Bonnacon
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 A depiction of a bonnacon, from a medieval manuscript. | |
| Grouping | Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Bonacon, Bonasus |
| Country | Paeonia |
| Region | Macedonia |
| Habitat | Open grassy fields |
The bonnacon (also called the bonacon or the bonasus) is a mythical animal from the region of 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 became 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 Paeonia 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[who?] believe that the creature could have been a form of bison which may have once lived in the region of 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
- ^ a b "Unknown Explorers - Bonnacon".
- ^ Book 8, 16
- ^ "Text f12r The hyena continued; the bonnacon - The Aberdeen Bestiary".
- ^ "Bonnacon". FFXIclopedia.