Fairies have many abilities which include: spell casting, flying, ability to see the future, and magic.In some cases fairies are seen as diminutive while others portray them as tall. The origin for the word fairy varies, one source says that it comes from the Latin word fata, which translates to fate which links them to the Greek fates who controlled people's destinies. Other sources say that fairies may have been demoted angels, formerly divine beings that are now stuck between heaven and hell with often malicious characteristics. Fairies have been known in the past to steal babies away from their mother's and replace them with a fairy child ( a changeling). Sometimes adults have been abducted by fairies and taken to the hollow hills where the fairies lived (fairy realm); if you ate any food in the realm of the fairies you would never be allowed to return to the human realm.

Fairies of the Seelie Court - Seelie means blessed or holy. This type of fairy are helpful towards humans. They often seek help from humans and return the favor with gifts.

Fairies of the Unseelie Court - This type of fairy is malicious towards humans. They are known to harass travellers by leading them astray, lifting them into the air, or pinching them. These fairies often live in places of bloodshed like burial grounds or battlefields.

Trooping fairies - trooping fairies are groups of fairies that travel in procession. These fairies are small and large; also some are nice to humans while others have been known to act more sinister towards them.

In Japanese mythology, Yatagarasu is a three-legged crow who served the sun goddess Amaterasu and is incarnation of the god Kamo Taketsunumi. The word Yatagarasu means eight-span crow (it essentially means that the crow was very large). Originally, Yatagarasu was only depicted with two legs until sometime around 930 CE when the myth of a Chinese three-legged crow merged with Yatagarasu and that is how it was depicted from then on. Yatagarasu was sent from the gods as a guide for Emperor Jimmu while on his journey from Kumano to Yamato.

El Silbón (The Whistler) is a ghost from Venezuelan folklore that originated sometime in the 19th century. The story goes that one day the boy came home and found his father beating his wife because she was a slut and this made the boy so angry that he killed his father. When his grandfather found out what happened he went in search of the boy, found him, tied him to a tree and whipped him in the back. After whipping him multiple times he then rubbed hot peppers into the wounds. Before releasing him, his grandfather cursed him to carry his father's bones for all eternity; he then let him loose and sent 2 hungry dogs chasing after him.

Definition: A Kelpie is a shapeshifting water spirit originating from Scottish mythology that haunts rivers and streams in the shape of a horse.

Background: Most often the Kelpie are attracted to children and try to lure them onto their backs. Once someone gets onto a Kelpie’s back its magical hide will not allow them to get off and the Kelpie will then drag their victim underwater and eat them.

Other times the Kelpie will appear as a beautiful young woman in the hopes of luring young men to their death. It is said that the sound of a Kelpie’s tail entering the water sounds similar to thunder. If you pass by a river and hear howling or wailing it could be a Kelpie warning of an oncoming storm.

In Greek mythology, Pegasus is an immortal winged stallion that is pure white. He is the child of Poseidon and Medusa. The name Pegasus means ‘of the spring’.

Afterwards he tried to fly up to Mount Olympus and but Zeus made Pegasus fling Bellerophon off of his back; then Pegasus flew up to Mount Olympus and was granted immortality and became the thunder-bearer of Zeus as well as a constellation among the stars. Other versions say that he served Eos, Goddess of the dawn.

A Jinni (plural Jinn), also called a genie, is a supernatural spirit that is a lower level than an angel or demon in Arabic mythology. These beings are of flame and air that can take on the form of a human or animal. They live things such as stones, trees, the air, in ruins under the ground, and fire. Jinn are free from all types of physical restraints, however, they can still be killed. They can be of influence to humans in both good and evil ways, they have been known to be responsible for diseases and many accidents.

This is the most powerful and unruly type of Jinn. They have a great knowledge of magic and are the ones most often associated with wish-granting genies.

This type of Jinn is an enormous creature of fire with wings and can be either male or female. They are also known to be a death spirit that is drawn to someone who has been murdered and is seeking revenge.

Also spelled Shaytan, is an evil type of Jinn. The Islamic people see him as the devil himself.

This Is seen as a fiendish type of Jinn. They are known to be a shapeshifting, bloodsucking and murderous creature. Depending on sources it either lived in deserts or cemeteries. Those that are desert dwellers will lure people to the desert, kill them, and eat them. Those that live in cemeteries are known to feed on corpses.

Definition: In Norse mythology, Valkyrie are female helpers of the god Odin and handmaidens of the goddess Freya.

Characteristics: young and beautiful women with long golden-colored hair, they wore winged golden or silver helmets and they would carry spears and shields while riding on the backs of their horses.

Those who are not chosen to go to Valhalla are taken by Freya to Fólkvangr (a meadow or field) in Asgard. Within that field is the hall of Freya, which is called Sessrúmnir. Another version says that the Valkyrie only pick one half of the people who died in battle after Freya picks her half first. While Valkyries do reside over battlefields, they have also been known to fly over the ocean and save vikings from sinking ships.

