El Jacho is a well-known legend in Puerto Rico that has been passed down through many generations. The story revolves around a wandering farmer who lived near Orocovis during the first half of the twentieth century. According to the legend, the farmer would go fishing every day in a nearby river and would always bring …
Mythical Creature Type
Abura-akago is a Japanese type of infant spirit or ghost that has been a part of Japanese folklore for centuries. This yōkai is often depicted as an infant spirit lapping oil out of an andon lamp. The name “Abura-akago” translates to “oil baby” in English. According to Toriyama Sekien’s mid-Edo period Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, …
Azukiarai is a ghostly phenomenon in Japanese folklore that has been passed down for generations. It is said to be a spirit that makes a mysterious noise that sounds like azuki beans being washed or ground, often near a body of water. This folklore has been the subject of many stories and legends, and has …
Byakko is a legendary creature in Japanese mythology that is often depicted as a white tiger. It is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations and represents the west in terms of direction and the autumn season. As a celestial being, Byakko is said to dwell in the heavens and is considered to …
Chōchinobake, also known as “paper lantern ghosts,” are supernatural creatures in Japanese mythology. They belong to the family of tsukumogami, which are spirits that inhabit objects that have reached their 100th year of existence, thus becoming animate. Chōchinobake are specifically created from the chōchin lantern, which is made of bamboo and paper or silk with …
Gashadokuro is a terrifying and fascinating creature of Japanese folklore. It is a giant skeleton, standing 15 times taller than a normal person, that is said to roam the night with an insatiable thirst for blood and revenge. According to legend, Gashadokuro is formed from the remains of fallen soldiers and starved victims who died …
Futakuchi-onna is a fascinating and eerie creature deeply entrenched in Japanese folklore and mythology. This yokai is characterized by her two mouths – a normal one located on her face and a second one on the back of the head beneath the hair. There, the woman’s skull splits apart, forming lips, teeth, and a tongue, …
Genbu is a mythical creature that plays a significant role in Chinese and Japanese mythology. It is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations and is depicted as a large tortoise or turtle combined with a snake. Genbu is associated with the north, the winter season, the Chinese element of water, the planet …
The Hannya mask is a traditional Japanese mask used in Noh theater. It represents a female demon or serpent and is characterized by two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth. The mask changes according to the degree of jealousy, resentment, and anger of the female characters in the play. The Hannya mask …
Hitodama, also known as “human souls” in Japanese folklore, are mysterious floating fireballs that have captured people’s imagination for centuries. These balls of fire are said to be the souls of the dead that have separated from their bodies and mainly float in the middle of the night. Hitodama are often considered omens or spirits …