35 Beautiful Mythical Creatures from Across the Globe

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An insightful guide to the most stunning creatures from mythology
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There are a variety of legends featuring mythical creatures with impressive powers and abilities. Many of these fantastical beings are also known for their beautiful appearances. They come in many forms, like hybrids who are half human and half animal, and have awesome supernatural powers. Read on to learn about the most captivating mythical creatures from around the world.

Alluring Mythical Creatures

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An illustration of some of the most stunning mythical creatures.

Myths and legends worldwide feature countless mythical creatures that are recognized for their beauty. These include stunning figures like mermaids, unicorns, fairies, the Sphinx, Lamia, the Rainbow Serpent, the Swan Maiden, the Valkyrie, Sylph, Thunderbird, Pegasus, the Phoenix, Selkie, and many others.

1

Mermaids

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  1. Mermaids are gorgeous sea creatures that are half human and half fish.
    They have magical powers, long lifespans, and amazing musical gifts. While there are many tales told about them in European folklore, the most popular story is Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.[1] When it was made into a Disney animated film, Ariel became the most famous mermaid.
    • Origin: European
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2

Unicorns

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  1. Unicorns are majestic horse-like creatures with a horn on their foreheads.
    These powerful animals symbolize purity, love, and healing. They’ve captured the imagination of humans for ages and are featured in fantasy tales and pop culture (such as in the Harry Potter book series). There are legends of people trying to steal the horns of unicorns for their healing capabilities.[2]
    • Origin: Greek, Roman
3

Fairies

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  1. Fairies are dwarf-like creatures with green clothes and hair.
    Many times, they appear as fragile, beautiful women with wings or handsome men. They live on earth, either underground or among stones, and are never too far from humans. They have magical powers, which they normally use for good, but some fairies are mischievous. They’ve been known to carry off adults and children to fairyland.[3]
    • Origin: European
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4

Pegasus

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  1. Pegasus is a beautiful white horse with magnificent wings.
    The divine creature from Greek mythology exudes grace and looks absolutely gorgeous when flying across the sky. The horse’s figure is so immaculate that it has been featured prominently in Greek art and literature and is seen today as a major source of poetic inspiration.[4]
    • Origin: Greek
    • Greek and Roman mythology expert Julia VanderHoeven gives interesting details about the origins of Pegasus. She explains, “Pegasus was actually born when the hero Perseus slayed the Gorgon Medusa. So he chopped off her head, essentially. But she had somehow been pregnant and gave birth to Pegasus, the winged horse, out of her severed neck.”[5]
5

Phoenix

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  1. The Phoenix is an enchanting eagle-like bird with a fiery glow.
    It has vibrant feathers that are red, purple, and gold. Several myths from different countries exist about the creature. In most legends, the bird has a lifespan of 500 years. When it’s nearing its end, it creates a nest out of cinnamon, twigs, and other spices. The sun causes the nest and the bird to burst into flames, and from the ashes a young Phoenix emerges.[6]
    • Origin: Greek, Egyptian
    • The Phoenix holds a lot of significance and has been connected to themes such as renewal, resilience, hope, and transformation.[7]
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6

Sirens

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  1. The Sirens have a majestic form that’s half-bird and half-woman.
    They’re a type of mermaid rooted in Greek mythology and are beautiful, but deadly. Besides having alluring appearances, they also have captivating voices. They’re notorious for luring sailors to their demise with their hypnotic singing.[8]
    • Origin: Greek
7

Veela

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  1. Veela are alluring Slavic nymphs and female spirits of nature.
    They live in rivers, lakes, caves, the sky, and forests. When they appear to humans, they usually take the form of a stunning maiden with long hair. They’re kind and will help those who need it, but if you upset one, they’ll unleash their anger. They can also take the shape of swans, horses, falcons, and wolves.
    • Origin: Slavic
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8

The Valkyrie

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  1. The Valkyrie are graceful and mighty female warriors with golden hair.
    Often, they’re shown on horseback, wielding spears. Their name means “chooser of the slain,” and in Norse legends, they chose which warriors would die in battle. It was their duty to guide the souls of fallen soldiers to Valhalla, a celestial hall for courageous fighters.[9]
    • Origin: Norse
9

Sphinx

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  1. The Sphinx is a hybrid creature with human and animal features.
    In Egyptian folklore, the Sphinx has the head of a man and the body of a lion. The mesmerizing creature is responsible for protecting the pyramids and the pharaohs buried inside them. Its beauty lies in its mysterious and unusual form.[10]
    • Origin: Egyptian, Greek
    • VanderHoeven explains how the Sphinx also appears in Greek mythology, but as a female. She describes it as “an ancient Greek monster [with] the top half of a woman and the bottom half of a big cat [or] lion.”[11] She guards the gates of the ancient city of Thebes and teases travelers with riddles.
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10

