Abyzou is a female demon from Near Eastern and European folklore, infamous for causing miscarriages and infant mortality. Depicted with fish- or serpent-like attributes, she embodies ancient fears surrounding childbirth. Recognised in Coptic Egyptian and Byzantine traditions, her many names reflect a syncretic demonology spanning antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.

Abyzou

Akurra is a great snake deity in the mythology of the Adnyamathanha people of South Australia. Depicted as a giant water snake with a beard mane, scales, and sharp fangs, it is revered for its ability to shape the land and control water. Its association with shamanic power and ritual rainmaking underscores its vital role in indigenous cultural traditions.

Akurra

The Alicante is a mythical Mexican snake known for its venomous bite and cultural significance.

Alicante (mythology)

Amaymon is a prince of Hell renowned for his deadly poisonous breath and deceptive nature. He appears in various demonological grimoires, commanding respect and inspiring caution in those who invoke him. His dual designation as king of the east or south highlights the divergent traditions within Western occult lore.

Amaymon

The Amphiptere is a mythological winged serpent prominent in European heraldry. Characterised by its bi-winged, serpentine form without limbs, it stands out in heraldic art. Serving as a symbol of nobility and protection, it embodies the fusion of myth and art in medieval traditions.

Amphiptere

Ao Ao is a monstrous creature from South American, Guarani mythology known for its relentless pursuit of human prey. It is depicted as a cursed hybrid being with either sheep-like or peccary-like features and a massive set of fangs. Its eerie howling and terrifying determination have made it a central figure in indigenous folklore.

Ao Ao

Arwe, also known as Wainaba, is a mythological serpent-king from Ethiopian lore. He ruled his kingdom tyrannically for four hundred years, demanding sacrifices from his subjects. His eventual downfall at the hands of the founder of the Solomonic dynasty marked the end of his oppressive reign.

Arwe

Azhdahak is a fearsome demonic figure in Armenian and Iranian mythology, renowned for his serpentine attributes and cursed kingship. Imprisoned in Mount Damavand, he is destined to break free at the end of time, unleashing chaos before his ultimate defeat by Fereydun. His legend, intertwined with historical figures like the Median king Astyages, exemplifies the fusion of myth and history in ancient narratives.

Azhdahak (mythology)

The Bahkauv is a deformed calf-like mythical monster from Aachen, Germany. It is characterized by its grotesque appearance featuring noticeable fangs. The creature is closely associated with drunken men in local folklore.

Bahkauv

The basilisk is a legendary European serpent renowned for its fatal gaze and venomous bite. Originating from ancient and medieval bestiaries, it is a small yet extraordinarily dangerous creature. Its unique vulnerability to the odor of a weasel adds a curious twist to its otherwise lethal attributes.

Basilisk

Bašmu is an ancient Mesopotamian mythological creature depicted as a venomous, horned snake with two forelegs and wings. It embodies a unique blend of serpent and dragon attributes. The creature is historically significant and is also associated with a Babylonian constellation.

Bašmu

The beithir is a legendary serpent-like creature from Scottish folklore. It is depicted as a large snakelike dragon roaming the wild landscapes of Scotland. Its awe-inspiring presence has made it a symbol of mystery and danger within Celtic mythology.

Beithir

Boiuna, also known as Black Snake or Cobra-Grande, is a giant mythological serpent from Brazilian folklore. Renowned for its enormous size and fearsome presence, it is a creature of both awe and caution. Its legend underscores the unpredictable and untamed forces of nature in the Brazilian wilderness.

Boiuna

Delphyne is a monstrous she-serpent from Greek mythology, renowned for her fatal encounter with Apollo at Delphi. In early accounts, she appears as a nameless drakaina who later becomes known as Delphyne. Her legacy is so profound that the ancient site of Delphi is traditionally said to be named after her.

Delphyne

Dipsa is a tiny, mucus-like, extremely venomous snake from Medieval bestiaries, renowned for its deadly bite that incapacitates victims before they are aware of it. Its serpentine form and slimy texture set it apart from ordinary snakes. This creature embodies the medieval fascination with lethal and enigmatic beasts.

Dipsa

The drakaina is a female mythological serpent or dragon from Greek mythology. It is known for its imposing serpentine form and occasional humanlike features, making it a unique hybrid creature. Renowned for its venom, strength, and longevity, the drakaina embodies the perilous allure of ancient myth.

Drakaina (mythology)

Echidna is a monstrous hybrid from Greek mythology, combining the upper body of a woman with the lower body of a snake. She is renowned as the 'Mother of Monsters' for her role as the progenitor of many legendary beasts. Living in solitary seclusion within a cave, she embodies the terrifying and mysterious aspects of ancient myth.

Echidna (mythology)

Fraus is the Roman goddess who personifies treachery and fraud, depicted with a woman's face, snake body, and a scorpion's sting on her tail. She embodies deception and cunning, making her a formidable figure in myth. Additionally, she is recognised as an alternative name for Mercury, linking her to themes of theft and subterfuge.

Fraus

The Germanic dragon, also known as worm, wurm or wyrm, is a fearsome mythological serpent renowned in Germanic folklore. It is depicted as a large, venomous creature with a penchant for hoarding treasure and, in later tales, possessing wings. Appearing in medieval works such as Beowulf and the Völsung Cycle, it embodies both terror and the destructive nature of avarice.

Germanic dragon

Glycon is an ancient snake god venerated in the 2nd century Roman Empire, reputedly created by the Greek prophet Alexander of Abonoteichos. Despite his divine portrayal, contemporary accounts by Lucian suggest that Glycon was merely a hand puppet used to perpetrate a religious hoax. His cult played a significant role in the syncretic religious landscape of the Greco-Roman world.

Venomous Creatures