Definition:

Originating from Celtic mythology, a Banshee is a spirit and harbinger of death. She only warned certain ancient Irish families of deaths by appearing before them and letting out a piercing cry so forceful that it can shatter glass. It is said that some families even have their own Banshee.

Banshee appearances:

A pale woman with long red hair wearing a white dress, a pale woman with a silver dress and hair, an old woman with red eyes and long white hair and other appearances.

Origin:

There are two types of banshees: Good and bad. The good Banshees are ones that that had a strong connection with their family members and continued to watch over them after they died. When they appear before the family they usually appear as a beautiful woman and sing a mournful song a few days before someone is going to die but only the person who is going to die is the one that will hear her sing.

Then there are the bad or evil Banshees that most people have become familiarized with. During their life they hated their families and after they died and appeared to warn their family of a death they would appear as very frightening and filled with hatred. Also, instead of singing a song they let out bone chilling howls and instead of mourning the death, these Banshees celebrate it.

Definition: In Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a type of fairy that is neither fully good nor evil.

Characteristics: They are only about the size of a small child, wear a top hat and green coat, they have red hair and a beard and are depicted as being very old.

This is not going to be an official post on the Jackalope, this is going to be a brief post on my personal experience with this creature because I have actually seen them before, twice, when I was a kid. I really only remember where I saw one of them but I know that I have seen two. The one that I remember the most I saw near the base of the butte in my town when I was walking around. I saw it standing over by some bushes and it stared at me for a few seconds and I noticed that there were horns on its head but I didn't think of it to be anything weird and then I watched it disappear into the bushes. I think I talked to my mom about it briefly but she didn't believe me. I then saw something about it a few years later talking about how it was a mythical creature and was confused cause I was so sure that I had seen one when I was younger and looked it up to find out that it's considered a myth blew my mind cause up until that point I thought it be real.

Definition: In German mythology and folklore, elves are beings with magical abilities that closely resembling humans.

Characteristics: Elves were described as being more beautiful to look at than the sun and they also had pointed ears.

The Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) is an aquatic serpent living in Loch Ness, Scotland. The name “monster” was first applied to Nessie after a  sighting on May 2nd 1933 by a man named Alex Campbell who said that it was "the nearest approach to a dragon or prehistoric animal that I have ever seen in my life". However, reports of a monster in Loch Ness go back as far the 6th century A.D. when a monk named Saint Columba came by some locals who were burying man by River Ness. They told him that the man was attacked by a “water beast” as he tried to swim across the river. But since this story is about the river Ness rather the lake, it is thought that Nessie became attached to it by believers trying to support their claims. Despite numerous searches for Nessie, there has never been any solid evidence of its existence.

Ogopogo is an aquatic serpent located in Okanagan Lake in Canada. It has been seen by first nation people since the 19th century, it is said to be around 40-50ft long and closely resembles a Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus. It is argued that the first nation people were referring to a water spirit and not a lake monster. There was a mass sighting of Ogopogo back in 1926 by around 30 cars of people and they all reported to have seen the same thing.  

Lagarfljót Worm is an aquatic worm living in Lagarfljót lake in Iceland. It is reported to be around 40 ft long and sighting have gone as far back as 1345. The story behind this creature is that it grew out of a lingworm after a girl was given a gold ring by her mother and when asked how she could profit from the gold, her mother told her to place it under a lingworm. So she did just that put it in the top drawer of her linen chest. But after a few days it grew so large that it broke the chest so out of fear  she took the ring and the worm and threw them both into the lake where it continued to grow. More recently, in 1963, it was actually spotted by the Icelandic National Forest Service and in 1998 by a teacher and students. There was a video recording the supposed Lagarfljót Worm in 2012 as well but is said to have been nothing more than an inanimate object being moved by the current.

Lariosauro is a creature living in Lake Como in Italy. The first reported sighting of this creatures dates back only to 1946 when someone saw a reptile-like animal in the lake and it was called Lariosauro which is the same name of a prehistoric reptile. It is said that what they saw was nothing more than a sturgeon, but both the sturgeon and Lariosauro appear to be nothing more than a hoax. 

Definition: The Leshy is a guardian deity of the forests in Slavic mythology.

Characteristics: Appears as an old man but is missing his eyebrows, eyelashes and right ear, has horns on his head, and he is as tall as the trees.

Background: Leshy is often accompanied by animals (mostly bears and wolves) as he walks through the forest and sometimes people can hear him sing. He is sometimes said to have a wife named Lesovikha. Leshy sometimes leaves travelers lost in the woods by appearing as someone they know and is also known to kidnap children. It is said that the souls of people who die without last rights, or unbaptized babies, will be under the supervision of the Leshy (if they're buried in the forest).

In multiple native American tribes, the Thunderbird is a large and legendary bird who's return mark's the beginning of Spring and animal migration. They are said to be guardians of truth and the protector of men. When it flaps its wings it is as loud as thunder, it is thought to bring rain and storms wherever it goes. Thunderbirds like to feed on orcas in some myths, in other myths they might take away children to eat as well.

