Resources · Creatures, deities & other beings
Folklore Dictionary
Meet the beings of folklore and mythology: explore creatures, deities and spirits by name, description and associated tradition.
2,015 reference entries · 1,598 in the creature catalogue · 417 in the deity catalogue
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Beings associated with a tradition
9 entries at 2 tradition locations · 0 without tradition coordinates
Markers use tradition coordinates linked through source names, recorded aliases, language groups or reviewed associations. Deity links awaiting review are labelled as suggestions. Language-group links show cultural context, rather than verified occurrences in every tradition. Select a marker to list deities, creatures or all dictionary entries for its tradition, or examine its narratives in a new tab. Counts cover all matching entries across every results page.
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9 matching entries
Mapped traditions counts linked traditions with map coordinates. Suggested associations awaiting review are included.
| Name | Tradition | Description | Mapped traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| AbgalDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested)Spirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Pre-Islamic northern Arabian; Mesopotamian (Sumerian) | Abgal denotes two distinct identities: a pre-Islamic northern Arabian desert god, known in the Palmyrian desert as a protector of Bedouins and camel drivers; and minor attendant spirits in Mesopotamian (Sumerian) tradition, associated with Enki and dwelling in the Abzu, the primeval water. | 2 |
| AbuDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian) | Abu is a minor vegetation god in Mesopotamian (Sumerian) tradition. He is said to have emerged from Enki’s head, an origin that symbolises the growth of plants out of the earth’s soil. | 2 |
| AbzuDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian) | Abzu is a Mesopotamian (Sumerian) primordial deity of underground waters, described as the ‘deep’. His cult was centred at Eridu in southern Mesopotamia. The source states that he was replaced by Apsu in Akkadian times, rather than explicitly identifying Apsu as another name for Abzu. | 2 |
| Alad Udug LamaDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested)Spirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | Alad Udug Lama is a collective designation for guardian deities in Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) tradition. Described as vaguely defined spirits, they accompany major deities and bring good fortune, rather than constituting a single named deity. | 2 |
| AnunnakiDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | The Anunnaki are Mesopotamian deities described as the children and courtiers of the heaven god. Originally associated with fertility beneath the earth, they later appear as seven formidable underworld judges serving Kur and Ereshkigal. They pronounce death sentences, including Inana’s, and are often closely identified with the Igigi. | 2 |
| AruruDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | Aruru is a Mesopotamian mother goddess associated with Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian traditions. The source provides no further account of her attributes or activities. | 2 |
| AsalluhaDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | Asalluha is a minor Mesopotamian god in Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian tradition. A son of Enki, he apparently serves his father as a messenger and reporter. He is associated with exorcism rituals, and his cult centre is Ku’ara. In Babylonian times, he became largely identified with Marduk through syncretism. | 2 |
| AsˇnanDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | Asˇnan is a Mesopotamian vegetation goddess associated with abundant grain, probably known to the Sumerians by about 3500 BC or earlier. Enlil and Enki sent her to protect grain. In creation accounts, she and the cattle god Lahar initially served the Annunaki; humankind was then created to use their produce. Ears of corn sprout from her shoulders. | 2 |
| BabaDeity catalogueDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Mesopotamian (Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian) | Baba is a Mesopotamian fertility goddess associated with Sumerian and Babylonian-Akkadian traditions. Also called Bau, she was worshipped locally in Lagasˇ, where Gudea built a temple for her. | 2 |
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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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