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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BinbōgamiDivine and sacred beings (suggested) | Japanese | Spirit of poverty | 5 |
| BiscioneAnimals (suggested) | Heraldic | Large grass snake | — |
| Bishop-fishGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Medieval Bestiaries | Fish-like humanoid | — |
| Biwa-bokubokuPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Japanese | Animated biwa | 5 |
| BixiGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Chinese | Dragon with the shell of a turtle | 1 |
| Black AnnisGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | English | Blue-faced hag | 2 |
| Black DogSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | British | Canine death spirit | 1 |
| Black Lady of Bradley WoodsThe dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | English | Female ghost which reportedly haunts the woods near the village of Bradley, Lincolnshire, England | 2 |
| Black ShuckSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Not specified | Norfolk, Essex, and Suffolk black dog | — |
| Blafard | Not specified | Imaginary creature from the early United States of America | — |
| BlemmyaeGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Medieval Bestiary | Headless humanoid with face in torso | — |
| Bloody BonesSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Not specified | Water bogeyman | — |
| BłudnikSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Slavic | Mischievous gnome | 27 |
| BluecapSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English | Mine-dwelling fairy | 2 |
| Blue CrowGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Brazilian | Giant amazonian bird | — |
| BodachSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Scottish | Malevolent spirit | 1 |
| BogeymanSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English | Malevolent spirit | 2 |
| BoggartSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English | Malevolent household spirit | 2 |
| BoginkiSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Slavic | Nature spirit | 27 |
| BogleSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Scottish | Malevolent spirit | 1 |
| Boi-tatáGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Brazilian | Giant snake | — |
| BokkenrijdersSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested)The dead and disembodied souls (suggested) | Dutch | Ghosts/devils riding flying goats; co-opted by bandits to instil fear during raids | 1 |
| BollaGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Albanian | Dragon | 1 |
| BolotnikSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Slavic | Male swamp spirit | 27 |
| BonnaconGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Medieval Bestiaries | Bull-horse hybrid with flaming dung | — |
| BoobrieGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Scottish | Roaring water bird | 1 |
| Boo HagSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | American Folklore | Vampire-like creature that steals energy from sleeping victims | — |
| BoroborotonPersonified nature and animated objects (suggested) | Japanese | Animated futon | 5 |
| BozaloshtshSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Slavic | Death spirit | 27 |
| BragSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English | Malevolent water horse | 2 |
| British big catAnimals (suggested) | English | mysterious black panther | 2 |
| BrownieSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English and Scottish | Benevolent household spirit | 3 |
| BroxaAnimals (suggested) | Jewish | Nocturnal bird that drains goats of their milk | — |
| BuccaSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Cornish | Male sea-spirit, a merman, that inhabited mines and coastal communities as a hobgoblin during storms | — |
| BugbearSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | English | Bearlike goblin | 2 |
| BugganeGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Manx | Ogre-like humanoid | — |
| Bugul NozSpirits and otherworld peoples (suggested) | Celtic | Extremely ugly, but kind, forest spirit | 3 |
| BukavacGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Serbia | Six-legged lake monster | — |
| BulgaeGiants, monsters and fabulous creatures (suggested) | Korean | Fire dog | 1 |
| Bunny Man | American Folklore; Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Urban Legend | Spirit/Maniac that wears a bunny costume and wields an ax | — |
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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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