Matching 50 mythical creatures with each of the 50 states

North Carolina: Hippocampus

There are plenty of things that North Carolina is known for, including the Biltmore Estates and Gardens, but it is their shoreline that really calls to us. In fact, one of the things they are famous for is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (with a stunning lighthouse).

And knowing that North Carolina has a beautiful shoreline, it just felt right to make sure that their state creature was none other than the majestic Hippocampus. While you might be thinking of the brain, the Hippocampus is also an ancient Greek sea creature that looks like a seahorse but with two forelegs and a much larger presence in the water.

The fact that this creature could swim in both fresh and saltwater means that he doesn’t even have to stick to the shore if he doesn’t want to. But perhaps the most important job that the Hippocampus of mythology had was as the chariot pullers for Poseidon.

When you think of southern hospitality, North Carolina is sure to come to mind, so it makes sense that the Hippocampus was also known for its good nature and the fact that it would often save sailors from drowning. They would even save humans from the clutches of other monsters in the sea. Basically, if you were looking for a mythical creature to represent southern hospitality, it feels like it has to be the Hippocampus.