Rainbow Serpent

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  1. The Rainbow Serpent is a deity who takes the form of a rainbow or snake.
    The figure is well known in the myths of the Aboriginal tribes in Australia. The creature inhabits the sky and the earth and is praised for its ability to create life and water. When a rainbow appears in the sky, it’s said that the Rainbow Serpent is moving between water holes.[12]
    • Origin: Australian
    • The Rainbow Serpent is both male and female and is viewed as a protector, a fertility goddess, and a spirit who helps to prevent floods.
11

Lamia

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  1. Lamia was an attractive woman who was the queen of Libya.
    Legend has it that the Greek god Zeus adored her, which made his wife, Hera, jealous. Out of spite, Hera took Lamia’s children away from her. Heartbroken, Lamia got vengeance by killing any child she could get her hands on. This is what has earned her a monstrous reputation and appearance, although she once possessed great beauty.
    • Origin: Greek
    • In the ancient text Life of Apollonius of Tyana, Greek writer Flavius Philostratus depicts Lamia as a fiend who takes on the form of a gorgeous woman to lure and devour men.[13]
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12

Selkie

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  1. Selkies are shapeshifters who switch between animal and human form.
    They take on the shape of gentle seals at sea and attractive men and women on land. Early accounts about them come from Scottish and Irish tales, and there are different theories about their origins, explains British Culture Expert Amelia Roberts.[14] Some stories say these magical seals are the souls of people lost at sea, while biblical interpretations say they’re fallen angels who landed in the ocean.[15]
    • Origin: Scottish, Irish
13

Mami Wata

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  1. Mami Wata has the upper body of a woman and the lower half of a fish or serpent.
    She’s a captivating mermaid-like creature who comes from African and Afro-Caribbean mythology. The name Mami Wata refers to a group of powerful water spirits that symbolize fortune, fertility, beauty, and feminine power.[16]
    • Origin: African
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14

Apsara

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  1. Apsara is an eye-catching celestial being.
    They are mentioned in Indian religion and mythology and are said to have originally been water nymphs. They’re gifted performers who sing and dance in the heavens alongside the Hindu god, Indra. Their beauty has inspired paintings and sculptures in India and Southeast Asia.[17]
    • Origin: Indian
15

Iara

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  1. Iara is a mesmerizing mermaid with green hair and bronze skin.
    Her name translates to “Lady of the Lake,” and her story is well known in Brazil. She sits atop a rock in the sea, combing her flowing locks. As soon as she spots a man, she draws him to her by singing. Her voice makes men instantly fall in love with her, and she brings them to her underwater home, where they stay with her until they die.[18]
    • Origin: Brazilian
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16

Kitsune

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  1. Kitsune are gorgeous foxes with a silken fur coat.
    They are from Japanese folklore and known to have supernatural abilities. They hold the power of metamorphosis and become more powerful as they age. They have a lifespan of thousands of years, and there are both good and mischievous kitsune.
    • Origin: Japanese
    • Benevolent kitsune are connected to the Japanese deity, Inari, who is the god of rice cultivation and helps increase prosperity for farmers and merchants.[19]
17

Sylph

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  1. The Sylph is a mysterious elemental figure associated with air.
    The medieval physician Paracelsus was the first person to write about these creatures. Because they’re connected with the wind, they’re perceived as ethereal beings and are described as human but without a soul.[20] They’re often compared to nymphs and appear as swift and slender female spirits with wings.
    • Origin: Swiss
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18

Xana

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  1. Xana is a water fairy who appears as a stunning young woman.
    She originates in Asturias, Spain, and is recognized for her kindness. She dwells among caves, grottos, rivers, and lakes, keeping watch over her underwater treasures. She has long hair and a generous nature and sometimes gives humans gifts of golden yarn. [21]
    • Origin: Spanish
19

La Madremonte

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  1. La Madremonte is an elegant female with an impressive stature.
    She wears a hat made of leaves and feathers and dresses herself in vegetation and green moss. The mythical creature is said to dwell in the Amazon of Colombia, and the people who’ve crossed her path have never been able to get a clear look at her.[22]
    • Origin: Colombian
    • Some say they’ve been able to hear her piercing screams through the jungle on stormy nights. It’s also believed that the rivers turn muddy and flood after she’s bathed in them.
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20

Aghoy

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  1. The Aghoy are elves with light-colored hair.
    Some have a height of just a few inches, while others are up to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. They’re mentioned in Philippine folklore and are nice, but can be naughty sometimes. They live in large trees away from people, but they do enjoy some human interaction. Some legends say the Aghoy like to attend events and social functions with humans.[23]
    • Origin: Filipino
    • The elves of Philippine mythology go by many names, including dalakitnon, kiba-an, palasekan, and wenri-wenri.
21

