BriefBestiary
@briefbestiary.bsky.social
210 followers
13 following
530 posts
Legendary beasts and beings posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Run by @oriondagger.bsky.social
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![[Top Section] Razor-Shins; Alternate Name: Razorshins; Region: The North Maine Woods, U.S.A.
[Middle Section] A man standing with one leg raised. He has long black hair and is wearing a ragged waistcloth. Protruding from his shins are the pointed blades that are part of his shinbones. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An immortal being imagined by lumberjacks of the North Maine Woods.
Described as a humanoid with razor-sharp shinbones. He is capable of using these as bladed implements.
Loves a good jug of alcohol, typically whiskey; especially Bangor whiskey.
Accepts a jug as an offering on the first full moon of a new hire. A satisfied Razor-Shins might chop down a tree for the newbie, while a Razor-Shins who finds the greenhorn has failed to leave him booze is liable to scalp and maim the new logger.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Razorshins by John Connolly (2015)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibi7w4jbnsbwg4qfs52kraeqrovy3sjjh2kmmrfdb6bu2g5co5kva@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Mula sem Cabeça; Alternate Name: Headless Mule; Region: Brazil
[Middle Section] A bucking brown mule wearing a bridle. It has no head, and instead a burst of flame escapes from its open neck. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A woman's soul that has been cursed by God for her sin. The exact sin varies by story, with variations including, but not limited to: sleeping with her boyfriend before marriage or having sexual relations with a priest.
It has loud iron horseshoes and a bridle. Seemingly, the curse can be lifted should the heated bridle be removed or if its blood is drawn.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: AdventureQuest Worlds (2012 - Present); Invisible City, S2 (2023); Turma do Chico Bento [Chuck Billy 'n' Folks] (1983 - Present)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreial5f2vgvflvmlpjrbdve37zz55x7mqy6geazuxhgazyg3qcyyyfe@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Azuki Arai; Alternate Name: Azuki Togi; Region: Japan
[Middle Section] A man with large eyes squatting over a white tub filled with water and azuki beans. Accompanied by descriptive text.
The most famous among a small handful of azuki bean washing yokai.
Azuki Arai is shy and cowardly. He is rarely, if ever, seen, but the sound of him washing azuki beans is described as the distinct "shoki shoki".
He may also be heard singing a song while washing his azuki beans involving pondering if he will be washing azuki beans of finding and eating a human.
His sounds will often cause victims to fall into the water surprised, but in turn the noise of someone falling in the water will scare him too, and he flees the scene.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Yo-Kai Watch 4++ (2019); GeGeGe no Kitarō Franchise (1968 - Present)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreid3nnxshdj4okfjyw4vlbqxxa64gvx7kdo7oyzgvuj4vlymleipwm@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Báo; Alternate Names: Bo, Báoyú, Boyú, Báo-Fish, Bo-Fish; Region: Chinese legend on Nüzheng Mountain
[Middle Section] A long brown fish with red whiskers and a single yellow eye atop its head. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A somewhat long and thin one-eyed fish described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas.
Its voice resembles the sound of retching.
Its appearance precedes coming drought and war.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture:](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiapmp34o7vkrn23znmhkbscoxo4swkcuoirvm2l2bld6u5cu4kqhe@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Hydrus; Alternate Names: Ydrus, Idrus, Hidris, Enhydros, Ydre, Idria, Chydrus, Cydro; Region: Medieval European legend placed in the Nile River
[Middle Section] A slithering blue serpent with white eyes and long, ear-like protrusions. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Not to be confused with the Hydra or a hydros. The hydrus are a legendary species of aquatic serpent known to be the enemy of crocodiles.
A hydrus may cover itself in a coat of mud, search out a sleeping crocodile and crawl into their open mouth, using the mud cover to easier slip into the stomach.
Alternatively, after losing a confrontation with a crocodile, the hydrus may be rolled by its opponent in mud and then consumed.
Once inside, the hydrus will bore through the stomach and other organs as it escapes its prey's body, the crocodile dying due to the process of the snake emerging from its torso.
In addition to a snake, it has also been thought to be some sort of otter or mongoose.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiceopr5cdr7fwaxmnjakgkcrn6t2tiwc6pr2qneuttjwa5zepfgki@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Hantu Anak Gua Batu; Region: Parts of Malaysia
[Middle Section] A pale white, somewhat round, thing with bright red glowing eyes and sharp, spiky top and bottom edges. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Old spirits that dwell within limestone caves. Female shamans in certain regions are said to invoke them.
