A proposed first taxonomy
A multi-faceted taxonomy
The limitations of a purely hierarchical taxonomy model have been recognised for many years in academic and information science circles. Consequently, there has been considerable interest in taxonomy structures that offer a more flexible view of how information can be categorised for general use: these alternative approaches are often referred to as faceted, multidimensional or relational taxonomies. The MediaWiki concept is the best tool at our disposal to meet such requirements.
Multi-faceted taxonomies enable the user to navigate through a number of facets of a taxonomy (for example, by culture, shape, element author or creator). They also allow the different facets to be cross-referenced to narrow or widen a search as the user browses the categories (for example, it will be possible to browse and select monsters by a combination of shape, culture and age on Monstropedia).
The following categories reflect the state of the art and can be rearranged if needed . Any testing or refining stages during the project need to include feedback from editors and users. This will avoid the danger of users having a different perspective on what should belong in which category and therefore not being able to find information.
Each monster should be listed in the three main dimensions : monstrotype, mythology and element association.
The main categories or monstrotype
Serpents, dragons and fantastic creatures
This category includes the primitive beasts and animal-shape monsters, from the numerous dragons and snakes of the first creation myths to the legendary hybrid and fantastic creatures
Fairy creatures
Fairy encompass humanoid creatures from legends and folklore mainly drawn from the scoto-celtic culture or humanoid races that may exist on our plan but hidden or extinct (subterraneans, ... ).
Angels and demons
Demons that are supposed to be summoned on Earth as well as (guardian) angels from the world mythologies and religions.
Shapeshifters
Shapeshifters are creatures that can morph into several distincts shapes including wereanimals and deities.
Cryptids, dinosaurs and bizarre animals
Animal and humanoid species that are supposed to exist but remain elusive. Dinosaurs that may have survived until the present age.
Paranormal entities
Include ghosts, paranormal entities and extraterrestrial humanoid races .
Corporeal undead
Vampires, zombies, ghouls and other creatures that are on the other side.
Artificial creatures
Man-made monsters of mechanical or alchemical origins. Related to magic, witchcraft, art and sciences.
- Robots and mechanoids
- Genetically-engineered monsters
Human monsters
Abnormal and abmoral human beings
- Freaks, mutants.
- People having ESP powers.
- Serial killers.
- Witches
Monsters from mythologies
Each monster belongs to a precise mythology or a group of mythology which is to be understand as the collection of beliefs, stories and traditions pertaining to deities and monsters for a given cultural or (and) racial group.
Modern fictional monsters are to be classified in Popular culture and SHOULD NOT appear in any monstrotype category.
Other cross categories
This is the third dimension of our matrix. Each monster is supposed to have a main symbolic or elemental linking.
Air
Blood
Creation
Death
Earth
Fertility
Fire
Forest
Iron
Water
Special categories
Art
This category includes artists and authors as well as their works.
Places
Mythical and real places of origin or dwellings for monsters.