Aziza

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  1. The Aziza are fairy-like beings with luminous wings.
    They have an abundance of hair and are usually no taller than a child. These creatures are based on West African mythology and recognized as a supernatural race that lives in the forests. They’re benevolent, using positive magic to aid and protect humans.[24]
    • Origin: West African
    • Some knowledge that the Aziza shares with humans includes how to master fire and use medicinal herbs.
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22

Kinnari

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  1. Kinnari are creatures with a human face and the body of a bird.
    Buddhist lore is filled with tales of these majestic beings, and they’re very popular among people. Kinnari are often represented in wood carvings that are placed in Buddhist temples and homes for protection. They look out for humans when they’re in danger and are seen as guardians. [25] In Hindu lore, they have amazing musical and poetic gifts, chanting songs in the Himalayas.[26]
    • Origin: Southeast Asian
23

Qilin

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  1. Qilin is a stunning creature that resembles a unicorn.
    In Chinese mythology, it’s described as having a horn on its forehead, the form of a deer, and the tail of an ox. The name is made up of two words, meaning “male” (qi) and “female” (lin). Qilin creatures are very kind and show up when a powerful ruler or sage is going to be born or die.[27]
    • Origin: Chinese
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24

Huldra

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  1. Huldra is a charming female forest spirit who possesses great beauty.
    Also referred to as the Hulder in Scandinavian folklore, this group of bewitching creatures looks human and has long hair. However, they have one unusual feature they try to hide, which is a cow’s tail. This figure is seductive, mysterious, and a symbol of fierce femininity.[28]
    • Origin: Scandinavian
25

Banshee

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  1. The banshee has a beauty that is captivating and haunting.
    The term “banshee” means “woman of the fairies,” associating the figure with enchantment and mysticism. Some descriptions in Irish and Celtic legends paint banshees as beastly, but there are others that present them as attractive beings with flowing locks and a youthful, eerie glow. They have ethereal traits, like a pale complexion and a piercing wail that warns of impending death.[29]
    • Origin: Celtic, Irish
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26

Fenghuang

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  1. The Fenghuang is a striking bird made up of many types of animal parts.
    It has the neck of a serpent, a fish’s tail, the markings of a dragon, and the facial features of a swallow. The bird stands at 9 ft (2.7 m), and its tail contains five sacred colors: red, blue, yellow, white, and black. It’s considered the phoenix of Chinese mythology, and its appearance signals the coming of a mighty new emperor.
    • Origin: Chinese
    • The Fenghuang is male and female and represents yin-yang balance and marital harmony.[30]
27

Thunderbird

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  1. The Thunderbird is an impressive, colorful creature with a large wingspan.
    Legends of the bird are told among American Indian tribes. The Thunderbird uses its colossal wings to control thunder and lightning and is seen as a figure that holds the power to protect and destroy.
    • Origin: Native American
    • There are researchers who believe the Thunderbird is not entirely fictional and is based on real birds. One famous sighting was reported in 1890 by a couple of cowboys in Arizona. They said they killed a giant bird that had the wings of a bat and the head of an alligator.[31]
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28

The Simurgh

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  1. The Simurgh is an alluring bird with unique features.
    It has copper plumage, the shape of a peacock, and lion’s talons. The creature appears in Persian tales and is present in ancient tile panels in Iran. The Simurgh is connected to Islamic mysticism and spiritual teachings. It signifies purity, fertility, and oneness.[32]
    • Origin: Persian
    • The Simurgh is the central character in the 12th-century text The Conference of the Birds. The story tells of birds from across the globe making the perilous journey to find their true king, the Simurgh.
29

Griffin

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  1. Griffins are majestic creatures with a lion's body and an eagle's head.
    Early stories of these creatures originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East and spread to Asia and Greece. They’re sacred beings depicted as protectors. They appear on many ancient tombs, and there are several artistic representations of them.[33]
    • Origin: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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30

Deva

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  1. Devas are divine beings whose appearance radiates beauty.
    They’re based in Hindu myths and associated with the natural elements of the sky, earth, and air. They have great powers and oversee the forces of nature. Devas also appear in other forms in Persian and Buddhist folklore.[34]
    • Origin: Indian
31

Swan Maiden

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  1. The Swan Maiden is a woman with shiny hair and a glowing complexion.
    Several European and Slavic tales exist about Swan Maidens. They don’t have a single origin story, and their characteristics vary depending on which version you read, but they’re always described as being very attractive. There are many accounts of men spotting these maidens wearing feathered cloaks. In an attempt to trap one for themselves, they try to steal their cloaks.[35]
    • Origin: European
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32

