Hybrid Monsters in 'MapleStory'

Balrog

• The Balrog, a creature originating from the Middle Earth mythology of J.R.R. Tolkien, combines the fearsome body and head of a bull with apelike hands and the upright stance of a man. These monsters also feature the leathery wings of a bat. Although the balrogs of Tolkien's stories serve as primordial fire spirits, ̶0;MapleStory̶1; players encounter balrogs and their variations as boss characters. The game's Pachi Balrog ups the hybrid factor even more, comically combining the beast with an arcade machine.

Griffey

• Taking cues from the traditional mythological griffin, ̶0;MapleStory̶1;'s Griffey hybridizes creatures from all across the animal kingdom. This monster features the body of a brown lion and the feathery wings of a bird, topped by the characteristic white head and yellow beak of a bald eagle. A single horn rests in the center of the Griffey's head, recalling the fantastical unicorn. Like the balrog, the Griffey acts as a boss in ̶0;MapleStory.̶1;

Other Hybrids

• The Coke Mushroom has the body of a mushroom, but features a red soda cap in place of a mushroom's cap. Similarly, the Coke Snail ̵1; which has a soda cap for a shell ̵1; hybridizes soda bottles and snails. The Igloo Turtle, whose name says it all, also features a distinct shell. The Hogul is a sort of man-tiger hybrid. This creature has the features of a tiger ̵1; tails, snout, stripes and all ̵1; but stands upright and wears pants like a man. The Pigmy monster takes the phrase ̶0;when pigs fly̶1; literally, adding the wings of a bird to a small pink pig.

Cyborgs

• The world of ̶0;MapleStory̶1; hosts a colorful selection of cyborgs, animal-robot hybrids. Cyborg monsters include the Turkey Commando, a normal bird with a bionic tail and eye, and the Snack Bar, which features elements of both fish and robot. The hybrid Angry Frankenroid combines Mary Shelley's classic creature with a bipedal robot.