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
958 creatures at 260 tradition locations · 640 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 (4)
- Ainu (4)
- Akan, Ashanti, Akwapim; Ga (Accra), Kra, Twi (Chwi, Chi) (1)
- Albania (15)
- Albanians, Balkarians (15)
- Anambe (2)
- Anatolia Turks (11)
- Ancient Egypt, Egyptian (8)
- Ancient Greece (110)
- Angola (1)
- Argentina (1)
- Argentina (1)
- Armenia (3)
- Armenians (4)
- Arnhem Land: Enindhilyagwa (Groote Eilandt), KuTiwi, Yulengor, Mara, Oenpelli, Murngin, Roper River, Maung, Murinbata, Murngin (Duwal), Millingimbi, Goulburn Island, Ngulugwongga, Yirrkalla, Voctoria River Downs, Alawa, Anu, Kunwinjku (3)
- Asia (1)
- Astrakhan Tatars, Karagash Nogai (9)
- Asurini, Parakana; Arawete (2)
- Athna (1)
- Australia (3)
- Australia (1)
- Azeris (Azerbaijanis) (9)
- Aztec; Aztec and Teotihuacan iconography (11)
- Bashkirs (9)
- Basques (12)
- Batak (Toba, Dairi) (1)
- Beaver (1)
- Belarus (1)
- Bengali (2)
- Bhutan (1)
- Bosnia Muslims (54)
- Bosnians (54)
- Brazil (8)
- Bretagne (4)
- Bulgarians, Balkarians (54)
- Burmese, Intha (1)
- Buryats: Eastern (trans Baikal), i.e. Khori (1)
- Buryats: Northern (Lake Baikal) (1)
- Buryats: Western (cis Baikal) (1)
- Byelarusians, Belarusians (54)
- Canada (1)
- Canada (2)
- Carrier (1)
- Catalan (6)
- Cañari (1)
- Central America (1)
- Central Australia: Kaitish, Warramunga, Arunta (Aranda), Loritja (Kukatja), Pijandjara (Pitjantjara), Adnjamatana (Andjamathana, Wailpi), Aluridja, Walpiri (Walbiri), Aluridja, Matuntara (Maduntara), Nambutji, Wamma (=Wommana?) (3)
- Central Tibetans (Yu Tsang, incl. Sikkim Tibetans, Tichurong of NW Nepal) (9)
- Central Yakuts (Sakha) (11)
- Cherokee (5)
- Chile (1)
- Chilkotin (1)
- China (59)
- Chipewyan (1)
- Chiricahua (1)
- Choctaw, Chicasaw (1)
- Chol; pre-Columbian Mayan iconography outside of Yucatan (8)
- Chontal (8)
- Chorti (8)
- Chukchi (1)
- Chulym Turks (9)
- Chuvash (9)
- Colombia (7)
- Congo (1)
- Crimean Tatars, Karaims (9)
- Croatians, Croats; Italians of Dalmatia (if the motif is absent among other Italians) (54)
- Cuiva (1)
- Czech, Czechs (54)
- Danes, Danish (27)
- Darkhad (1)
- Daur (Daghur) (1)
- Denaina (1)
- Denmark (1)
- Dogon (1)
- Dogrib, Slavey (1)
- Dolgans (10)
- Dongxiang, Baoan (1)
- Dutch, Flemish (15)
- Early Russian written sources (54)
- Easter Island (2)
- Eastern Ukrainians (54)
- Egypt (14)
- England (36)
- England, British, Bretons (49)
- Estonia (1)
- Estonians (1)
- Europe (5)
- Faroe Islands (28)
- Finland (15)
- Finns (15)
- Five Nations Iroquois (Seneca, Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga) (2)
- Flores, incl Mangarai (Western Flores), Nage, Keo, Riung, Ngada or Nad'a (Central Flores), Sika (Eastern Flores) (1)
- France (13)
- France (14)
- Frisians (13)
- Gagauz (9)
- 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 (29)
- Germans: Northeast (Brandenburg, Meklenburg, Rügen, Pommern, Silesia, Posen) (12)
- Germans: South (Upper German dialects): Alsace (Elsass), Baden-Württemberg, Bawaria, Swabia, Switzerland, Bohemia, Sudeten, Austria (13)
- Germans – Southwest: Alsace (Elsass), Baden-Württemberg, Swabia, Switzerland (12)
- Germany (16)
- Germany (1)
- Greece (109)
- Greeks (modern), Balkarians (110)
- Greeks of Cyprus (110)
- Guyana (5)
- Gwich'in (Kuchin, Loucheux) (1)
- Han (1)
- Hare (K'ahsho Got'ine) (1)
- Hawaii (2)
- Hittite, Hurrit (9)
- Hopi (1)
- Huastec (Teenek) (8)
- Hungarians (2)
- Hungary (3)
- Hupa, Chilula (1)
- Iceland (1)
- Icelanders (29)
- India (4)
- Indian literary tradition (Vedic, Brahman, Purana, Indian Buddhism, Hinduism, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchtantra, Jatakas); iconography of Hindu temples (2)
- Indonesia (2)
- Indonesia (1)
- Ingalik (Der Hit’an) (1)
- Iranian literary tradition (including Avesta, Pahlevi scripts, Sah-nameh, Marzban-nameh); Zoroastrians of Iran, Indian Parsees, Zoroastrianism (2)
