Achlis
Field Report
The Achlis is a creature from Roman and medieval bestiaries, described as a moose-like beast with no joints in its legs, forcing it to sleep standing up or leaning against trees. According to Pliny the Elder and other early sources, it was hunted by cutting down the trees it rested on, causing it to fall helplessly. Though clearly a mythical exaggeration, the Achlis may have been inspired by misinterpretations of elk behavior. It's often cited as an early example of myth blending with misunderstood zoology.
Classification
Type:Mythical Beast
Location:Roman Empire origin — possibly adapted from Scandinavian elk lore
Traits:Moose-like, awkward-legged, fur-covered, prehistoric, elusive
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: 2
First Reported: 77 CE
Sightings: 1
Reveal Full Dossier
Behavioral Patterns
It is reclusive and avoids direct contact, moving awkwardly through forested regions. Despite its appearance, it displays no signs of hostility.
Folklore & Origins
Ancient Greek sources mention a moose-like creature with backward-facing knees said to live in northern lands.
Media Documentation
Appears in some medieval bestiaries and classical fantasy texts with uncertain sourcing. Referenced briefly in Borges’ writings as a mythical elk-like animal. Media mentions are infrequent and primarily literary in nature.
Hoax Analysis
Widely interpreted as a fictional animal mentioned in ancient texts. Modern scholars regard it as an imaginative construct rather than a genuine cryptid.