are a cross between humans and horses. From the waste up, these creatures are human, but their waist attaches to the body of a horse. Centaurs are as clever as people, but often behave like wild animals.
Horsepower: These mythical creatures were said to run as fast as horses, and they were powerful fighters, as well. Centaurs could bash enemies with their arms and their four legs, all of which were strong enough to kill with a single blow.
Don't Invite the Centaurs![]
Centaurs are often depicted as expert archers.
According to many stories, centaurs were legendary for their hot tempers and wild behavior, and had very bad reputations as "party animals." When they were invited to a special wedding, they drank too much wine and beat up the human bride and several of the guests. This scuffle turned into a full battle between people and centaurs, resulting in brutal deaths on both sides. One centaur, named Nessus, kidnapped Hercules' wife and gave her a vial of poison, which he said was a love potion. When she gave the "potion" to her husband, it almost killed the mighty Hercules.
Dead-Eye: Along with super strength, centaurs also have skills with weapons. These beasts are often shown as great archers, and can supposedly taken down an enemy with a bow and arrow from hundreds of yards away.
Soft Side: A centaur named Chiron was unlike all others. Chiron was very intelligent, and became the tutor of Greek heroes such as Achilles and Jason (of the Argonauts).
Seeing Stars[]
Chiron, the educated centaur, was said to be among the noblest beasts in all the world. In fact, he even decided to fight with people against other centaurs. Unfortunately, Chiron was accidentally killed by a poison arrow. To honor him, the gods created a constellation Centaurus, which looks like a centaur holding a bow and arrow.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The knowledge card says Centaurs. The trading card says Centaur.
- The top-most mini-section on the front, "Headed Horseman", is a pun on the name of the final monster in the Monsters of the Mind, the Headless Horseman.
- The centaur is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is featured in both You Ought to be In Pictures and Create A Creature on Monster Mania 80.
- It is then featured in Hero's Quest on Monster Mania 91.