Bonnacon
 a depiction of a bonnacon, from a medieval manuscript. | |
| Grouping | Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Last reported | c. 77–79 |
| Other name(s) | Bonacon, Bonasus |
| Country | Macedonia |
| Region | Paionia |
| Habitat | Open grassy fields |
The bonnacon (also called the bonacon or the bonasus) is a mythical animal from Macedonia. It has curled horns and when startled sprays acidic dung that burns on contact with skin "like a kind of fire". The legend may be based on a type of bison in reality. Some suggest that it had some resemblance to the European bison, which went extinct in the wild in 1919. A supposed representation of it appears on the coat of arms belonging to the Hollingshead Family, possibly alluding to a legendary confrontation between one of their ancestors and this beast.[1]
The animal was described by Pliny in his Naturalis Historia: "There are reports of a wild animal in Paionia called the bonasus, which has the mane of a horse, but in all other respects resembles a bull; its horns are curved back in such a manner as to be of no use for fighting, and it is said that because of this it saves itself by running away, meanwhile emitting a trail of dung that sometimes covers a distance of as much as three furlongs (604 m), contact with which scorches pursuers like a sort of fire."[2]
The bonnacon is also mentioned in the Aberdeen Bestiary.[3]
Evidence
There is no evidence to suggest that the bonnacon has ever existed. Some researchers believe that the creature could have been a form of bison which may have once lived in Macedonia.[1]
Other appearances
The bonnacon has appeared as a monster in Final Fantasy XI.[4] Additionally, it appears as a rare spawn as part of the Hunt system in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and as a common enemy in the Infinite Corridor in La-Mulana (original game and remake).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.unknownexplorers.com/bonnacon.php
- ↑ Book 8, 16
- ↑ Folio 12r Translation and Transcription
- ↑ http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Bonnacon