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Ao Bozu
The Ao Bōzu are Yokai of Japan whose name means “blue monk.” They live in fields, on lonely roads, and in uninhabited houses. They often eat children. They resemble a priest with blue skin and one eye, though the description can vary in size, number of eyes, and where they live. They possess a strong connection to magic. The word “ao” can mean blue or green and often relates to immaturity or inexperience. There are some similarities between this creature and the Hitotsume Kozō. In mythology, one-eyed monsters or lower gods often served the bidding of higher deities. They could be kept at bay with items such as woven baskets…
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Antu
Antu is a deity from Mapuche and Araucanian mythology representing the sun, light, wisdom, and spirits. He is seen as the principle Pillan spirit and the total opposite of darkness and the physical world. He has a son who became a monstrous snake called Trentren Vilu, and is married to Kuyén who represents the moon. Eclipses have been called Lay-Antu and Lay Cujen, meaning death of the sun and death of the moon respectively. He is seen as the enemy to Peripillán, and it’s thought he rested in the mountain of Piri Pillén. Citations: Cruz, Eduardo Agustin. The Grand Araucanian Wars (1541–1883) in the Kingdom of Chile. United Kingdom, Xlibris…
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Anserbak
The Anserbak is a creature from Lumberjack Folklore. Its “scientific” name is Avisimago artchildsi. It always seems to be directly ahead of someone but is instead right around the bend. It mocks everything people say, sounding like an echo. It resembles a parrot with wild coloration. Citations: Yarns of the Big Woods, Written and Illustrated by Art Childs
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Ankh-Aapau
Ankh-Aapau is from Egyptian mythology. It is a monstrous serpent from the fifth hour of the River of the Night in the Duat. It lives in the flames that it spits from its mouth. It is watched, along with the snake Tepan, by Sphinxes. In front of these two snakes there are four seated gods with hidden symbols of the god Seker on their knees. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Anjing Ajak
The Anjing Ajak is a therianthropic creature from the myths of Java, Indonesia. They appear human by day but turn into humanoid wolf creatures at night. Unlike some similar creatures, the Anjing Ajak transforms intentionally and remains smart and crafty in their inhuman form. They are known for being incredibly vicious and kill people with sharp teeth and claws. It’s thought they can be killed with a bullet to the heart or brain. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Aniwye
The Aniwye is a monster from the Ojibwe people. This creature resembles a giant skunk with a spray so strong it can kill. Although it is a man-eating creature it can understand and speak to humans. It is larger than a house and can rip the roofs off of them. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Aniukha
The Aniukha is a vampiric creature from Siberia. They’re described as quadrupedal, but capable of standing on their back legs to jump great distances. Their size ranges from that of a large grasshopper to that of a rabbit. They’re covered in pale scales with patches of dark brown fur, and have huge dark eyes, pointed ears, jagged teeth, and a short snout. They aren’t particularly strong and target the young and the old. Garlic repels them, and smearing garlic in a circle on the chest assures it doesn’t attack someone in their sleep. Garlic on doorways and windowsills can keep the creature from entering. It’s believed that they can only…
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Animalitos
The Animalitos are creatures from Spain, whose name translates to “small animal” in Spanish. They may be around 10 centimeters in height, but grow no larger than two or three feet tall. They have dark reptilian bodies, canine heads and snouts, mouths like lizards, and two elastic arms. They are known to live in freshwater, often in marshes or in heaps of stones. They are typically very difficult to catch and are seen as incredibly agile and fast. Interestingly enough, the Animalitos were often seen as helpful to people. When the practice of “bleeding” a patient was thought to be a good idea, Animalitos were commonly used by doctors and…
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Ani Hyuntikwalaski
The Ani Hyuntikwalaski are from Cherokee mythology. They are thunder beings who caused a lightning fire in a hollow sycamore tree. Various animals had to work to get the fire put out, and they eventually succeeded. Citations: Sullivan, Irene F., and Gill, Sam D.. Dictionary of Native American Mythology. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 1994.
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Anakim Alien/Ananaki
The Anakim Alien is a theorized form of Alien. They have supposedly been encountered in Western North America, Alaska, Mexico, and Texas. They are thought to be tall, standing 9-11 feet tall, but are capable of changing their molecular structure with technology to interact with humans. The name means the “Sons of Amak” and they are used in ufology to explain the various legends of giants around the world. Some believe these aliens mated with Cain and Abel, and they are often linked to the Nephilim. Citations: Fredrich, Alan. Alien Races: All Alien Species Revealed. N.p., INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED, 2021. Handbook of UFO Religions. Netherlands, Brill, 2021. McDaniel, Michael, and Judkins,…
