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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HōkōSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | dog-like Chinese tree spirit | 5 |
| HomaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Persian | eagle-lion hybrid, similar to a griffin | 1 |
| Hombre CaimanGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Colombian | human-alligator hybrid | — |
| Hombre GatoGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Latin America | human-cat hybrid | — |
| HomunculusPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Alchemy | small animated construct | — |
| HoopoeAnimals (suggested) | multiple cultures | near passerine bird common to Africa and Eurasia that features in many mythologies in those continents | — |
| Hoop snakeGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | United States, Canada, and Australia | snake which rolls by taking its tail in its mouth | 3 |
| Horned SerpentSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Native American | serpentine rain spirit | — |
| HotokeThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Japanese | deceased person | 5 |
| HouriDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Islamic | heavenly beings | — |
| Hó͘-ko͘-pôSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Taiwanese | a tiger spirit | 1 |
| HraesvelgGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Norse | Jötunn, who in eagle form, creates the wind by beating his wings | — |
| HrímþursGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Nordic | Rime or frost jötunn | — |
| HuaychivoGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Mayan | human-deer hybrid | 14 |
| HudhudAnimals (suggested) | Islamic | a legendary hoopoe bird | — |
| Hue-tsiauGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Taiwanese | firebird | 1 |
| Huginn and MuninnAnimals (suggested) | Norse | pair of ravens associated with the Norse god Odin whose names mean Thought and Memory | — |
| HulderSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Scandinavian | forest spirit | 6 |
| HuldufólkSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Icelandic/Faroese | secret mound/rock dwelling elves | 2 |
| Huli jingSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Chinese | nine-tailed fox spirit | 1 |
| HumaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Persian | regenerative fire bird | 1 |
| HumbabaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Akkadian | lion-faced giant | — |
| HundunSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Chinese | chaos spirit | 1 |
| HupiaThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Taíno | nocturnal ghost | — |
| HyakumeGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Japanese | hundred-eyes creature | 5 |
| HydraGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Greek | multi-headed water serpent/dragon | 3 |
| Hydrus (or Hydros)Giants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Medieval Bestiary | a water snake with various abilities | — |
| HyōsubeSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | hair-covered kappa | 5 |
| HypnalisAnimals (suggested) | Medieval Bestiary | snake that kills its victims in their sleep | — |
| Hồ ly tinhSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Vietnamese | nine-tailed fox spirit | 1 |
| Iannic-ann-ôdThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Breton | Ghost of a drowned person | — |
| IaraSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Brazilian | Female water spirit | — |
| Ibong AdarnaAnimals (suggested) | Philippine | Bird that changes color when it finishes a song | 1 |
| Ichchhadhari NagAnimals (suggested) | Hindu | Shapeshifting venomous snakes | — |
| Ichimoku-nyūdōSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Japanese | One-eyed kappa from Sado Island | 5 |
| Ichiren-BozuPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Japanese | Animated prayer beads | 5 |
| IchneumonAnimals (suggested) | Medieval Bestiaries | Dragon-killing animal | — |
| IchthyocentaurGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Greek | Human-fish-horse hybrid | 3 |
| IeleSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Romanian | Female nature spirits | — |
| IfritSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Arabian | Fire genie | — |
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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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