Is it bad form to "copy" fantasy races from a specific source?

[Miles Lacey]

It really boils down to this: if the fantasy races are found in myths and legends they are basically public domain. That means anyone can use them (subject to cultural sensitivity or appropriation issues). If they are exclusive to particular authors or other creators (such as console game creators) then such races are almost certainly going to be covered by a trademark or copyright so it's best not to use them without permission.

 

[Steerpike]

Words that are in the public domain generally can still be trademarks with respect to specific goods and/or services, however. See, e.g., APPLE for computers or MINOTAUR for cars.

However, a trademark typically isn’t infringed by mere use of a word in the text of a book.

 

[Let's Light Universe]

If you take your ideas from sources such as mythology it would be something that the general population would find acceptable, whereas copying from someone else's works would be considered a terrible idea. There's already a bird-like species you could probably borrow from mythology, sirens, and yes they are half bird half humanoid, not mermaids.

 

[Jackarandajam]

If you take your ideas from sources such as mythology it would be something that the general population would find acceptable, whereas copying from someone else's works would be considered a terrible idea. There's already a bird-like species you could probably borrow from mythology, sirens, and yes they are half bird half humanoid, not mermaids.

Do you mean Harpys? Or were the Sirens half-bird as well? Now I simultaneously want to reread The Odyssey and rewatch The Last Unicorn.