What is a Cryptid ?

The word Cryptid is a relatively new word used to describe the alluring and evasive animals of Cryptozoology. Cryptid is derived from the Greek word Kryptos meaning hidden. This word was coined in 1983 by John E. Wall of Manitoba, Canada when he submitted a letter to the editor of ISC Newsletter (vol. 2, no. 2, p. 10) a quarterly publication of the now defunct International Society of Cryptozoology. Recently Merriam-Webster recognized Cryptid as a legitimate word. Though it has not appear in their dictionary yet.

Cryptids fall into three categories : (1). Thought to be extinct  (2). Yet to be discovered and classified. (3). Misidentifications

Creatures in the Bible that can be considered Cryptids are :

1. Behemoth  (Job 40:15-24)
2. Leviathan (Job 41:1-34),(Psalm 104:26)
3. Satyrs (Isaiah 13:21),(Isaiah 34:14)
4. Dragons (Ezekiel 29:3)
5. Unicorns (Job 39:9-12)
6. Beasts (Revelation 9:1-12)
7. Fiery Flying Serpents (Isaiah 30:6)

Cryptids are sometimes grouped with UFO aliens, ghosts, and other paranormal phenomenon but these have nothing to do with Cryptozoology especially Biblical Cryptozoology. Once a cryptid is identified it no longer is a cryptid because it is no longer considered hidden. A cryptid may also be known as an Unidentified Mysterious Animal (UMA). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has a list of cryptids on their website.

Here is a short 10 point quiz on What is a Cryptid ?

1. Cryptid means  : (a) buried  (b) sealed  (c) hidden
2. Cryptid was coined in what year : (a) 1959 (b) 1983 (c) 2000
3. Who coined Cryptid : (a) John A. Door (b) John Doe (c) John E. Wall
4. What Publication first used the word cryptid? : (a) National Geographic (b) ISC Newsletter (c) Newsweek
5. Cryptids fall into how many categories : (a) 5  (b) 3 (c) 2
6. What creature is not a cryptid ? : (a) UFO alien (b) Loch Ness Monster (c) Unicorns
7. What book of the Bible describes behemoth ? : (a) Isaiah (b) Job (c) Ezekiel
8. Satyrs are described in what book of the Bible : (a) Isaiah (b) Revelation (c) Job
9. True or false : Behemoth is mentioned in both the Old testament and New Testament of the Bible.
10. True or false : Once a cryptid is identified it stays a cryptid.

ANSWERS :

1. (c)
2. (b)
3. (c)
4. (b)
5. (b)
6. (a)
7. (b)
8. (a)
9. false
10. false