8 Creepy and Horrifying Mythical Monsters From Around The World

Which came first: the scary stories or the scary monsters? We can probably say that the scary stories people tell at midnight awaken the scary monsters that lurk in the dark corners of a haunted mansion. Boo! Now, look behind you. What is that? Is that… oh, it’s just your shadow, nothing too spooky.

Scary stories about scary monsters have been around for centuries, influencing culture and communities. They’ve also been tormenting naughty children, innocent people, and cute squirrels for many full moons now. They can teach us valuable life lessons or they are just purely horrifying tales.

Have you heard of the legend of La Llorona? She is also referred to as the Weeping Woman and may often be seen wandering around areas along the water while wailing over her dead children. Her story has been around for ages; the earliest record dates all the way back to 1550 in Mexico City.

Philippines: Manananggal

The Manananggal is a female mythical creature that often feeds on sleeping, pregnant women. At night, this vampire-like creature detaches from its torso and spreads giant bat-like wings to fly. To stop her from reattaching before sunrise, one must sprinkle salt, ash, or crushed garlic on the remaining half of her body.

Greece: Chimera

Greek mythology describes the Chimera as a fire-breathing female hybrid. She has a lion-like appearance, a goat-like head, and a tail that ends in a snake's head. According to the Iliad, she was a creature of divine stock, finally slain by the hero Bellerophon with the help of Pegasus.

Germany: Alp

In German folklore, an Alp is a male creature resembling a vampire but behaving like an incubus. He wears a magic hat called a “tarnkappe” and manipulates dreams. Protections include hiding a broomstick under a pillow or stuffing a lemon in its mouth if found napping during the day.

Ireland: Banshee

According to Irish legend, a Banshee is a fairy woman who weeps piercingly when a family member is about to pass away. She is often depicted with long, flowing hair and crimson eyes from never-ending crying.

Scotland: Nuckelavee

The Nuckelavee is a terrifying horse-like sea monster with a skinless body and poisonous breath. Only an old spirit known as the Sea Mither is able to manage this terrifying beast throughout the summer.

Russia: Baba Yaga

Baba Yaga is a supernatural witch living in a house built on movable chicken legs. She rides a mortar powered by a pestle and carries a silver birch broom to sweep away her tracks.

Malaysia: Pontianak

In Malay mythology, a Pontianak is a vampiric ghost of a woman who died during childbirth. She makes her presence known with the cries of babies or feminine laughter.

Zulu: Tokoloshe

The Tokoloshe is a gremlin-like creature summoned by magic to create chaos. One way to prevent them from attacking at night is to put bricks under the legs of your bed.