Resources · Creatures, spirits & other beings
Folklore Dictionary
Meet the beings of folklore: explore their names, descriptions and associated traditions, from familiar creatures to less familiar inhabitants of the otherworld.
1,598 reference entries · Browse A–Z or explore by place
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Creature coverage
Zoom or move the map, then choose “Filter to this area” to list creatures with a tradition location in that view. You can combine this with a character family or a search term.
Creatures associated with a tradition
88 creatures at 157 tradition locations · 55 without tradition coordinates
Markers use tradition coordinates linked through source names, recorded aliases, language groups or reviewed associations. Language-group links show cultural context, rather than verified creature occurrences in every tradition. Creatures sharing a location are grouped; select a marker to see their names. Counts cover all matching entries across every results page.
Use the location filter or the list below to browse associated places.
Browse associated places without the map
- Africa (1)
- Ainu (2)
- Anatolia Turks (4)
- Ancient Egypt, Egyptian (1)
- Ancient Greece (12)
- Argentina (1)
- Argentina (1)
- Armenia (1)
- Armenians (2)
- Astrakhan Tatars, Karagash Nogai (4)
- Azeris (Azerbaijanis) (4)
- Aztec; Aztec and Teotihuacan iconography (1)
- Bashkirs (4)
- Basques (2)
- Bengali (1)
- Bosnia Muslims (2)
- Bosnians (2)
- Bulgarians, Balkarians (2)
- Buryats: Eastern (trans Baikal), i.e. Khori (1)
- Buryats: Northern (Lake Baikal) (1)
- Buryats: Western (cis Baikal) (1)
- Byelarusians, Belarusians (2)
- Catalan (1)
- Cañari (1)
- Central Yakuts (Sakha) (5)
- Cherokee (1)
- Chile (1)
- China (1)
- Chol; pre-Columbian Mayan iconography outside of Yucatan (1)
- Chontal (1)
- Chorti (1)
- Chulym Turks (4)
- Chuvash (4)
- Crimean Tatars, Karaims (4)
- Croatians, Croats; Italians of Dalmatia (if the motif is absent among other Italians) (2)
- Czech, Czechs (2)
- Danes, Danish (1)
- Darkhad (1)
- Daur (Daghur) (1)
- Dolgans (4)
- Dongxiang, Baoan (1)
- Dutch, Flemish (1)
- Early Russian written sources (2)
- Easter Island (1)
- Eastern Ukrainians (2)
- Egypt (6)
- England (2)
- England, British, Bretons (3)
- Faroe Islands (1)
- Finland (3)
- Finns (3)
- France (1)
- France (1)
- Frisians (1)
- Gagauz (4)
- Germans: North (Low- and Central German dialects): Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg, Pommern, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony, incl East Frisia and Oldenburg), Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Thüringen, Saxony-Anhalt, Sachsen, Brandenburg, Rügen (2)
- Germans: Northeast (Brandenburg, Meklenburg, Rügen, Pommern, Silesia, Posen) (1)
- Germans: South (Upper German dialects): Alsace (Elsass), Baden-Württemberg, Bawaria, Swabia, Switzerland, Bohemia, Sudeten, Austria (1)
- Germans – Southwest: Alsace (Elsass), Baden-Württemberg, Swabia, Switzerland (1)
- Germany (1)
- Greece (12)
- Greeks (modern), Balkarians (12)
- Greeks of Cyprus (12)
- Hawaii (1)
- Hittite, Hurrit (4)
- Huastec (Teenek) (1)
- Icelanders (1)
- Iranian literary tradition (including Avesta, Pahlevi scripts, Sah-nameh, Marzban-nameh); Zoroastrians of Iran, Indian Parsees, Zoroastrianism (1)
- Ireland (1)
- Ireland (1)
- Japan (21)
- Japan (21)
- Japan AD 700-1700 (21)
- Japanese folklore outside of Ryukyu (21)
- Kalmyk (1)
- Kapingamarangi, Nukuoro (1)
- Karachays, Balkar (4)
- Kara Kalpak (4)
- Kashubians (2)
- Kazakh (4)
- Kazan (Middle Volga) Tatars (4)
- Kechua-speaking communities of Apurimac, Cuzco, Arequipa, Puno departments; Spanish sources of XVI-XVII centuries; Callawaya (Kechua with Pukina substratum) (1)
- Kekchi; Mopan (1)
- Khakas (4)
- Khamnigans (1)
- Khoekhoe (=Hottentot; incl Nama, Korana); Damara (1)
- Khwarezm Uzbek; Turkic written tradition from Kök Orda (4)
- Kirghiz (4)
- Kumyk, Terekemen (4)
- Lacandon (1)
- Lithuania (1)
- Lithuanians (1)
- Macedonians, Balkarians (2)
- Malay; Temuan (incl Mantra or Mentra), Jakun (Moken) (2)
- Mam, Ixil, Aguatec, Avakatec (1)
- Mangareva (1)
- Mangbetu (Ngbetu), Mangbutu, Moru, Madi, Lugbara, Lendu (=Bale) (1)
