Mythical creatures from around the world.

 

Krampus, Austria In Alpine folklore, Krampus is a terrifying, horned, half-goat, half-demon creature who emerges during the Christmas season to punish naughty children. Traditionally accompanying Saint Nicholas, Krampus carries chains, a bundle of birch sticks, and sometimes a sack to carry away the worst-behaved kids. His legend is celebrated in Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5th, where people dress in frightening costumes to roam the streets in a mix of celebration and horror.

Roman Dragon, Italy In Italian legend, dragons often symbolize chaos and danger, but the Roman dragon was sometimes tied to protective or imperial power. Depictions from ancient Rome show dragons with long, serpentine bodies and fearsome heads, often appearing on military standards called draco. These dragons were seen as both fearsome guardians and symbols of strength, representing Rome’s military dominance and mystical allure.

See also: 7 Animals that sleep while standing.

Korean Dragon, South Korea Unlike their Western counterparts, Korean dragons are benevolent, water-associated creatures believed to bring rain, prosperity, and protection. They are often depicted as long, snake-like beings with four legs, antler-like horns, and no wings, yet capable of flight. In Korean mythology, dragons are linked to divine rulers and natural harmony, and they sometimes begin life as small creatures called imugi, which transform into full dragons after a thousand years of virtue.

Golem, Czech Republic The Golem is a legendary figure from Jewish folklore in Prague, said to have been created by Rabbi Judah Loew in the 16th century to protect the Jewish community from persecution. Made from clay and brought to life through mystical Hebrew incantations, the Golem was strong and obedient but could become uncontrollable if not handled wisely. Its tale has been told as a lesson on the responsibility that comes with creation and power.

Baba Yaga, Poland Baba Yaga is a fearsome witch-like figure in Slavic folklore, living deep in the forest in a hut that stands on chicken legs. In Polish tales, she is unpredictable, sometimes a villain who eats those who wander into her domain, sometimes a wise woman who offers guidance to those who earn her respect. She flies in a mortar, wields a pestle, and embodies the dual nature of nature itself: nurturing yet dangerous.

Ördög, Hungary The Ördög is the devil figure in Hungarian mythology, often portrayed as a horned, mischievous, and sometimes cruel trickster. Dwelling in the underworld, he is associated with temptation, chaos, and the testing of human morality. While feared, the Ördög also appears in humorous folktales, where clever peasants outwit him, turning the stories into both warnings and celebrations of human cunning.

See also: Researchers find nearly 200 dinosaur footprints during Oxfordshire quarry dig

Aswang, Philippines The Aswang is one of the most feared supernatural creatures in Filipino folklore, a shapeshifting monster that can appear as a human by day but transforms into a horrific beast by night. Often associated with vampires, ghouls, and witches, the Aswang preys on the sick, unborn children, or the dead. Its legend is deeply rooted in rural superstitions, blending horror with moral lessons about trust, secrecy, and protection of family.

Stollwurm, Switzerland The Stollwurm is a serpent-like dragon from Swiss legend, often described as a massive, wingless beast with a cat-like head, armored scales, and a long, coiling body. Said to inhabit alpine caves and lakes, it was feared for its poisonous breath and appetite for livestock. While feared as a destructive predator, some variations of the legend portray the Stollwurm as a guardian of hidden mountain treasures.

The Loch Ness Monster, UK Known affectionately as “Nessie,” the Loch Ness Monster is Scotland’s most famous cryptid, said to inhabit the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. Descriptions vary, but most claim it resembles a large, long-necked aquatic creature, similar to a plesiosaur. Sightings and blurry photographs have fueled decades of speculation, tourism, and investigation, making Nessie a symbol of mystery and enduring folklore.

Coco, Spain and Portugal The Coco (or Cucuy) is a bogeyman-like figure in Iberian folklore, used by parents to scare children into behaving. Usually imagined as a shapeless, dark figure or a hollow-eyed monster, Coco is said to snatch away naughty children who refuse to sleep. While frightening, the legend serves as a cultural tool for discipline, passed down through lullabies and cautionary rhymes.

See also: These tiny creatures play an outsized role in Southern Ocean carbon storage