Djinn

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  1. Djinn are supernatural beings that appear invisible.
    Djinn are better known as genies. In Islamic texts, they’re described as beings made from smokeless fire, so humans can’t see them. Some are benevolent, while others are malicious. They’re so enchanting and captivating that they’ve inspired art, literature, and customs across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.[36]
    • Origin: Middle Eastern
33

Rusalka

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  1. The Rusalka is a water nymph portrayed as a gorgeous girl.
    In Slavic folklore that emerged around the Danube River, rusalki are also called “vile” and use their alluring voices to entice and ensnare anyone who crosses their path. Other versions portray the rusalka as the soul of a child who died during childbirth.[37]
    • Origin: Slavic
    • One legend says these nymphs come out at the start of summer to dance among the weeping willows until night. Anyone who joins them must dance until they die.
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34

Naga

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  1. Naga are half-human, half-cobra creatures who signify divinity.
    They easily transform between snake and human form and are attractive. Their home is a gorgeous underground kingdom filled with palaces. Naga are mostly known to be kind to humans and as guardians of treasure. They’re also connected to the water, such as rivers and wells.[38]
    • Origin: Indian, Southeast Asian
35

Deer Woman

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  1. The Deer Woman can take on both animal and human form.
    She is a deer spirit who comes from Native American myths and has both a benevolent and malicious side. Stories that depict her as a positive force say she aids women in fertility and childbirth. In darker story versions, she’s been portrayed as a woman who seduces unfaithful men to lead them to their demise.[39]
    • Origin: Native American
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/mermaid
  2. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/zoology/unicorn
  3. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/art/fairy
  4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pegasus-Greek-mythology
  5. ↑ Julia VanderHoeven. Greek and Roman Mythology Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.swarthmore.edu/bulletin/archive/wp/october-2008_the-phoenix-through-the-ages.html
  7. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/zoology/phoenix-mythology
  8. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Siren-Greek-mythology
  9. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/valkyries-norse-mythology
  1. ↑ https://mythicalcreatures.edwardworthlibrary.ie/ancient-world/sphinx/
  2. ↑ Julia VanderHoeven. Greek and Roman Mythology Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/rainbow-serpent-deity
  4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lamia-Greek-mythology
  5. ↑ Amelia Roberts. British Culture Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.thebottleimp.org.uk/2016/12/selkies-sex-and-the-supernatural/
  7. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/mami-wata-african-myth
  8. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/apsara
  9. ↑ https://folklore.usc.edu/brazil-iara/
  10. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/kitsune
  11. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/art/sylph
  12. ↑ https://davidwacks.uoregon.edu/2014/12/12/asturian/
  13. ↑ https://colombia.co/en/colombia-country/history/colombias-myths-legends
  14. ↑ https://www.aswangproject.com/the-elves-of-philippine-folklore/
  15. ↑ https://mythlok.com/aziza/
  16. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/art/Southeast-Asian-arts/Burma
  17. ↑ https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/kinnari
  18. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/qilin
  19. ↑ https://www.centreofexcellence.com/huldra-in-norse-mythology/
  20. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/banshee
  21. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/fenghuang
  22. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/zoology/thunderbird-cryptozoology
  23. ↑ https://www.glencairnmuseum.org/newsletter/2022/8/23/the-simurgh-is-calling-a-journey-into-love-through-arts-empathy-and-the-oneness-mindset
  24. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/griffin-mythological-creature
  25. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/deva-religious-being
  26. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/swan.html
  27. ↑ https://wiu.libguides.com/c.php?g=413138&p=10909866
  28. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/rusalka
  29. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/naga-Hindu-mythology
  30. ↑ https://www.native-languages.org/deer-woman.htm

About This Article

Julia VanderHoeven
Co-authored by:
Julia VanderHoeven
Greek and Roman Mythology Expert
This article was co-authored by Julia VanderHoeven and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA. Julia VanderHoeven is a Greek and Roman mythology and ancient history scholar. Julia is known as @museofmythology on Instagram, where she shares engaging and informative insights on mythology and history, with particular interest in Greek and Roman myths, and their influences on pop culture myths and memes. She has undergraduate degrees in French and Ancient World studies, a diploma in Latin, and a Master’s degree in Classics from Trinity College - Dublin. She is most interested in Greek mythology, doing her thesis on a feminist reading of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Although Julia now specializes in AI and its modern use in the corporate world as a Technology Consultant, she remains passionate about ancient history and culture. This article has been viewed 1,120 times.
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Updated: April 2, 2026
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