- Maori, Moriori (Chatam Islands) (1)
- Marquesas (1)
- Mongolia (1)
- Mongols (Khalkha) (1)
- Mongols of Inner Mongolia (1)
- Monguor (Tu), Shirongol (1)
- Napo (Quijo), Kanelo (“Jungle Kechua”) (1)
- Ngbakka, Mbum (incl Mbai), Mundang, Fali, Tupuri, Maya (=Bali), Nyong (1)
- Nigeria (1)
- Niue (1)
- Nogai (4)
- Northeastern Yakuts (Sakha): Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma Basins (4)
- Northern Altai: Chelkan, Kumanda, Tubalar, Altaians (4)
- Northern Cook Islands: Rakahanga, Manihiki, Tongareva (1)
- Northern Ryukyu Islands (with southern Kyusyu in case of absence across the rest of Japan (21)
- Northern Ukrainians (2)
- Northwestern Yakuts (Sakha): Yessey, Anabar, Olenyok and Lower Lena Basins (4)
- Norwegians (1)
- Oirats (incl Torgouts, Derbets, Oilots) (1)
- Ontong Java, Nukumanu, Takuu, Nukuria (1)
- People's Republic of China (1)
- Persians (2)
- Philippines (3)
- Philippines (3)
- Poles (2)
- Quiche, Achí, Cakchiquel, Pocomchi, Pocomam (1)
- Russian Pomors ("seasiders"): Lower Pechora (2)
- Russian Pomors ('seasiders'): Terski Coast (Murmansk province) (2)
- Russian Pomors (“seasiders): Arkhangelsk province without its southern part (Shengur district and Konosha dstrict), Karelia White Sea coast (2)
- Russians: Central part of ethnic territory as in A.D. 1500 (Tver, Yaroslavl, Moscow, Kostroma, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, Tula, Kaluga, Smolensk provinces; in case of absence in other areas also Russians in Vyatka, Perm, Kazan provinces) (2)
- Russians: Novgorod and Pskov provinces (2)
- Russians: Olonets province/SE Karelia, Shengur district of Arkhangelsk province (2)
- Russians: Southern part of ethnic territory as in A.D. 1500 (Belgorod, Voronezh, Tambov, Penza, Lipetsk, Orel, Kursk, Bryansk provinces; in case of absence in other areas also Russians in Samara, Simbirsk and Saratov provinces) (2)
- Russians: Vologda province (incl. Belozersk, Kirillov and Cherepovets districts of form. Novgorod Province) (2)
- Rusyns, Hutsuls (2)
- Salars (4)
- Samoa (1)
- Scandinavians: early written sources ("Edda"; Saxo Grammaticus etc.); Gothland picture stones; Ancient Germans (Late Bronze Age in Scandinavia) (1)
- Scotland, Scots, Picts, Scotti, Scottish (1)
- Serbs, Monte Negro, Balkarians (2)
- Shor (4)
- Siberian Tatars (4)
- Slovakians, Slovaks (2)
- Slovenians, Slovenes (2)
- Society Islands: Tahiti, Borabora, Raiatea (1)
- Solomon Islands (1)
- Sorbians (Luzhitsa Serbs) (2)
- Southern Altai: Altai proper (Altai-Kiji), Telengit, Altaians (4)
- Southern and Central; Ryukyu Islands: Yaeyama, Miyako, Okinawa (21)
- Southern Cook Islands: Mangaia, Rarotonga, Atiu, Iatutakim Pukapuka, Tubuai (=Austral Islands, incl Rapa) (1)
- Stavropol Turkmen (recent migrants from Mangyshlak Peninsular) (4)
- Swedes (1)
- Terek Cossacks (2)
- Tikopia, Bellona, Rennell, partly Aneytium, Futuna (=Erronan, not to be mixed with Futuna in Western Polynesia), Vaeaka-Taumato, incl Matema, Nifeloli, Nukapu, Nupani, Pileni (1)
- Tofa (Karagas) (4)
- Tojolabal, Chuj, Jacalteca, Kanjobal, Mocho (incl Tuzantec), Acatec (1)
- Tonga (1)
- Transylvanian Saksons (1)
- Tsimshian (1)
- Tuamotu, incl Pukapuka (different from Pukapuka in Cook Islands), Vahitahi, Anaa, Hao, Fangatau (1)
- Turkmen (4)
- Tuvalu (Ellice) (1)
- Tuvinians of Monglian Altai (4)
- Tuvinians of Tuva, Tuvans (4)
- Tzeltal (1)
- Tzotzil (1)
- Tzutujil (1)
- Uyghur (4)
- Uzbek (4)
- Wales (2)
- Wallis (=Uvea, different from Melanesian Uvea), Futuna (1)
- Wawenock, Abenaki, Penobscot (4)
- Western Ukrainians (2)
- Western Yakuts (Sakha): Olekma and Vilyuy Basins (4)
- Yucatec, Itza (1)
- Yugur (Sarïg Yogïr, Yellow Uyghur) (4)
Browse the dictionary
143 matching entries
| Creature | Tradition | Description | Map locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| AkerbeltzSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Basque | Billy goat spirit. | 1 |
| AkhekhGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Ancient Egypt | Draconic oryx-bird hybrid that brings chaos. | 1 |
| AkhlutGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Inuit | Orca-wolf shapeshifter. | — |
| AkkaDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Finnish | Female spirits or minor goddesses. | 1 |
| AkkiSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested)Giants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Japanese | Large, grotesque humanoid. | 5 |
| AkkorokamuiGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Ainu | Sea monster. | 1 |
| AkumaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Evil spirit or devil | 5 |
| AkuparaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Hindu | Giant turtle that supports the world. | — |
| Akurojin-no-hiPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Japanese | Ghostly flame which causes disease. | 5 |
| AlSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Armenian and Persian | Spirit that steals unborn babies and livers from pregnant women. | 2 |
| Al-mi'rajGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Islamic | One-horned rabbit. | — |
| AlaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Slavic | Bad weather demon. | 27 |
| Alal | Chaldean | Queen of the full moon. | — |
| AlanSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Philippine | Winged humanoid that steals reproductive waste to make children. | 1 |
| Al AnaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Turkic | Female spirit that kidnaps human children and replaces them with her own. | 35 |
| AlceGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Heraldic | Wingless griffin. | — |
| AleyaThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Bengali | Spirit of a dead fisherman. | 1 |
| AlicantoGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Chilean | Bird that eats gold and silver. | — |
| AlicornGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Bestiario medieval | Winged unicorn. | — |
| AlkonostGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Slavic | Angelic bird with human head and breasts. | 27 |
| AllocamelusGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Heraldic | Ass-camel hybrid. | — |
| AlmasGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Mongolian | Savage humanoid. | 12 |
| AlojaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Catalan | Female water spirit. | 1 |
| Alom-bag-winno-sisSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Abenaki | Little people and tricksters. | 1 |
| AlpSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | German | Male night-demon. | 1 |
| Alp-luachraSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Irish | Parasitic fairy. | 1 |
| AlphynGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Heraldic | Lion-like creature, sometimes with dragon or goat forelegs. | — |
| Al RakimAnimals (suggested) | Islamic | Guard dog of the Seven Sleepers. | — |
| AlseidSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Greek | Grove nymph. | 3 |
| AlûSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Assyrian | Leprous demon. | — |
| AluxSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Mayan | Little people. | 14 |
| AmaburakosagiSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Ritual disciplinary demon from Shikoku. | 5 |
| AmalaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Tsimshian | Giant who holds up the world. | 1 |
| AmamehagiSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Ritual disciplinary demon from Hokuriku. | 5 |
| AmanojakuSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Small demon. | 5 |
| AmarokGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Inuit | Giant wolf. | — |
| AmarumSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Quechua | Water boa spirit. | 3 |
| Amazake-babaaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Disease-causing hag. | 5 |
| AmemasuGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Ainu | Lake monster. | 1 |
| AmikukGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Yup'ik | Shapeshifter that swims in water and land. | — |
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How to cite: Fielder-White, Jonathan (2026). The Folklore Database. Citation version 1.261029.1 (29 October 2026). https://folkloredatabase.com.
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