In Greek mythology, the Hamadryads are the eight dryad daughters of Oxylos (Of the Forest) and Hamadryas (One With Tree). They are born with a tree, grow with it, and die with it. Each of the daughters occupy a different type of tree:

Aigeiros - Black Poplar

Ampelos - Vines, wild grape, black bryony

Balanis - Oak Trees

Karya - Hazel, Walnut, and chestnut trees

Kraneia - Cornelian cherry tree

Morea - Mulberry tree

Ptelea - European Elm tree

Syke - Fig tree

In Philippine folklore, Tikbalang is a creature that is half horse and half human. It also has very long limbs and if it were to squat down its knees would go above its head. It is said that of you can ride a Tikbalang and pluck off one of its three golden hairs on its mane then it will be your willing servant for the rest of your life. However, if you fail to hold on long enough and not get one of the hairs then the Tikbalang will eat you. Other than that, if you happen upon one while in the woods it will not harm you, only make you become lost. One way to avoid a Tikbalang making you lose your way is to wear your shirt inside out.

In Yoruba mythology, Abiku are the children who die before puberty as well as the spirit who caused the death. The word Abiku means 'predestined to death'. It is believed the the same spirit of the child who died will return go its mother to be reborn again. Abiku will also come from the spiritual world into the physical world so that they can feed their families if they are not given enough sacrifice. At the peak of happiness in the home, the Abiku will then die and return to the spiritual world.

Typhoeus (Typhon) - Greek

Father of all monsters and was so large that his head touched the stars.

Kraken - Norse 

Large squid like creature that destroyed ships.

Jormungandr - Norse 

Snake that encircles the ocean of Midgard (Earth).

Jawzahr - Persian 

Dragon that was big enough to swallow the sun or moon.

Aqrabuamelu - Akkadian 

Scorpion men who were so tall that they're heads touched the sky.

In Filipino myths, Nuno Sa Punso (Nuno) is an anito (nature spirit) that lives in ant hills or termite mounds. They can be easily angered and will harm those who try to destroy or damage their mounds. They can even curse the person trying to do them harm by making them swell in parts of the body, become sore, or experience stomach pains. It's name can be translated to "old man of the mound".

In folklore, Will-O'-the-Wisps are ghost lights that lead travelers astray by resembling flickering lamps. Variations of these creatures can be found in Argentina, England, Bangladesh, Celtic, Sweden, and Finland to name a few.

In Britain it is believed that the Will-O'-the-Wisp is fairy fire that is held in the hand of a Puca that leads travelers off the path at night. Once the traveler has followed it for long enough the light will disappear and they will be lost.

In European folklore, Will-O'-the-Wisps are either spirits of the dead or fairies who lead travelers astray. Others believe the light is the spirit of undead children who weren't baptized.

In Bangladesh, Will-O'-the-Wisp are called Aleya which means "marsh ghost light". They appear in front of fishermen while they're fishing and can cause them to lose their bearings or even drown if they try to follow them. Some believe these lights are the ghosts of fishermen who died fishing.

In Greek mythology, Minthe was a Naiad of Mount Mintha and the daughter of Cocytus (river in the underworld). She was a lover of Hades for a brief time and claimed that she was superior to Persephone. Becoming angry at the Naiad, Persephone turned her into a mint plant. It later on became Hades' sacred plant.

Definition: In Greek mythology, the Cyclopes are three one-eyed giants. They are the sons of Ouranos and Gaea.

Background: When Gaea gave birth to them Ouranos locked them away in the earth along with the Hekatonkheires (hundred handed giants). Later on when Zeus overthrew the Titans, he released the Cyclopes to aid him during the Titanomachy (War between Titans and Olympians). In return for releasing them, the Cyclopes forged for Zeus his lightning bolt, Poseidon his Trident and for Hades the Helm of Invisibility.

Definition: In mythology, a Hippogriff is a creature that is an eagle in the front and a horse in the back.

Background: The Hippogriff is said to be the offspring of a griffin and a horse and was often used as a symbol of impossibility and love because Griffins see horses as prey. They were first mentioned without a name by the Roman Poet Virgil in his book Ecologues. They are later given a name by Ludovico Ariosto in his poem Orlando Furioso.

"When Mare and Griffin mate their offspring share a curious fate. One half is a Horse with hooves and tail, the rest is Eagle claws and nail. As a horse it likes to graze in summer meadows dowsed in haze, yet as an Eagle it can fly above the clouds when dreams drift by. With such a beast I am enthralled, the Hippogriff this beast is called."

- Poem by Arnold Sundgaard

Definition: In Norse and Scandinavian mythology, Trolls are beings that live in places like rocks, mountains or caves in small families and depending on sources are either not helpful/avoid humans or are dangerous to them. 

Characteristics: Large, ugly, and slow or they can look like humans depending on sources.

Background: In Norse mythology, Trolls are most commonly called Jötnar (singular Jötunn) and live in the realm of Jotunheim. They are the enemies of the gods and often fight with them.

