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Alicanto
The Alicanto is a glowing nocturnal bird comparable to the Carbuncle, perhaps sharing the same folkloric origin. It is known to inhabit Chile, and has been reported from Atacama, San Bernardo,...
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Vatnagedda
Variations: Eiturgedda, Vatna-gedda, Loch Pike, Poisonous Pike A number of Icelandic fishes are extremely toxic, but the Vatnagedda or “loch-pike” is probably the deadliest of all. Despite its name, it...
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Baxbakwalanuxsiwae
Variations: Baxbaxwalanuksiwe, Baxbakualanuxsi’wae, Baqbakualanusi’uae, Baqbakualanosi’uae, Baqbakualanuqsi’uae, Baqbakua’latle, Cannibal-at-the-North-End-of-the-World,...
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Llamhigyn y Dwr
Variations: Water Leaper, Water Spirit Welsh fishermen, especially around Llyn Gwynan and Llyn Glas, have to contend with the attention of the troublesome Water Spirit, the Llamhigyn y Dwr or “Water...
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Mushveli
Variations: Múshveli, Mousewhale; Hafmús, Hafmus (“Sea-mouse”) The chimaera, ratfish, or rabbitfish (Chimaera monstrosa) is a small and completely harmless deep-sea fish. Evidently its legendary...
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Basilisk
Variations: Cockatrice, Basilisco, Basiliscos, Basiliscus, Basili-coc, Basilicok, Regulus (Small Prince), Codrille, Cocodrille, Cocadrille, Coquatrix, Harmena, Sibilus (Hisser), King of Serpents,...
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Bosch
Sometimes criminals face supernatural retribution for their crimes. In the Finistère region of Brittany, it is the victim that suffers instead. Crimes committed on board develop a life of their own...
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Eintykára
Variations: Tapezu’á, Honey Man The Eintykára stingless bees, as told by the Chamacoco of Paraguay, are those that produce the golden honey. This honey can induce mild hallucinogenic effects, due to...
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Malebête
Variations: Malbête, Malebàete, Malebeste (archaic), Bête d’Angles (Beast of Angles), Troussepoil Visitors to the French town of Angles, in the Vendée, are drawn to the beautiful church of...
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Stökkull
Variations: Stokkull, Stöckull; Blödkuhvalur, Blökuhvalur, Blodkuhvalur (Flap-Whale); Bloejuhvalur (Veiled Whale); Springhvalur (Springing Whale); Stökkfiskar (Jumping Fish); Sprettfiskur (Sprinting...
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Zhubieyu
Variations: Pearl-turtle The Zhubieyu, or Pearl-turtle, can be found in the Li River and Yu Lake, near Vine Mountain. This unusual fish or reptile looked like a lung (or otherwise a piece of dried...
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Interlude: Creatures Imagined by Borges
The Book of Imaginary Beings by Jorge Luis Borges is, without a doubt, one of the most important literary contributions to the art of the bestiary. Its litany of obscure creatures laid the groundwork...
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Dodo
Variations: Kadindi, Kaddodi, Kadda, Swallower-of-Men The Dodo is a monstrous humanoid creature from the folklore of the Hausa people. He can be found lurking in the deep forests and swamps of...
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Fayette
The Fayettes (“little fairies”) live in the Forez region in France, today around the Loire basin. They are believed to be the descendants of the Greek nymphs, having escaped the advance of...
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Codrille
Variations: Cocadrille, Cocodrille, Coquadrille, Cocatris The Codrille, Cocadrille, or Codrille is a variety of basilisk or dragon native to central France, notably Berry, Maine, Poitou, Sologne, and...
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Mi-ni-wa-tu
The Mi-ni-wa-tu, or “sea monster”, is known from the folklore of the Tetons, and may be found in the Missouri River. A mi-ni-wa-tu is an amphibious creature with a body like that of a buffalo, and...
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Raudkembingur
Variations: Rauðkembingur, Raudkembingr, Rauðkembingr, Raudkempingur, Red-comb, Red-crest; Raudkembir (Red-crester); Raudkinni (Red-cheek); Raudkinnung, Raudkinnungur (Red-cheeker); Raudgrani...
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Catoblepas
Variations: Katoblepas, Catablepon, Katoblepon, Catobleponta, Gorgon (erroneously) The Catoblepas, “that which looks downwards”, is probably the most hideous and repulsive of living things, so horrid...
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Shadhahwar
Variations: Shadhahvar, Shādhahvār, Shad-hawar, Shād-hawār, Shad-havar, Shadhawar, Shadahvar, Shadahwar, Sadahvar, Sadahwar, Sadhavvar, Sadhazar, Sadhazag, Sadhuzag, Aras, ‘rs, ‘rsh The earliest...
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A-mi’-kuk
Variations: Ă-mi’-kuk, Ä-mi’-kuk Kayakers in the cold seas of the Arctic Circle are the A-mi’-kuk’s favorite prey. The last thing they see are the a-mi’-kuk’s prehensile tentacles exploding from under...
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