Cryptozoology - The Yeti

Among the most famous cryptozoology legends is the Yeti. It is a mythical creature of the Himalayas, and an important part of indigenous people's folklore. It is believed to inhabit the region, destroying crops and preying on cattle.

The Yeti has been depicted in literature, films and music. It is generally described as a bipedal creature with disproportionately large feet and hairy legs. It is said to be a human-like animal with supernatural powers.

The Yeti was first popularized by British mountain explorers in the early 20th century. Reports of sightings in the Himalayas began to come in. In 1951, Eric Shipton saw a footprint at Menlung Glacier in the Everest Region. The following year, Major L. A. Wassell also saw a Yeti footprint in Northeast Sikkim.

In 1970, British mountaineer Don Whillans claimed to have seen a Yeti in Annapurna. He observed a dark figure moving near his camp. The figure made a whistling swoosh sound. After the discovery of the Yeti, photographs of the creature were taken and later proved to be authentic.

The Yeti is also known as a ghostly spirit or an abominable snowman in Nepali folklore. It is also associated with the monkey god Hanuman. It is believed to have been worshipped by the indigenous communities of the Himalayas, Siberia and East Asia.

The real-life giant ape Gigantopithecus blacki lived in Asia between 2.6 million and 100,000 years ago. This ape would have been more than three meters tall, weighed between 200 and 300 kg, and had a long neck. It is believed that this ape left a deep impression on the early humans, resulting in the Yeti legend.