In Scandinavian mythology, they are seen as more human and tend to be dim-witted and slow. They tend to outcast themselves and live in the woods but if they do come into contact with humans they can on occasion eat them. One of their main weaknesses is that if they come into contact with sunlight they will turn to stone. Another weakness of theirs is believed to be lightening which will frighten them off. It is believed that they are unchristianized and they are not seen around humans often because the sound of church bells drive them away.

In Norse mythology, Eikthyrnir is a stag that stands upon the roof of Valhalla (hall of the slain). He eats the leaves off of the tree Lærad and water falls from his antlers which form the spring called Hvergelmir which is the source of many different rivers:

Sid and Vid,

Soekin and Eikin,

Svöl and Gunntro,

Fiörm and Fimbulthul,

Rin and Rennandi,

Gipul and Göpul,

Gömul and Geirvimul:

they round the gods’ dwellings wind.

Thyn and Vin,

Thöll and Höll,

Grad and Gunnthorin.

Vina one is called,

a second Vegsvin,

a third Thiodnuma;

Nyt and Nöt,

Nön and Hrön,

Slid and Hrid,

Sylg and Ylg,

Vid and Van,

Vönd and Strönd,

Giöll and Leipt;

these (two) fall near to men,

but fall hence to Hel

- Grímnismál

The Easter Bunny is a bunny or hare who distributes eggs and candy among other things during the Easter holiday. It is said that the bunny will set out a basket filled with eggs, chocolate, and toys the night before Easter as well as hide eggs for children to find. The exact origins of the Easter Bunny are not known but there are a couple of ideas as to its origin:

Ēostre - Ēostre is thought to be a German goddess of fertility and her symbol was a rabbit which can also be seen as a symbol of fertility (although there is no actual historical evidence of her symbol being a rabbit, its all based on conjecture). The Germans also had a month named after her which was called Eosturmonath (Paschal Month) which we now call April.

Osterhase - Osterhase is thought to be a German egg-laying hare that German immigrants brought with them to America in the 1700s. Children would make nests for it to lay its eggs in. However, it would only lay eggs in the nests of children who were good.

Easter Bunny and eggs - Another reason that we decorate eggs during Easter is that the Russian high society would trade decorated eggs in the 19th-century. Also, during the 13th-century churches abstained from eggs during Lent only to be consumed again during Easter and they would also decorate them by coloring them red to symbolize Easter joy (or as another source says it was to represent the blood of Jesus after he was sacrificed).

In Slavic mythology, Kikimora is a house spirit. She usually lives behind the stove or in the cellar. She spins thread at night and does housework sometimes and looks after the chickens. Kikimora also makes noises like those of mice in order to try and get food. 

Kikimora is also known to crawl through people's keyholes at night, sit on their chests and try to strangle them (similar to Mare). Kikimora can also give people bad dreams and give men dreams of desire that can end up ruining their relationship with their partner. To repel them you can either look to the window or make the sign of the cross on your pillow. Also, people would leave a broom upside down by their door or keep the key in the keyhole.

There are two different types of Kikimora: one is the forest Kikimora which is said to be the wife of Domovoi. The other is the swamp Kikimora which is said to be the wife of Leshy. The swamp Kikimora leaves wet footprints in the house that she visits.

Definition: In European folklore, a Changeling is a fairy child that is left in place of human children that was stolen by fairies and taken to their realm.

Background: Trolls would often take human children and put their own in the human's place because they thought it was more respectable. Also, they can only take unbaptized children, once they are part of the church the trolls can't take the children.

Some believe that human milk is necessary for fairy children to survive. So a human child would be switched out to ensure that the fairy child can be well taken care of. Or a human mother will be taken to the fairy realm to breastfeed baby fairies. 

It is said that over time Changeling can forget that they're not human and go on to live a normal life. Those who don't forget will eventually leave to go back to the fairy realm.

Sometimes elderly fairies will be swapped out with human babies so the elderly could live in comfort.

Traits: You can often tell if your child has been switched out in a number of different ways that can vary from culture to culture.

- Doesn't grow like a normal child. 

- Has a beard or long teeth.

- More intelligent than they normally would be.

-Displays unusual behavior when they think they're alone.

- Better than normal eyesight.

Defense: In order to ward off fairies and stop them from taking your children you can put iron scissors or an inverted coat where they sleep. Or keep a constant watch over them.

The Brother's Grimm says that if you want to find out if your child has been replaced with a fairy child you can put it on the hearth and boil water in eggshells. If the baby laughs then you will know it is a Changeling and the fairies will come and take it away and bring you back your child.

Definition: In Western folkore, the Tooth Fairy is a creature that collects the teeth of children.

Background: Children are told that when they lose their teeth that they should put it under the pillow and while they are asleep the tooth fairy will take it away and leave money in its place.

Other Cultures:

Spanish - They have a "tooth fairy" called Ratón Pérez which has the same function as the tooth fairy except it's a mouse.

