Sometimes, however, creatures that could be considered mythical have later turned out to be a reality. Storytelling may also have been one way that our ancestors tried to understand and explain the world around them, with fantastic beasts as just some of the results. For instance, the arms of the British monarch are supported by a lion and a unicorn, representing a blending of authority and storytelling.

The might represented by mythical creatures and their real-world counterparts have seen them used as symbols of power for centuries. 'They're exactly like the gryphons and wyverns that we see on flags and gateposts - not to mention the Wizarding World's Buckbeak the Hippogriff.' Ted Hughes described the eagle as a 'huddle-shawled, lightning-faced warrior' who 'stamps his shaggy-trousered dance on an altar of blood.' Their beauty is all about strength, speed and killing. 'Of course, they are built to tear flesh. The whole aura of the animal, from its eyes and beak to its talons, demonstrated such power in that fantastic form. 'It was so huge and heavy, with such majesty that I almost felt I had to bow my head in its presence. 'While filming this documentary I met one for the first time and had it on my arm. 'I think an animal which is close to mythical is the Steller's Sea Eagle,' he says. Though these legendary beasts have their roots in literary allegories, Stephen says it is no surprise that some of the most spectacular animals inspire legendary counterparts. Yet somehow one feels rather sorry for him.' 'The other a plain straight forward growling, slobbering, slavering beast like a horribly mutated hybrid of pit bull, bulldog and Rottweiler perhaps. 'One is beautiful, serene, powerful, mysterious,' says Stephen. As a result, it's no surprise that the fantastic beasts which inspire him the most come from ancient Greek culture, describing it as a 'dead heat' between Pegasus and Cerberus. Stephen is no stranger to legends, having published a series of books on Greek mythology.

We have sat in the caves, and now around our books and screens, glad to be safe, but needing to know about the dangers and the wonders out there in the wider world.' Why do we create fantastic beasts? 'This range of countervailing emotions are ones that mythology, story-telling, fairy-tales and more have always comforted and alarmed us with. 'I think the stories of mythical beasts are so compelling because of their mixture of fear, dread, excitement and comfort,' Stephen explains to the Museum.

Greek mythology stephen fry