Their bodies are typically described as floating about like small white cotton balls, the edges of their forms contrasting this initially soft description with sharp edges resembling stalagmites and stalactites.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreig6nkaddjabwrc27sqqcsprxaxvm5j2zbdrfjomalbggyagvgsgxy@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Raw Head and Bloody Bones; Alternate Names: Raw Head, Bloody Bones, Tommy Rawhead; Region: Parts of England and the U.S.A.
[Middle Section] A blood soaked red humanoid with sunken eyes seated in the corner. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A horrid thing. Raw Head and Bloody Bones has taken on various bloody, boney, and skinned-head forms. Frequently he is bloody and there are bones, regardless of if the bones are his. Sometimes the two are described as separate, beings in tandem, the flayed head and the bloody skeleton without one.
Originated in Lancashire and Yorkshire, then spread.
Sometimes a water bogey dwelling in deep water, sometimes a monster hidden in dark cabinets and/or under the stairs. You can find him squatting over the bloody bones of his victims.
A classic bogey whose name puts fear into children, meant to keep them on their best behavior. Ergo, his victims are typically naughty children, especially those who speak curse words and falsehoods.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 7 [1953] (2015); Monster in My Pocket, Series 2, Monster #68 (1992)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibxp5gnelblwi6gdrgbiylrcifdkzr4677iusqh6wea5ygixznw5i@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Irrwurz; Alternate Names: Irrwurzel, Irrkraut, Vexierchrut, Verrigraut, Otterkraut, Atterkreutich; Region: Germany and Switzerland
[Middle Section] A green plant with long, alternating leaves. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A plant in an archetype of vegetation that cause victims to lose their way. It can be confused for fern, springwort, or even a special variety of tree root. Attributes vary by region.
May be triggered by stepping over or on, carrying, consumption, or getting on of its seeds stuck in a shoe.
Depending on the variety, a victim may become literally lost, transferred to a slacker's yard or a swamp, or even simply wander around one place meaninglessly.
The Irish equivalent is known as the Stray Sod, while the French equivalent is known as Tourmentine or Herbe d'Egarement. The Verrigraut is the variety brought to the Americas by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreigjceqopaqjuepubrrz35apbxdu72misxv3ivo5he57vm6p6p2alm@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Makuragaeshi; Alternate Name: Makura Kozō; Region: Japan
[Middle Section] A child in a green kimono carrying a firm grey pillow. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Yokai well known for a particular action: flipping pillows. Usually considered harmless.
Might leave dirty footprints around the room.
Believed to be a type of zashiki-warashi from those who died within the room. Rarely considered a prank from certain cat yokai.
Its appearance is unclear, though known possible forms include: a child, a priest, a small Niō.
May perform more dangerous activities, such as flipping the sleeping person themself, the entire tatami mat, or causing kanashibari (sleep paralysis) by sitting on the sleeper. They may even steal a victim's soul.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Megami Tensei Franchise (2000 - Present); Yo-Kai Watch Franchise: Yo-Kai Watch 3 [Flippit] (2016); GeGeGe no Kitarō Franchise (1968 - Present)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreihc4nfid7unynrxesuoa273aft633ceuqwropothe3mjuykhxvjeu@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Pé de Garrafa; Region: Brazil
[Middle Section] A tall, furry humanoid that stands on one leg with a cylindrical, hoof-like foot. It has a singular eye and a small pointed horn. Accompanied by descriptive text.
The "bottlefoot", a towering creature of the forest with a head that reaches up into the leaves of the tallest trees, it may be humanoid or hairy beast.
Its tracks are distinctly round and deep, closely resembling the impression of a bottle's base. This feature is the creature's namesake.
Its appearance has some variations in head shape, either one or two eyes, and between one and two legs.
Its voice is high, and often tricks listeners into believing it is a fellow traveler lost.
Following its call is dangerous, as the sound will continue to echo on and on around the area, disorienting listeners.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: O Pé de Garrafa e outras lendas caxienses (2019)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreif4dim3lnegbkewaqu57opysiajix6rtseosh6shagsrd6xhil77e@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Catoblepas; Alternate Names: Katobleps, Catapheba, Catablepa, Catapleba, Catotephus, Catobefas, Cathapelaba, Cathapleba; Region: Greek and Roman legend placed in Aethiopia or Libya
[Middle Section] A bulky, dark-furred water buffalo-like beast with the hair of its messy mane covering its face. Its head faces the ground exclusively. A hint of its eye is visible from within the hair. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A deathly horrid beast. Its head is heavy, so it is almost always gazing downward toward the ground.