Italy - It is called Topolino which is a small mouse.

France - They also have a mouse instead that is called la petite souris or the little mouse.

Catalonia - They are called Little Angels. Same process different name.

Basque - They have one called Mari Teilatukoa (Mary from the roof) and the children have to throw their teeth onto the roof where she will collect them.

In Greek mythology, Meliae (Meliai) are dryads of the ash-tree. They are the offspring of Gaea and Ouranos. They are wives of the Silver race of man and the mothers of the Bronze race of man. The Meliae are also believed to be the same nymphs that nursed Zeus when he was baby.

In Icelandic mythology, Huldufólk (hidden people) are a type of elves that live in nature. They mostly live in giant rocks and hills/mounds. They are said to look like normal people but they're invisible. It is believed that the Huldufólk represent what the Icelandic people view as more perfect/better off beings. They can be described as very beautiful and powerful and care free. There have been a couple of instances when Icelandic people are doing road work and they come across a giant rock or hill in the way that they either have to end up moving or going around because they believe that the Huldufólk are the ones breaking their equipment.

In Mongolian Shamanism, Ongon (plural Ongod) is the spirit of a shaman after they die. They can then have idols consecrated to them within 3 years after a shaman's death which can them be placed in a home or in a field. The Ongon idol can then be used in a ritual that invokes protection of the spirit. Black Shamans* (type of shaman that works with dark magic) can help bring people in contact with Ongod by calling upon their spirit while drumming in a trance.

*There are also White Shamans and Yellow Shamans which play different roles in Mongolian Shamanism.

In Norse mythology, Vörðr is a type of warden spirit that accompanies a person their entire life. It is said that a Vörðr can appear as a small light or even in the shape of a person. When a person dies, their Vörðr can sometimes turn into a revenant and haunt certain spots or people. Some older trees on people's property (usually an ash, elm or linden) could be called a warden tree and were thought to repel bad luck.

In Greek mythology, Pandai (Pandi) are said to be a tribe of men that have giant ears and have eight fingers and toes. Their hair starts out white but as the get older it slowly turns black. Their ears are said to hang down to their elbows and can even touch each other.

In Norse mythology, dwarves are creatures that live underground in Svartalfheim (or Nidavellir). Here they are known to forge things such as weapons and jewelry. They have helped the gods on multiple occasions, some of which I will be mentioning below.

The Dwarves and Fenrir: While the gods were trying to figure out a way to stall Fenrir with their "tests of strength" they sent one of the gods down to Svartalfheim and had the dwarves create a chain that could not be broken. To do this, the dwarves used the sound of a cat's footsteps, the breath of a fish, roots of a mountain, beard of a woman and the spittle of a bird. This chain, made out of things that no longer exist, was named Gleipnir and is strong enough to hold Fenrir until Ragnarok.

The Dwarves and Freya: One day Freya was walking by and entrance to the caves where the dwarves lived and noticed that it was left open. Out of curiosity, she looked inside and saw that there were 4 dwarves who were crafting a very beautiful necklace. It was made of gold and inlaid with jewels, and she knew she wanted it. She approached them and asked what she could do to get that necklace from them. As dwarves live underground, they have no need for jewels or gold, etc. in exchange. Instead, they said that she would have to lay with each of them for one night. Freya was very much disgusted by the ugliness of the dwarves but in the end, her desire to have the necklace made her agree.

The Dwarves and Loki: Loki as always was in trouble and to fix it he went down to Svartalfheim and convinced the dwarves to have a competition against each other to see who could make better gifts for the gods. The best gift to come out of the competition was Mjolnir, Thor's hammer would always hit it's the target and come back to him after he threw it. Its only flaw was that its handle was too short (because of Loki).

In Japanese mythology, Waniguchi is a type of tsukumogami (haunted object) of hollow bells that can be found at shrine entrances. These bells are rung when praying to the God of that shrine. When the bell becomes a yokai, it grows a reptilian body and tail and the bell becomes the head.

In Japanese mythology, Hyakume is a creature that has lives in abandoned temples, caves, homes and other places. It's pink fleshy body is covered in 100 yellow eyes. During the day it tends to hide as the sun hurts its eyes too much. At night, Hyakume guards the area it inhabits to protect it from thieves. When a person comes into their home, it will detach one of its eyes and it will stick onto the person for as long as they are in there to make sure they don't do anything criminal. They don't attack most of the time, they will usually just try and scare them away with their size and appearance.

In Caribbean folklore, Lusca is a sea creature that dwells off Andros island in the Bahamas. It is described as being either shark/octopus hybrid or a beautiful woman/octopus hybrid. It has been estimated to be anywhere from 75-200 feet long. It is said to have the ability to change colors. It lives in underwater sea caves and mostly feeds off of large crustaceans.

In Turkic mythology, Archura is a shapeshifting woodland spirit. He most often appears as a man and is described as having a tail, hooves, horns, and glowing eyes. He is said to sometimes have a Gray Wolf as a companion. He can also change into something like a blade of grass or even a tree. Archura is a protector of animals in the forest and he tells them when they can migrate. They can be mischievous at times and are known to imitate human voices and lure wanderers to their caves where they can tickle them to death. If there is more than one Archura in the area then they will likely fight each other for dominance.

