Amaru is a mythological chimera-serpent from Andean and Inca traditions, depicted as a double-headed creature with a blend of animal features. It resides in subterranean and aquatic realms, symbolising the vital forces of water and agricultural abundance. Its dual nature as a protector and destroyer reflects the complex interplay of creation and chaos in Andean cosmology.

Amaru (mythology)

The Amphisbaena is a mythological serpent from Ancient Greek mythology, recognised for its unique dual-headed form. It is known as the 'Mother of Ants' due to its peculiar ant-eating habits. Its ambidextrous locomotion and mysterious nature continue to intrigue scholars of ancient lore.

Amphisbaena

Andhaka is a fearsome, malevolent asura from Hindu mythology known for his monstrous form that includes 1000 heads and arms. His pride and hubris set him on a collision course with divine forces, ultimately leading to his downfall at the hands of Shiva and Parvati. His story is a timeless cautionary tale against unchecked arrogance.

Andhaka

Asuras are demigods or titans in Buddhist cosmology, known for their multiple heads and arms. They inhabit the realm of desire (Kāmadhātu) and are renowned for their fierce, combative nature. Their unique physical form symbolizes the internal struggle between desire and higher spiritual aspirations.

Asura (Buddhism)

Bael is a prominent demon king featured in a variety of demonological grimoires. He is renowned for his power to bestow invisibility and for his unique, shape-shifting, triple-headed appearance. Commanding numerous legions of demons, Bael embodies both infernal authority and esoteric knowledge.

Bael (demon)

The Balaur is a many-headed dragon from Romanian folklore, often portrayed as a monstrous serpent sometimes equipped with wings. It is typically depicted as malevolent, abducting maidens and challenging heroes. Legends also endow it with unique powers such as weather manipulation and the ability to produce precious stones from its saliva.

Balaur

Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and a key figure in the Trimurti. He is depicted as a four-headed, bearded man with a red or golden complexion, embodying cosmic knowledge. Despite his foundational role in creation, his worship has declined in contemporary Hindu practice.

Brahma

Bune is a demon duke from Western occult grimoires known for his three-headed dragon form and necromantic powers. He commands 30 to 35 legions of spirits and can move the dead, as well as bestow wealth, wisdom, and charisma. His infernal influence and summoning abilities make him a significant figure in demonological traditions.

Bune

Cipactli is a primeval, monstrous sea creature from Aztec mythology, known for its composite body and extra mouths at every joint. Its body was sacrificed by deities to form the earth, symbolizing the chaotic origins of creation. This voracious beast embodies both destructive power and the potential for creation.

Cipactli

The Double-headed serpent is an Aztec mosaic sculpture depicting a snake with two distinct heads. Crafted predominantly from turquoise with accents of spiny oyster shell and conch shell, the piece showcases exquisite Aztec artistry. Originally used in religious ceremonies, this emblematic artifact, also known as 'Mansee', is now housed in the British Museum.

Double-headed serpent

Ekādāśamukha is a bodhisattva manifestation of Avalokiteśvara in Mahayana Buddhism, revered for offering salvation to beings, particularly those in the asura realm. Known as 'Eleven-Faced', the deity symbolizes divine compassion and spiritual insight. He is also recognised as Avalokiteśvara of the Universally Shining Great Light, linking him to luminous symbolism.

Ekādaśamukha

Ellén Trechend is a fearsome three-headed monster from Irish mythology that emerged from the cave of Cruachan and wreaked havoc across Ireland. It is variously interpreted as a monstrous triple-headed bird or linked with the fire-breathing Aillén of Fionn mac Cumhaill lore. Reminiscent of the chaotic forces of nature, it remains a chilling symbol of destructive power in ancient Irish legends.

Ellén Trechend

Geryon is a fearsome giant from Greek mythology known for his unusual multi-bodied and/or multi-headed form and his famed cattle. He dwelt on the mythic island of Erytheia in the far west of the Mediterranean. His defeat by Heracles marks one of the epic challenges in Greek heroic legends.

Geryon

The Hecatoncheires, known as the Hundred-Handers, are gigantic, multi-headed giants from Greek mythology renowned for their immense strength and crucial role in the Titanomachy.

Hecatoncheires

Heramba is a five-headed form of the Hindu god Ganesha, revered for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles. Popular in Nepal, his iconography plays a significant role in Tantric worship. As one of the thirty-two forms of Ganesha, Heramba embodies a unique fusion of human and animal characteristics.

Heramba

Herensuge is a mythical dragon from Basque mythology known for its multiple heads and serpentine form. It is revered and feared as a monstrous creature whose mature heads detach to become offspring. The legend of Herensuge is intertwined with the region’s transition from pagan traditions to Christian beliefs.

Herensuge

Hong, also known as Jiang, is a legendary Chinese dragon celebrated for its unique multi-headed form and rainbow symbolism. It wields supernatural abilities such as flight, water control, and immortality, making it an auspicious figure in Chinese mythology. Comparable to the Rainbow Serpent in other cultures, Hong represents a harmonious balance between the celestial and earthly realms.

Hong (rainbow-dragon)

Jiutou Zhiji Jing, also known as Hu Ximei, is a nine-headed pheasant spirit from the classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods. She possesses the ability to transform from a majestic nine‐headed bird into a beautiful, seductive woman. Her involvement in court schemes and tragic demise underscores her role as a cunning specter in Chinese mythology.

Jiutou Zhiji Jing

Kuzuryū, also known as Kuzuryūshin, is a nine-headed dragon deity from Japanese folklore associated with water. It appears in various regions of Japan including Hakone, Nagano, and Fukui Prefectures. Revered as a powerful and benevolent water guardian, Kuzuryū embodies divine strength and mystique.

Kuzuryū

Ladon is a mythological dragon from Greek lore, renowned for guarding the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides. He is depicted as a giant, multi‐headed serpent with impenetrable, scaly skin. His fearsome presence and defensive role made him a notable challenge for heroes like Heracles.

Creatures with Multi-Headed