Its gaze inflicts death. Its diet consists of so many poisonous plants that its breath inflicts death. It may also have the capability to blow fire from out its nostrils.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Castlevania Series (2001 - Present); Magic the Gathering (2013/2020); Dungeons & Dragons (1976 [Catoblepas], 1977 [Gorgon])](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiewv3tmdi5i7omni3lgkbmdodmn3tv3uhcozhznlsff457pmslcey@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Sugar Bundle; Region: Near Jicotea, Las Villas, Cuba
[Middle Section] A small white, somewhat sack-like, lump. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A sack-shaped creature spotted one night in 1915 by a pair of men patrolling near a field of sugarcane.
Its presence spooked the horses, and then the two men noticed the bundle approaching them.
Opening fire on the creature with their pistols, they were horrified to find that the creature did not stop, slow down, or even flinch. Instead, it grew in size with every bullet that struck it.
By the time it was nearing the height of horses, the men chose to flee on foot. They were surprised to find their horses unharmed the following morning.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidmiwttpwmy7tmedrklgrexe766snpewktj3clcxj2l7z6qknyply@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Bait Robber; Region: North America
[Middle Section] A bubble with a humanoid face and arms, as well as a pair of devilish horns. It appears to be holding a worm in its left arm. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A dastardly critter, enemy of anglers; foe of fisherfolk.
A bait robber has the appearance not unlike a bubble, however it has a face, horns, and a pair of arms.
With its arms it expertly lifts bait off fishhooks with minimal tugging, then passes the meal to fish before giving the fishing line a hard pull. It will continue to do so for as long as its in the area.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo, Seance: First Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreieepdndowbbea4cr6bfddm72fmuhvg2vbsda7vanupofc5ia7tqqa@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Pig-Faced Woman; Alternate Name: Pig-Faced Lady; Region: Europe
[Middle Section] A brown-haired woman in a simple bluish green dress. Ah, right, her face is also that of a pig's. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A strange legend that originated in parts of England, France, and the Netherlands.
Early on, it was believed to be a result of magic, caused by witchcraft. As time passed, however, the legends became more "realistic" and the phenomenon was thought fact.
Early examples include the Dutch story of Jacamijntjen Jacobs' children and the English fable of Tannakin Skinker.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Penelope (2006)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiflmibmqazk5gagdpeecki6hv6medkxyxur6wlsp4yso6dwszujs4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Sanji Baba; Alternate Name: Three O'clock Granny; Region: Tottori Prefecture, Japan
[Middle Section] A large water stain is visible, seemingly originating from above the edge of the illustration. Part of said water stain appears to resemble an old woman. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An urban legend that haunts school bathrooms.
Arrives when someone is alone and in the third stall on the third floor at exactly 3:00 or 3:33:33.
Seals the door shut, followed by her voice suddenly coming out.
She may say "Help me" from within the toilet itself, keep the door sealed until the victim is done relieving themself, and even cause the toilet to be left unflushed for whoever comes in after.
Her true form seems to be a rainwater stain on a wall in the hall that vaguely looks like an old lady.
Only disappears when moving at her chosen time, and will go to a different floor when painted over.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreigrimt4cg2ragiggrj4y3oxhyp7xuxfuu7uqju7nixyckvpj5j5b4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Hantu Bandan; Region: Malaysia
[Middle Section] Its head is a copper cauldron with inverted handles. Its watery body lays prone beneath. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Spirits of Malaysian waterfalls. They are most often found lying prone by the water's surface near the base of a waterfall.
Their heads resemble an inverted kawah tembaga and cannot be moved by external forces, such as the waterfall's rushing waters. It seems a hantu bandan will always float in the same spot in the water.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicwxm2rtgehkst3ydd7lqmui34drv4pea5lsz2ixsdmkljy4zlkiu@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Muhnochwa; Region: Uttar Pradesh, India
[Middle Section] A winged insect with a pair of long, pincer-like limbs. Various blue and red lights seem to emanate from its body. Accompanied by descriptive text.
The nocturnal "face scratcher" that caused fear in parts of Uttar Pradesh in 2022.
The paranoia born from the fear of it caused real harm, from heart attacks to beaten family members and killed pets.
There is no true consensus on its form, so the illustration present here is only one interpretation. The Muhnochwa may be: an insect, a rubber doll, a turtle, some variety of humanoid, a cat, a hawk, drone or other machine, and more. A true UFO.
Despite the sheer range of descriptions, some shared the traits of: slashing parts/implements, flight, and flashing lights (red and blue/green).
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Muhnochwa (2024)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiadijeyvnqhtff6rkl4u7e42rnmhg4xwtoav4o4xn7bipjoluh6se@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Mètminwi; Region: Haiti
[Middle Section] A towering humanoid figure in ragged clothes. He has dimly glowing white eyes and long, reaching arms. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Mètminwi, the Master of Midnight. A Haitian bogey that walks about towns at midnight.
He is two stories tall with long, slim limbs.
He searches for anyone outside and will move to snatch them up and either consume them immediately, or spirit them away (likely to eat later).