In Japanese mythology, Kodama are tree spirits that live inside of trees. They are described as being either small orbs of light or a vaguely humanoid figure. Their life is tied directly to the tree they live in, if one dies then the other will too. Kodama also protects the forest that they live in, and bless the forest around them. Villagers will sometimes put a Shimenawa rope around it to mark the tree to honor it. It is believed that if you were to cut the tree down it is a very bad sin and will bring a curse on the person who does it. 

Definition: In Japanese mythology, Kitsune are a type of yokai (spirit) that most often take the form of a fox and have many magical abilities.

Background: There are good and bad Kitsune so to speak; the good Kitsune are the servants of the God Inari. Inari's temples will usually have statues or pictures of foxes within them. They also protect people and places and are known to act as a median between Gods and humans. Then there are the "bad" or mischievous Kitsune who have been known to play tricks on humans and even possess them. However, they are known to keep their promises they make and will repay any favors done for them.

Kitsune also have the ability to shapeshift and can take on many different forms to trick and scare people such as giants or other monsters. They can also take on the form of humans and have been known to spend most of their lives that way blending in normally with society and even marrying humans.

In Irish mythology, the Merrow is a type of mermaid. They are described as being woman or man that have the top half of a human and the bottom half of a fish. They also have webbed fingers. They wear what is called a Cohuleen Druith which means "little enchanted cap". Merrows use this cap to allow them to go from dry land to the sea, if it is taken from them or they take it off, they can go on dry land and live as a human. A similar sea creature to this is the Scottish Selkie, who wears a seal skin for the same reason (which will be a later post).

In Scottish mythology, Selkie are a type of sea people that wear the skin of a seal to transform into one. When they take the seal skin off the become human. There are certain kinds of larger seals that can be considered Selkie, such as the Greenland seal and Creasted seal. Humans have been known to steal the Selkie's seal skin and force them to marry them. They will often hide it away where the Selkie can't find it, and marry said Selkie and have kids with them. Their kids have been known to have webbed hands and feet. However, over time, the Selkie will eventually find where her seal skin has been hidden and abandon her children and husband to return back to sea. Depending on the myth, the children will see their mother in the form of a seal every so often. There are some that say Selkie could also turn into a human depending on the changing of the tide, or even that they could only turn once every seven years.

Bigfoot is a Simian-like creature originating in American folklore that inhabits forests around the Pacific Northwest.

SIGHTINGS:

1. On June 22, 2009, a college student had been driving down a curvy road in Rhinebeck, N.Y. on his way to a rehearsal when he had to swerve to miss a shopping bag that was in the middle of the road. As he looked back he saw something dart out behind his car to retrieve the bag. He had described the creature as something walking on 2 feet, and it was about 7 - 7.5ft tall, covered in black hair, it had broad shoulders and arms that swung in an almost exaggerated fashion.

2. On January 8, 2008, on I-15 near Scripio, Utah, a big-rig driver was hauling s load of Idaho potatoes when he saw something on the side of the road with glowing eyes. He switched on his light high beams and saw before him s gigantic  creature running across the road about 20 feet in front of him. He reported that it was around 8-10 feet tall, with black hair and long lankey arms; the driver them had to swerve out of the way in order to avoid missing it. He pulled to a stop about 300 yards away but when he looked back it had disappeared. The driver had said he'd always been skeptical about Bigfoot but after seeing one in person it had changed his opinion and he admitted that it "scared the hell out of me."

3. On September 1, 2009, a woman was in Rifle, Colorado on her way to work. On her way there she decided to pull over for a minute to get some fresh air, when she got out she noticed some movement out in a meadow ahead of her. She at first thought it was a bear until it dtood up and its arms hung to its sides like a person. She said that the creature had cinnamon colored fur, and a pair of large breasts. Before this encounter, she had never believed in such creatures but now says that "my life is forever changed."

4. While out in the woods on October 23, 2010, a deer hunter had hoped to go to hid favorite clearing without spppking the deer in the area. While he was walking he noticed a very big animal about 10 yards away who was covering about 15-20 feet in just 2 strides. It was about 7-7.5 feet tall, it was muscular and covered in dark fur with long arms and a slightly hunched posture. He reported that the creature disappeared over a hillside a few seconds later. He said that " I used to think... that Sasquatch couldn't exist because there would be tons of pictures, but now I can see why that isn't true."

5. In July of 2009, a man was on his way home from work when he saw what appeared to be a man on the side of the road. As he got closer it suddenly turned around and took off into the woods, the man watched it run for about 30 yards then make a turn. The man reported that the creature was about 6 feet tall and was covered in shaggy rust colored fur and ran in a strange "hoppy" bounding motion. The witness said that "it was either real or there was a man in a VERY, VERY convincing costume."