- Ireland (14)
- Ireland (23)
- Italians: Central (Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Lazio) (3)
- Italy (3)
- Japan (229)
- Japan (231)
- Japan AD 700-1700 (230)
- Japanese folklore outside of Ryukyu (230)
- Jicarilla (1)
- Kalmyk (1)
- Kapingamarangi, Nukuoro (2)
- Karachays, Balkar (9)
- Kara Kalpak (9)
- Kashubians (54)
- Kaska (1)
- Kazakh (9)
- Kazan (Middle Volga) Tatars (9)
- Kechua-speaking communities of Apurimac, Cuzco, Arequipa, Puno departments; Spanish sources of XVI-XVII centuries; Callawaya (Kechua with Pukina substratum) (1)
- Kekchi; Mopan (8)
- Kenya (1)
- Kenya (1)
- Khakas (9)
- Khamnigans (1)
- Khoekhoe (=Hottentot; incl Nama, Korana); Damara (3)
- Khwarezm Uzbek; Turkic written tradition from Kök Orda (9)
- Kimberley Plateau: Gwini, Roebuck Bay, Forest River tribes, Drysdale River tribes, Njulnjul, Ungarinyin, Unambal, Bad (Baada) (3)
- Kiowa Apache (1)
- Kirghiz (9)
- Korea (9)
- Koreans (9)
- Koyukon (1)
- Kumyk, Terekemen (9)
- Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) (2)
- Lacandon (8)
- Latvia (6)
- Latvia (1)
- Latvians (7)
- Lenape (Delaware) (1)
- Lipan (1)
- Lithuania (11)
- Lithuanians (13)
- Macedonians, Balkarians (54)
- Malay; Temuan (incl Mantra or Mentra), Jakun (Moken) (12)
- Maltese (1)
- Mam, Ixil, Aguatec, Avakatec (8)
- Mangareva (2)
- Mangbetu (Ngbetu), Mangbutu, Moru, Madi, Lugbara, Lendu (=Bale) (1)
- Maori, Moriori (Chatam Islands) (13)
- Mapuche (9)
- Marquesas (2)
- Mescalero (1)
- Mestizos of Soconuzco; Cotzumapguapa iconography (2)
- Mexico (1)
- Micmac (4)
- Mongolia (1)
- Mongols (Khalkha) (1)
- Mongols of Inner Mongolia (1)
- Monguor (Tu), Shirongol (1)
- Myanmar (1)
- Napo (Quijo), Kanelo (“Jungle Kechua”) (1)
- Navajo (2)
- Nepal (3)
- Nepali; Tharu (3)
- Netherlands (3)
- Ngbakka, Mbum (incl Mbai), Mundang, Fali, Tupuri, Maya (=Bali), Nyong (8)
- Nigeria (3)
- Nigeria (2)
- Niue (2)
- Nogai (9)
- Nordic countries (5)
- Northeastern Yakuts (Sakha): Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma Basins (10)
- Northern Altai: Chelkan, Kumanda, Tubalar, Altaians (9)
- Northern Cook Islands: Rakahanga, Manihiki, Tongareva (2)
- Northern Ryukyu Islands (with southern Kyusyu in case of absence across the rest of Japan (230)
- Northern Ukrainians (54)
- Northwestern Yakuts (Sakha): Yessey, Anabar, Olenyok and Lower Lena Basins (10)
- Norwegians (26)
- Oirats (incl Torgouts, Derbets, Oilots) (1)
- Old and New Testament (1)
- Ontong Java, Nukumanu, Takuu, Nukuria (3)
- Oregon Athabaskans: Lower Umpqua, Tututni (incl Joshua), Upper Coquille, Galice, Tolowa (1)
- Ossetians (1)
- Paya (Pech), Sumu, Misquito (1)
- People's Republic of China (56)
- Persians (15)
- Peru (1)
- Peru (1)
- Philippines (25)
- Philippines (25)
- Poland (4)
- Poles (58)
- Portugal (3)
- Portuguese, Portugal (3)
- Prussians (2)
- Queensland: Mungkan (Wikmunkan), Wiknatara, Bloomfield River, Cape Bedford, Cape Grafton, Kokowara (Koko-Warra), Koko-yalunyu (Kokokulunggur), Bunya Bunya, Waka-Waka (Wakawaka), Kabikabi, Chepara (3)
- Quiche, Achí, Cakchiquel, Pocomchi, Pocomam (8)
- Romania (16)
- Russia (5)
- Russian Federation (5)
- Russian Pomors ("seasiders"): Lower Pechora (54)
- Russian Pomors ('seasiders'): Terski Coast (Murmansk province) (54)
- Russian Pomors (“seasiders): Arkhangelsk province without its southern part (Shengur district and Konosha dstrict), Karelia White Sea coast (54)
- 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) (54)
- Russians: Novgorod and Pskov provinces (54)
- Russians: Olonets province/SE Karelia, Shengur district of Arkhangelsk province (54)
- 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) (54)
- Russians: Vologda province (incl. Belozersk, Kirillov and Cherepovets districts of form. Novgorod Province) (54)
- Rusyns, Hutsuls (54)
- Saibai, Dauan, Boigu, Badu, Waraber, Wet, Warei, Dauar, Badu, Moa (3)
- Salars (9)
- Samoa (2)
