Catoblepas

The **catoblepas** (derived from the Greek word καταβλέπω (katablépō), meaning "to look downwards" via Latin *catōblepas*) is a legendary beast said to inhabit Aethiopia. It was first documented by Pliny the Elder and later described by Claudius Aelianus.

According to historical accounts, the catoblepas resembled a cape buffalo with a peculiarity - its head perpetually drooped due to its enormous weight. The creature was said to possess lethal powers: either its gaze or its breath could kill victims or transform them to stone. Many scholars believe the catoblepas myth originated from encounters with wildebeest, leading some dictionaries to treat the terms as synonymous with "gnu." Alternative descriptions portray it as having a hog's head mounted on a cape buffalo's body. Some consider it an African counterpart to the Gorgon.