Aani is the Cynocephalus Baboon, a sacred animal in ancient Egyptian religion closely associated with the god Thoth. It is depicted as a dog-headed ape, embodying both canine and primate features in its iconography. The creature symbolizes wisdom and writing, playing a significant role in hieroglyphic representations and religious rituals.

Aani

Abumi-guchi is a peculiar Japanese yōkai known for its stirrup-shaped mouth and furry appearance. Illustrated in Sekien Toriyama's Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro, it embodies the enigmatic charm of Edo period monster lore. Little else is documented about its behaviour or capabilities, adding to its mysterious allure.

Abumi-guchi

Adar Llwch Gwin is a legendary creature from Welsh mythology depicted as a very large and intelligent bird. It soars gracefully through the skies with immense wings and keen eyes. Its association with the griffin underscores its majestic and mysterious nature.

Adar Llwch Gwin

Adnoartina is a sacred ancestral deity from Australian Aboriginal mythology, taking the form of a gecko lizard. It is revered in Dreamtime narratives and credited with the creation of Uluru. The deity continues to influence art, music, and ceremonial practices in Aboriginal culture.

Adnoartina

Agemo is a chameleon serving as the divine messenger in Yoruba mythology. He faithfully carries messages for Olorun, the head of the Yoruba pantheon. His unique form embodies the connection between the divine and mortal realms.

Agemo (deity)

Agreus and Nomios are mythological satyr-like beings spawned from the god Pan. Agreus, meaning 'hunter' or 'wild', embodies the fierce aspects of nature, while his brother Nomios, meaning 'shepherd', represents the gentle pastoral side. Together, they symbolize the duality of the wild and the tame found in Greek mythology.

Agreus and Nomios

The aigamuxa, also known as the Bushmen, is a legendary creature from Khoikhoi folklore. It is distinguished by its extremely elongated teeth and the peculiar placement of its eyes on its feet. This nocturnal predator ambushes lone desert travelers, mistaking humans for zebras.

Aigamuxa

Aitu are Polynesian spirits and lesser deities often associated with malevolence and misfortune. They manifest variably, sometimes appearing as ghostly figures, animals, or even as ancestral tribes. Their multifaceted roles reflect the complex cultural tapestry of Polynesian mythology, spanning both protective and destructive influences.

Aitu

Aitvaras is a nature spirit from Lithuanian mythology depicted as a rooster with a fiery, meteor-like tail. It dwells within households, bestowing both good fortune and misfortune. Its ambiguous nature is reflected in its gift of stolen gold and grain as well as the trouble it brings.

Aitvaras

Akerbeltz is a mythological billy goat spirit from Basque folk traditions, revered as an ancient protector of animals. It is distinguished by its black appearance and is accompanied by a host of elf servants. Over time, Christian interpretations have transformed Akerbeltz into a demonic figure, associated with malevolent acts.

Akerbeltz

Akugyo is an evil sea monster and aquatic yōkai from Japanese mythology. It is also known as daigyo or raichōgyo, reflecting its giant size and thunderous attributes. Renowned for its menacing presence in the deep waters, Akugyo embodies the malign forces of the ocean.

Akugyo

Amaguq is a trickster wolf spirit from Inuit mythology, renowned for his shape-shifting abilities and cunning nature. He embodies both the wild physical traits of the wolf and the elusive qualities of the spirit realm. His myth serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable and transformative power.

Amaguq

Aosaginohi, also known as Aosagibi, is a mystical phenomenon in Japanese folklore depicting a luminous, transformed black-crowned night heron. Its feathers fuse into shining scales that emit an iridescent blue light while its breath releases a unique golden powder to form heat-less fiery illuminations. Harmless and elusive, this yōkai exemplifies the mysterious interplay between nature and the supernatural in Edo period Japan.

Aosaginohi

The Axehandle Hound is a fearsome critter of American folklore primarily known in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is famed among lumberjacks and rural tales for its intimidating presence. Despite its name and legendary status, details about its appearance and abilities remain largely ambiguous.

Axehandle hound

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

Bake-danuki are supernatural raccoon dogs from Japanese folklore known for their remarkable shapeshifting abilities and playful trickery. They appear much like ordinary tanuki but are imbued with magical powers that allow them to deceive and possess humans. Their legends, rich in regional colour and tradition, continue to capture the imagination across Japan.

Bake-danuki

The Bake-kujira is a ghostly yōkai manifesting as a skeletal whale from western Japan. It exacts vengeance on those who hunt whales or consume whale meat by cursing them with plagues and fire. Its eerie accompaniment of mysterious fish and bizarre birds renders its appearance an ominous warning of nature’s retribution.

Bake-kujira

The Bakeneko is a Japanese supernatural cat known for its shape-shifting abilities and enigmatic presence. It is distinguished from the similar nekomata by having only one tail. Renowned legends, particularly the Nabeshima Bakeneko Disturbance, underscore its role in Japanese folklore.

Bakeneko

Baku are Japanese supernatural beings renowned for devouring nightmares. They were created from the spare pieces left over after the gods finished creating all other animals. This enduring legend has made them a fixture in traditional art and modern media alike.

Baku (mythology)

The ball-tailed cat is a fearsome critter of North American folklore, resembling a mountain lion with an extraordinarily long tail ending in a heavy, ball-like mass. It employs its tail to strike and subdue its prey, with some variants featuring additional spiked edges for piercing attacks. This legendary creature has captivated imaginations, especially among woodsmen during the early 20th century.

Supernatural Animals