- Sardinia, Corsica, Sardinians, Corsicans (1)
- Sarsee (Tsuu T'ina) (1)
- Scandinavia (11)
- Scandinavians: early written sources ("Edda"; Saxo Grammaticus etc.); Gothland picture stones; Ancient Germans (Late Bronze Age in Scandinavia) (26)
- Scotland, Scots, Picts, Scotti, Scottish (42)
- Scythians, Scythe (1)
- Serbia (4)
- Serbs, Monte Negro, Balkarians (54)
- Shor (9)
- Siberian Tatars (10)
- Singapore (1)
- Slovakians, Slovaks (54)
- Slovenia (1)
- Slovenians, Slovenes (54)
- Society Islands: Tahiti, Borabora, Raiatea (2)
- Solomon Islands (1)
- Sorbians (Luzhitsa Serbs) (54)
- South Africa (1)
- South Africa (1)
- South America (2)
- Southeast Australia: Kamilaroi, Yualarai (Ualarai, Euahlayi), Milpulo (Mailpurgu), Wuradjeri (Wiradjurim, Wiradjeri, Wurundjeri, Yarra, Yarra Yarra), Wongaibon (Wonghibon), Noongahburrah (Narran, Narran River), Kurnai, and many others (see file 0.doc) (3)
- Southern Altai: Altai proper (Altai-Kiji), Telengit, Altaians (9)
- Southern and Central; Ryukyu Islands: Yaeyama, Miyako, Okinawa (230)
- Southern Australia: Dieri, Urabunna (Arabana), Flinderce Mountains, Kujani, Andyamatana (Andjamatana, Wailpi) (3)
- Southern Cook Islands: Mangaia, Rarotonga, Atiu, Iatutakim Pukapuka, Tubuai (=Austral Islands, incl Rapa) (2)
- Southern Taiwan: Rukai, Paiwan, Puyuma, Saaroa, Ketangalan (5)
- Spain (2)
- Stavropol Turkmen (recent migrants from Mangyshlak Peninsular) (9)
- Sweden (2)
- Swedes (28)
- Tagish (1)
- Tahltan (1)
- Taiwan (5)
- Tanana (1)
- Tapirape (2)
- Tasmania (3)
- Tats (5)
- Tenetehara (2)
- Terek Cossacks (54)
- Thailand (5)
- Tikopia, Bellona, Rennell, partly Aneytium, Futuna (=Erronan, not to be mixed with Futuna in Western Polynesia), Vaeaka-Taumato, incl Matema, Nifeloli, Nukapu, Nupani, Pileni (2)
- Tlingit (1)
- Tofa (Karagas) (9)
- Tojolabal, Chuj, Jacalteca, Kanjobal, Mocho (incl Tuzantec), Acatec (8)
- Tonga (2)
- Transylvanian Saksons (12)
- Trinidad and Tobago (1)
- Tsetsaut (1)
- Tsimshian (1)
- Tuamotu, incl Pukapuka (different from Pukapuka in Cook Islands), Vahitahi, Anaa, Hao, Fangatau (3)
- Tuareg (1)
- Tupinamba (2)
- Turkey (1)
- Turkmen (9)
- Tutchone (1)
- Tuvalu (Ellice) (2)
- Tuvinians of Monglian Altai (9)
- Tuvinians of Tuva, Tuvans (9)
- Tzeltal (8)
- Tzotzil (8)
- Tzutujil (8)
- United States (3)
- Upper Kuskokwim (Kolchan) (1)
- Upper Tanana (Nebesna), Tanacross (1)
- Urubu (Urubu-Kaapor) (2)
- Uyghur (9)
- Uzbek (9)
- Venezuela (3)
- Venezuela (3)
- Vietnam (1)
- Vietnam (1)
- Wailaki, Mattole, Lassik, Sinkyone, Cahto (1)
- Wales (20)
- Wallis (=Uvea, different from Melanesian Uvea), Futuna (2)
- Wawenock, Abenaki, Penobscot (22)
- Western Apache (White Mountain, San Carlos) (1)
- Western Australia: Walmanjeri, Njolnjol (Njulnjul, Nyul-Nyul), Worora, Kariara (Karierra), Karadjari (Karadjeri, Garadjari), Djaberdjaber (Djaberadjabera), Ngarluma, Wiilman (Wheelman), Bibbulmum (Pebelman), Burong (Panaka) (3)
- Western Ukrainians (54)
- Western Yakuts (Sakha): Olekma and Vilyuy Basins (10)
- Yellowknife (1)
- Yoruba; incl Ife), Nupe, Bini (Edo), Engenni, Chamba, Dakka, Kukuruku (2)
- Yucatec, Itza (8)
- Yugur (Sarïg Yogïr, Yellow Uyghur) (9)
- Zimbabwe (1)
- Zulu, Swazi (3)
Browse the dictionary
1,598 matching entries
| Creature | Tradition | Description | Map locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| DybbukThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Jewish | Spirit (sometimes the soul of a wicked deceased) that possesses the living | — |
| Dzee-dzee-bon-daGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Abenaki | Hideous monster | 1 |
| DzunukwaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Kwakwaka'wakw | Child-eating hag | 1 |
| Each UisgeSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Scottish | Malevolent water horse | 1 |
| Eagle Spirit | Many cultures worldwide | Leadership or guidance totem | — |
| Easter BilbyAnimals (suggested) | Australian | Anthropomorphic bilby. | 9 |