In Japanese mythology, Kijimunā are a type of dwarf-like yokai. They exclusively can be found on the island of Okinawa. Kijimunā are described as little people with red hair and tinted red skin. They get around by hopping and live in banyan trees. The male Kijimunā have very large testicles.

They have a sort of symbiotic relationship with humans at times, they like to eat fish but will only eat the eyes, most often the left one, and leave the rest which the humans will take. Kijimunā have been known to make close bonds with humans going so far as to sometimes live with them or eat with them during the holidays. Kijimunā have been known to attack humans though if they cut down their banyan trees. They can murder livestock and sink people's boats that have wronged them. They also will press down on people's chests while they're sleeping (similar to the mare or incubus/succubus).

In Philippine folklore, Kapre is a tree giant that is said to be around 7-9 feet tall. They are usually hairy, muscular and terrifying, they also wear a loincloth. They usually live in or sit under banyan, bamboo or acacia trees.

Kapre are known to be invisible to humans using a magical belt they wear but will show themselves if they show interest in a person. Kapre have been known to fall in love with human women and if they do, they will follow them for the rest of their life. Kapre also hold a small white stone smaller than a quail egg, if a person is able to take this from them then the Kapre will grant them a wish. Kapres are also known to play tricks on people and make them forget where they are in a place they know well or cause them to get lost in the woods or mountains. 

In the folklore of Southwest America, the Cactus Cat is described as being bobcat like and has hair-like thorns on its body. It would use its tail, which has cactus spikes on it, to cut open cacti allowing the juice to spill out from it. Later on the Cactus Cat would return to the cactus it cut and drink the juice from it which had since then fermented. Cactus Cats are known to shreek during the night and fight any animals that come into their territory. They can live up to 30 years and when they want to find a mate, the males will break open a Saguaro cactus which attracts the females because of its smell. If 2 females show up, they will fight eachother usually to the death and the winner would then drink the juice and mate with the male.

Definition: According to Native American tribes such as the Potawatomi, Omaha, Creek and Ponca, the Deer Woman is a Deer spirit associated with love and fertility.

Characteristics: She is described in a few different ways, as either a woman, a deer, or a hybrid of the two. 

Background: The Deer Woman, depending on the tribe, can either be a benign spirit and is known to help with things like childbirth, or she has been known to trample disobedient children (sort of acting as a bogeyman in that sense). Deer Woman is also known to lure/seduce men away to either lead them to their death or leave them to pine away from lovesickness (usually they have been in an affair so this acts a punishment for that).

Sometimes it is said that a woman can become the Deer Woman by being sexually assaulted or is brought back to life by the original Deer Woman. 

In the folklore of Cornwall, Wales, and Devonshire, the Tommyknocker (Knocker) is a little person around 2 feet tall. They have very large head, long arms and wrinkled skin. Tommyknockers also wear standard miner's clothing.

Their name is said to come from the sound of knocking that occurs before mines cave-in. Some Cornish believed that this sound was Knockers hammering at the walls and support to cause the cave-in. Others thought that it was a warning sign of a collapse. Knockers are also known to steal equipment and food that miner's leave unattended. It is believed that Knockers come from the souls of miners who died there.

During the 1820's when the gold and silver rushes were active, Welsh and Cornish miners immigrated to America for work. When they did they brought with them stories of the Knockers. As time went on, some Americans accepted them and real and seemed to associate Knockers as more of a ghost-like figure. In Idaho Springs, Colorado,  Tommyknocker Brewery was opened in 1859 and is still running today.

Definition: In Hinduism, Preta is a type of ghost. They suffer greatly for they are in a constant state of thirst and hunger.

Characteristics: They are said to be invisible to humans but they are human-like, skinny, bloated bellies, and thin, long necks.

Background: Pretas are said to be either the ghost of a person after they died or being in a state between death and karmic reincarnation. In order for a Preta to pass on, the family must perform a series of rituals that can last for up to a year. They perform this ritual in order to relieve the Pretas of their sins, if they do not, the Preta will be stuck in that state for eternity.

Depending on how they lived their lives, Pretas will have varying degrees of suffering. Some with lesser sins can eat a little with difficulty. Others will find food or drink only to have it burst into flames or wither and dry up before their eyes.

(P.S. there are quite a few cultures that have their own versions of Pretas with varying characteristics and what they desire in that state).

In Hawaiian mythology, Nightmarchers are the ghosts of dead warriors (similar to Draugr from Norse myths).

Nightmarchers, as the name implies, are a group of dead warriors who come out during the night in full warrior gear and carry spears, clubs, war drums and torches. They either rise up from the sea or from the sight of their burial and march to old battle sights or sacred places.

