Ultimate List of Mythical Creatures and Folklore Monsters from Around the World
Looking for the most terrifying, mysterious, and legendary monsters from global folklore? This comprehensive A–Z guide explores the world’s most iconic mythical creatures, from the cannibalistic Wendigo of North America to the wailing Banshee of Ireland, the shape-shifting Aswang of the Philippines, and the vampiric Jiangshi of China. Whether you’re a mythology enthusiast, horror writer, gamer, or just curious about supernatural beings, this list brings together the most famous and fearsome monsters from every corner of the globe.
A–Z Index of Legendary Monsters and Supernatural Beings by Culture
| Name | Origin / Culture | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abada | Central Africa | Two-horned creature whose horns neutralize poison |
| Adze | Ghana / Togo | Vampire-like insect spirit that feeds on children |
| Amarok | Inuit | Giant lone wolf that hunts those who wander at night |
| Aswang | Philippines | Shape-shifting monster that preys on unborn children |
| Ahuizotl | Aztec | Water creature that drowns victims and eats eyes and nails |
| Banshee | Ireland | Wailing spirit that foretells death |
| Basilisk | Europe (Medieval) | Serpent that kills with its gaze |
| Bigfoot | North America | Large, hairy humanoid cryptid of the forests |
| Bonnacon | Europe | Bull-like creature that sprays burning feces at attackers |
| Bunyip | Australia | Swamp-dwelling creature that devours humans |
| Camazotz | Maya | Bat god associated with death and sacrifice |
| Capelobo | Brazil | Forest beast with a tapir skull and bloodlust |
| Carbuncle | Chile / South America | Glowing creature that guards precious gems |
| Chupacabra | Latin America | Goat-sucking cryptid with reptilian features |
| Dullahan | Ireland | Headless horseman who carries his own head |
| Encantado | Brazil / Amazon | Pink river dolphin that transforms into a seductive human |
| Grootslang | South Africa | Giant serpent-elephant hybrid guarding treasures |
| Impundulu | South Africa | Lightning bird that drinks blood and serves witches |
| Jiangshi | China | Hopping vampire that drains life energy |
| Kappa | Japan | Water demon that drowns victims and steals their soul-ball (shirikodama) |
| Karkinos | Greece | Giant crab that fought Heracles |
| Keelut | Inuit | Invisible dog spirit that warns of death |
| Khepri | Ancient Egypt | Scarab-headed god of rebirth and the sun |
| Kumiho | Korea | Nine-tailed fox that seduces and devours hearts |
| La Llorona | Mexico | Weeping woman who searches for her drowned children |
| Manananggal | Philippines | Flying torso that feeds on fetuses at night |
| Mothman | USA | Winged humanoid cryptid linked to disasters |
| Nachzehrer | Germany | Corpse that consumes itself and drains life from the living |
| Nuckelavee | Scotland (Orkney) | Skinless horse-human hybrid that spreads plague |
| Oni | Japan | Horned demon known for violence and punishment |
| Pabilsag | Babylonian | Centaur-like creature with a scorpion tail |
| Pontianak | Malaysia / Indonesia | Female ghost of a woman who died in childbirth |
| Rakshasa | India | Shape-shifting demon that eats humans and spreads chaos |
| Scorpion Man | Babylonian | Guardian creature with a human upper body and scorpion lower half |
| Selket | Ancient Egypt | Scorpion goddess of healing and protection |
| Skinwalker | Navajo (USA) | Witch that transforms into animals to harm others |
| Strigoi | Romania | Undead vampire that returns to torment the living |
| Thunderbird | North America (Indigenous) | Giant bird that causes storms and lightning |
| Tikbalang | Philippines | Horse-headed trickster that leads travelers astray |
| Tiyanak | Philippines | Demon baby that lures victims with crying |
| Vetala | India | Spirit that possesses corpses and tells riddles |
| Wendigo | Algonquian (North America) | Cannibalistic forest spirit born of greed and starvation |
| Yeti | Nepal / Himalayas | Snowy ape-like cryptid known as the “Abominable Snowman” |
| Zaratan | Arabic / Mediterranean | Giant sea turtle mistaken for an island |