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By the very definition of "fantasy", any "fantasy creatures" must not exist. Fantasy in and of itself is a word used to describe something out of reality, something fantastic. The terms "exist" and "fantasy" are mutually exclusive; anything fantastic cannot, buy definition, exist in reality.

However, there are multiple types of existence. While a "fantastic" creature such as a Chimera, or a fantasy world such as the world of Harry Potter cannot physically or factually be, this does not mean that they don't exist in some form. The world of J.K. Rowling has existed in the minds of her fans for years. To the Ancients, the Chimera was real, not "fantastic" at all, and thus it took on its own form of existence in the minds of those who believed in it.

Thus, in pondering whether or not fantastic creatures really exist, we hit upon a deeper question; what is existence? Is there a fundamental reality that all things are a part of, that all humans tap into, or is reality a concept that is truly, and 100% individual? Is my reality different from your reality? Do I, and this article, merely "exist" as a part of your own reality? To answer this question, one must delve into a society's fundamental belief system.

In western, mostly Christian dominated society, people tend to believe that there is one reality that we all ascribe to, and anyone who does not is labeled "mentally troubled" at best, or at worst, "Insane". For many things, this is an accurate opinion. No one can deny that if a person jumps off a cliff they will accelerate towards the earth. No one can deny that the screen you are reading this on exits. However, reality becomes much more hazy as we start to delve into more abstract concepts. Does a "God" exist? If He does not, then he too can be labeled a "fantasy creature". What if he exists, but only in the sense that he is the mythical force that governs Christian thought, because they believe he exists. In exerting an influence over people who believe in him, does he become real? He does to them. This example lends credence to the belief that when it comes to the abstract, there are multiple realities.

To the devout followers of modern western religion, there is one absolute reality that is created by God, and anything anyone else believes is false. This is logical in its own way, however it ignores the fact that others believe that their own believes are absolutely true. The one great failing of modern religion is that it poses highly improbable ideas, and presents them as undeniable truths. Did Jesus turn water into wine? Possibly, but likely no. Was Jesus the "son of God"? If you look at that the same way you would look at any book telling you that "Mr. X was the son of God" then you can agree that he was probably not.

In the end, when one begins to look at how broad the definition of a "God" is, any arguments break down. God (not the Christian concept) is such a broad word that anything could fit into it; the big bang, the Christian God, Allah, anything. Realistically, anyone who believes that there is one fundamental reality, believes in God as that which created said reality. With this information in mind, perhaps it becomes more relevant not to ask "are fantasy creatures real", but "do I BELIEVE fantasy creatures are real?"

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