As Halloween approaches, stories of spine-chilling monsters and eerie creatures
surface, adding an extra thrill to the season. But the stories aren't limited
to haunted houses and ghostly specters - they stretch across cultures and bring
to life centuries - old beings that embody humanity's deepest fears. From
shadowy figures haunting villages to creatures waiting in dark forests, these
terrifying beings from folklore capture the imagination in every corner of the
world. They're legends, sometimes warnings, and always unsettling.
Check Under Your Bed And In Your Closet. Enjoy! :)
In Japanese folklore, an ikiryo is the living soul of a person that leaves the
body and wanders. Unlike a ghost, which manifests after someone's death, an
ikiryo comes into being when a person is alive but harboring extreme emotions,
such as jealousy or resentment. These intense feelings can cause a part of
their soul to split off and haunt someone else, often causing sickness or
misfortune. Seen as a foreboding presence, the ikiryo isn't always malevolent,
though its appearances are rarely a good sign.
The snallygaster was a bizarre creature feared by early settlers in colonial
America, especially in Maryland. Described as a dragon-like beast with the body
of a bird and tentacle-like appendages, it was said to swoop down from the
skies, shrieking and terrorizing farmers. Its rumored sharp teeth and lethal
claws could easily tear livestock apart. Legend has it that a seven-pointed
star could ward it off, so barns in the area were often marked with the symbol
as a form of protection. Sightings of the snallygaster have faded, but its
legacy continues in regional folklore.
The chullachaki, or "uneven-footed one," is a forest spirit known in the
Amazonian lore of Peru and Brazil. Often depicted with one human foot and
one animal foot, this mischievous being is said to lead people astray in the
jungle, causing them to get lost. Known for its shapeshifting ability, it
can disguise itself as a friend or family member to lure wanderers deeper
into the forest. Some locals claim the chullachaki can be friendly, but
most steer clear of it, fearing its tricks and the mysteries it hides.
The Mare is a Norse and Germanic folklore creature believed to cause
nightmares by sitting on a sleeper's chest. Unlike a ghost or demon, the
Mare is seen as a spectral entity that travels through keyholes or cracks
to torment its victim. While a person sleeps, the Mare sits on their chest,
making breathing difficult and filling their mind with terrifying visions.
Some believe the Mare to be the root of the term "nightmare," giving a
tangible form to the unsettling feelings that come with bad dreams.
In Brazilian folklore, the boto is a dolphin spirit known to transform into
a handsome young man, especially at night, to seduce women. This myth centers
on the Amazon River dolphin, a pink dolphin native to the region. Often
appearing at local festivities, the boto is said to be dressed in white and
easily charms the townsfolk, disappearing back into the water by morning. The
legend holds such power that "Boto" remains a common excuse for mysterious
pregnancies, with the dolphin spirit's reputation adding a surreal twist to
rural Brazilian culture.
The nian is a monstrous creature in Chinese folklore, believed to have a
lion-like appearance and a hunger for people, particularly children. Legend
states that the monster would emerge from hiding every Lunar New Year to wreak
havoc on villages. People discovered that loud noises and the color red scared
the nian away, which inspired the firecrackers, red lanterns, and red clothing
now associated with Lunar New Year celebrations. Though rarely mentioned today
outside of festivities, the nian remains a symbol of warding off evil.
In Serbian mythology, the bukavac is a six-legged beast with long horns,
said to reside in lakes and rivers. Emerging from the water at night, it
emits terrifying screams and strangles anyone it encounters. The legend
of the bukavac may have been created to keep people from wandering near
dangerous waters after dark. Tales of this creature continue to circulate
in rural areas, often as part of local customs and storytelling sessions,
inciting both curiosity and caution among listeners.
In Central American folklore, especially in El Salvador, the siguanaba is
a frightening spirit who appears as a beautiful woman to lure men into
danger. Legends say that she preys on unfaithful or careless men, leading
them deep into the forest before revealing her horrifying face—a skull or
a monstrous visage. The siguanaba is considered a cautionary tale warning
men against immoral behavior while reinforcing respect for nature, as
those who encounter her often lose their way or become disoriented.
The coco, also known as El Cucuy in some Latin American countries, is a
terrifying figure used to frighten children into good behavior.
Traditionally described as a shapeless monster hiding under beds or in
closets, the coco comes to take away misbehaving children. Spanish
lullabies even mention the creature, warning children that the coco is
watching. Unlike most folklore beings, the coco is deeply ingrained in
family culture, acting as a dark reminder to children to stay obedient
or face mysterious consequences.
In Philippine folklore, the tiyanak is a vampiric creature that disguises
itself as an abandoned baby crying in the woods. When unsuspecting travelers
come to rescue the child, it reveals its true form: a tiny demon with sharp
teeth and a hunger for human flesh. The legend of the tiyanak is said to be
a caution against straying too far from home or venturing into dangerous
areas, though it has also evolved into an eerie tale warning of trickery and
deception.
The jorogumo is a Japanese mythological creature, known as a spider spirit
that can transform into a beautiful woman. Legend has it that she lures
unsuspecting men into her lair, only to reveal the truth about herself and
devour them. Believed to be dangerous yet alluring, the jorogumo often
appears near rivers and waterfalls, where she seduces travelers before
striking. The creature represents both the allure and danger of deception
and is a prominent figure in Japanese ghost stories.
The popobawa is a sinister spirit from Zanzibar and other parts of Eastern
Africa, known to terrorize villages during the night. Taking the form of a
bat-like creature with one large eye, it is said to attack people in their
sleep. Stories of the popobawa often cause mass panic, with residents
staying up in groups to avoid being alone. Some see the popobawa as a symbol
of social fear or collective anxieties within communities, though its legend
continues to send shivers down many spines.
PLEASE, SHARE AND WARN ALL
Your Friends To Be On The Watch! :)
For those of you who Want More FUN - Visit The Shangy Fun List! Variety is the
spice of life! The Shangy Fun List is an ezine packed full of Poems, Inspirational and
Heart Warming Stories. Jokes from G to slightly R, and Anything else that just
might make you SMILE! Join In The Free FUN!! ... :)
-To SHANGRALA-