| Easter BunnyAnimals (suggested) | Christianity | Anthropomorphic lagomorph. | — |
| Ebu GogoGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Flores | Diminutive humanoids, possibly inspired by Homo floresiensis | 1 |
| EcheneisAnimals (suggested) | Medieval Bestiaries | Remora, said to attach to ships to slow them down | — |
| EchidnaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Greek | Half-woman, half-snake monster | 3 |
| EdimmuThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Sumerian | Ghosts of those not buried properly | 1 |
| EgbereSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Yoruba | Humanoid that carries a magical mat | 1 |
| EikthyrnirAnimals (suggested) | Norse | The stag of Valhalla | — |
| EinherjarThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Norse | Spirits of brave warriors | — |
| EkekGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Philippine | Flesh-eating, winged humanoids | 1 |
| Elbow WitchGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Ojibwa | Hags with awls in their elbows | — |
| EldjötnarGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Norse | Fire Giants who reside in Muspelheim, with Surtr as their leader | — |
| ElementalPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Alchemy | Personification of one of the Classical elements | — |
| ElfSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Germanic | Nature and fertility spirit | 15 |
| ElokoSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Central Africa | Little people and malevolent nature spirits | — |
| El SilbónThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Venezuela | Lost soul | 1 |
| ElwetritschGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | German | Birdlike forest creature of the Palatinate and Pennsylvania Dutch country | 1 |
| EmereSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Yoruba | Child that can move back and forth between the material world and the afterlife at will | 1 |
| EmimGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Jewish | Giant | — |
| EmpusaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Greek | Female demon that waylays travelers and seduces and kills men | 3 |
| EncantadoSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Brazilian | Dolphin-human shapeshifter | — |
| Enchanted MoorSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Portuguese | Enchanted princesses | 1 |
| EnenraSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Smoke spirit | 5 |
| EnfieldGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Heraldic | Fox-greyhound-lion-wolf-eagle hybrid | — |
| EngkantoSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Philippine | Neutral nature spirit | 1 |
| EnkōSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | Kappa of Shikoku and western Honshū | 5 |
| EpimeliadSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Greek | Apple tree nymph | 3 |
| ErchituGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Sardinia | Ox-human, wereox | 1 |
| Er GuiThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Chinese | Hungry ghost | 1 |
| ErinyesDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Greek | Winged spirits of vengeance or justice, also known as Furies | 3 |
| ErlkingSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | German | Death spirit | 1 |
| Erymanthian BoarGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Greek | Giant boar | 3 |
| Ethiopian PegasusGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Medieval Bestiaries | Horned, winged horse | — |
| EtiäinenSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Finnish | Spirit being of a living person | 1 |
| EttinGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | English | Two-headed giant | 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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