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Grand Ma, Ep. 22 "Mètminwi", [Felix] (2023)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibkyvjgabkddvzjnenh7wgwkmmyaccbqdum6xhu3ml2sma7y2dn6e@jpeg)
![[Top Section] The Humpdumple; Region: North America
[Middle Section] A bipedal, one-eyed creature somewhat shaped like a warty potato. It has a pair of humanoid arms and a pair of legs that end in big bulky feet. It wears a feathered cap and shorts and carries a walking stick in one hand. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A troublesome critter of the northern woods. The humpdumple is a small fellow whose body appears not unlike that of a warty potato.
Quite shy, he doesn't come out unless he believes no one will spot him walking about.
He has a single eye and a large nose, so his field of vision isn't all too good, causing him to trip and stumble.
A disastrous pair with his poor vision, the humpdumple's feet are as heavy as large paving stones, leaving large holes along forest paths that otherwise would be much flatter and safer to traverse.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo TCG: Seance 1st Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicei4gmr7pu2eomnj5googtasrdevf5ribecomsxqe5237xjhz3uy@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Wag-at-the-Wa'; Region: Scotland
[Middle Section] A small old man seated in the crook of the hook of a hanging chain. He has a cloth wrapped around his chin, a grey head of hair and beard, and a long skinny tail. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A household spirit that dwells in and presides over the kitchen, typically from the hearth, however when the large hook hanging above the hearth is empty, he takes it as his seat.
Appears as a miniature old man, his legs short and crooked. To help him keep balance upon his seat he has a long tail. It seems he has a constant toothache.
Was happy around children and in a happy household, but deserted when alcohol was drunk, unless it was homebrewed.
He was consistently present, watching over the household, although he would be less than kind to any servants, particularly kitchen-maids, only ever leaving when a family member within the household died.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibeijrb47s4qa2bgx4olts7lx4jjezkkd56cexnlczc6bpgo7lrti@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Shirouba; Region: Somewhere near Motoyama, Kōchi, Japan
[Middle Section] A pale old woman with a walking stick. Her wild, long hair is white, as are her eyes and clothing. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A mysterious yokai, if only because there seems to be very little information recorded other than her name and region.
Supposedly one of the "Three Great Demons of Tosa".
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreid3q7lba3cy2uhfy65cnuav5mfwlsmb5mdmtbjpkic5pdtsfjalj4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Mao Gui; Region: China
[Middle Section] A hazy, translucent cat with glowing red eyes. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Wielded by wicked sorcerers. Through the use of a particular form of gudu ritual, a mao gui is created from the ghost of a cat to target its victim.
Once inside, the mao gui causes discomfort like many needles piercing the body. It then consumes their organs, causing the victim to slowly die, weak and coughing blood.
Transfers its victim's wealth and property to the sorcerer's home.
Seemingly, during the Sui dynasty a large number of cats were killed by practitioners to keep a large supply of cat ghosts.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Legend of the Demon Cat (2017); MAO (2019 - Present)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidcyp6zvjboozk5qjb6ssy7ju5hlhehvmbubdxifbrxjr63tpxdli@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Kurze płucka na pajęczych nóżkach; Region: Poland
[Middle Section] Clinging to the wall are the eight spider-like legs of the entity, its main body a reddish fleshy organ seemingly resembling the lungs of a chicken. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An apparent Polish bogey that drags naughty children behind paintings.
Given a passing mention in online articles around 2010. Various stories used to scare children into behaving had been collected by radio personality Artur Andrus from viewer letters where he quoted the ones he found interesting.
Its name can be literally translated as "chicken lungs on spider legs" however lack of available physical description or images makes depictions speculative.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibl7tphm7clmakm3w6433iyvizlkfveai72qhqi3xrwukocuvkaz4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Roggenwolf; Alternate Names: Kornwolf, Getreidewolf, Hafelwolf, Erbsenwolf, Gerstenwolf, Kartoffelwolf, Graswolf, Pflaumenwolf; Region: Germany
[Middle Section] A large wolf with a similar colour to raw rye. Accompanied by descriptive text.
One of a variety of feldgeister, field spirits that dwell in fields of crops. This specific category of feldgeister are shaped like large wolves.
These spirits blend into the type of field they dwell in, roggenwolf in rye, kornwolf in corn, erbsenwolf in peas, and so on.
Blamed when children disappear in the fields, it is because these spirits snatch them away to eat.
It seems that due to cultural diaspora, the kornwolf may have previously made their way to specific regions of the midwestern United States.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture:](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreig2bqxxzouqh6glohgzv6o2ahg6pqoyoc57b7npj6dpzandh4nzx4@jpeg)