Nightmarchers will march during nights that honor certain Gods such as Kane, Ku or Lono. You will know when Nightmarchers are coming by the sound of them beating drums or blowing on conch shells. If you hear them coming then you are supposed to go inside and lay on the floor and do not look at them when they are near by. If you make eye contact with them when they are near you, you will die and become one of them. However it is said that this can be avoided if you have a family member that is a Nightmarcher that will stop them from taking you by yelling out na'u! which means mine. Another way to keep them away is to plant Ti shrubs around your house which will cause them to avoid that area. Nightmarchers are able to walk through any sort of wall or barrier that is in their path and as mentioned before the only thing they'll avoid is Ti shrubs.

There are some rare occasions where Gods will join in on a nightmarch, when they do, you will know because the torches they carry will be brighter than normal. One goddess that often takes part in these is called Hi'iaka. Nightmarchers will also march with their Chiefs and act as their protectors during their march to the sacred sight.

P.S. - Jogah from the Iroquois myths share similarities with Nightmarchers as well in that they will also announce their presence by playing drums.

Also there is a video game called Nightmarchers which looks interesting but I think it is still in development (pictured above).

In Greek mythology, Geras is the spirit (Daimon) of old age. He is the son of Nyx (Night), or sometimes Nyx and Erebos (Darkness). Geras is depicted as a tiny, old, shriveled man. Geras' opposite is Hebe, the Goddess of youth, and the cupbearer of the Gods.

In Swedish folklore, the Kvarngubbe is a type of spirit similar to the Nisse/Tomte who lived in mills and helped the miller, like the Nøkken that live in rivers and ponds, the Kvarngubbe is a skilled violinist. The Kvarngubbe does not like having the mill run on the weekends, if the miller tries to run the mill during this time the Kvarngubbe will make it stop working until he goes away.

In Maya mythology, the Alux (A.K.A. Aluxo'ob) is a spirit that is said to be about knee-high and dress as traditional Maya people. They are said to mostly be invisible but will take on a physical form to interact with humans. If a Maya person builds a little house (kahtal alux) in their maize field, an Alux will move into it and help keep the crops healthy for seven years. After the seven years is over, the farmer must close the windows and doors of the little house to trap the Alux inside otherwise it will run wild and play tricks on people.

Aluxes can also be created by molding them out of clay and hiding them. The family gives them offerings to make them happy so they continue to help and protect them.

In the mythology of the Hebrides Islands, located in Scotland there are stories of creatures that are commonly known as the Blue Men of the Minch. More specifically these creatures live in underwater caves in the straight between the Island of Lewis and the Shiant Isles, which is called "the Stream of Blue Men".

These creatures are described as being the same size as men with incredible strength and blue skin. It is said that while they sleep, the weather is calm, but while they are awake they can create a storm when they want depending on their mood. Sailors will often pour ale into the water as an offering, and during Samhain, people light candles by the sea.

Some sailors are given safe passage by the Blue Men, but others are not so lucky. These creatures have been known to get on board ships and then challenge the captain in verse. The Blue Men will recite a poem and the captain has to complete it. If he does it right, they will be spared but if they fail, then their ship will be capsized.

"Here is a description of such a challenge between the Chief of the Blue Men and the Captain of a vessel as described by Donald Alexander Mackenzie:

Chief of the Blue Men:

Man of the black cap, what do you say

As your proud ship cleaves the brine?

Skipper answers;

My speedy ship takes the shortest way,

And I’ll follow you line by line.

Chief of the Blue Men:

My men are eager, my men are ready

To drag you below the waves--

Skipper answers:

My ship is ready, my ship is steady,

If it sank it would wreck your caves."

The captain of the ship answered correctly and was allowed to carry on with his sailing safely.

In Greek mythology, the Heliades are seven daughters of the Titan god of the sun Helios. When Phaethon, their brother was struck from the sun chariot by Zeus and landed in the River Eridanos, the Heliades gathered around his smoking body. They were so struck with grief that as they cried they were turned into poplar trees and their tears into golden amber. Amber is also known as electrum since the sun is called elector which means "the shiner". 

In Icelandic mythology, the Yule Lads are the 13 sons of Grýla and Leppalúði. They are mischievous tricksters who steal from people one night at a time over 13 days leading up to Christmas. On these nights, children leave shoes on the windowsill and if they're good, the child will get a treat, if they're bad, then the Yule Lads will fill them with rotten potatoes. 

The 13 Lads and their roles are:

Sheep-Cote Clod - Steals milk from yews in the sheep shed. 

Gully Gawk - He takes the foam from buckets of cow milk. 

Stubby - He steals food from frying pans. 

Spoon Licker - He licks spoons. 

Pot Scraper - Steals unwashed pots and licks them clean. 

Bowl Licker - Back in the old days of Iceland people would put bowls of food under their bed, Bowl Licker would steal these bowls. 

Door Slammer - He stomps around and slams doors preventing people from sleeping. 

Skyr Gobbler - He eats all the Skyr (Icelandic yogurt). 

Sausage Swiper - He steals sausages. 

Window Peeper - He looks into windows and steals the things he sees inside. 

Door Sniffer - He has a huge nose and a desire to steal baked goods. 

Meat Hook - He steals any meat he sees left out, his favorite is smoked lamb.

Candle Beggar - He steals candles.