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Buruburu/Zokuzokugami/Okubyohgami
The Buruburu is a Yokai from Japan. They often appear as old men or women, shaking, and with one eye. The name Buruburu is meant to represent the sound of shivering in fear. They attack people by leaving their physical form and attaching their spectral form to a victim’s spine. The feeling of this attack causes the victim’s heart to seize up in horror. Sometimes it possesses without killing, leaving the victim overcome by fear so intense they fear everything. Victims of the fear caused by a Buruburu often commit suicide. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for…
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Bunyip
The Bunyip is a mythical creature from Australia. Their name comes from the Aboriginal word for “spirit.”They are often described as being the size of a calf. Often they are seen as immortal creatures. They live in calm, still waters and are docile when left alone, but incredibly dangerous and territorial. They have been described with several varied features including feathers, an otter body, flippers, walrus tusks, a long neck, a long pointed head, large ears that prick up when aware of someone’s presence, and a thick mane of hair. They have been described as having an awkward shambling style of movement with the front legs being larger than the…
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Bulgasari/Hwagasari
The Bulgasari is a creature from Korean myth. Its name means “one that cannot be killed” or “one who can be killed by fire” if called Hwagasari. It ate all the metal it could get to. Many people tried to kill it and failed. Sometimes it has no weaknesses, but in other situations fire is its only weakness. After it’s thrown into the fire, it will charge around completely on fire burning anything around it. It has a bear-like body with needly fur, an elephant nose, eyes like a rhino, claws like a tiger, and a tail like a bull. Some stories claim it originated by being made by a…
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Bugul Noz
Bugul Noz is a mysterious Fae from Breton myth. Its name translates to “night shepherd.” It’s thought to be a tall nature spirit living in the forests of Brittany, currently France. Bugul Noz is thought to be the last of its kind, and is thought to be so ugly that animals will run away as it approaches. Despite its horrific appearance, Bugul Noz is very kind, and announces its presence as it walks at night to avoid scaring anyone. It was sometimes seen as a bogeyman figure, and seeing it without expecting it could scare someone to death. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology. United…
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Buggane
The Buggane is a variation of the Boggart from the Isle of Man. They have bestial bodies, taloned hands, sharp teeth, and large heads. They’re thought to be shapeshifters that take the form of large calves, horses, or dogs. They live primarily in the water, near waterfalls and ponds, and only go on land to hunt. 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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Bugbear
The Bugbear is a form of creature from English Folklore. They’re malevolent creatures often used as bogeyman figures. They frequently take the form of bears or other large beasts and eat bad children. Bugbear is also often a word used to refer to a scarecrow. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2013. Rose, Carol. Giants Monsters and Dragons: An Encyclopedia Of Folklore Legend And Myth. United Kingdom, WW Norton, 2001.
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Bucca
Bucca is a sea monster from England. It was once believed to be a god of the sea, but is now known as a lesser mythical creature. It is thought to resemble a dark brown conger eel with hair made from tangled seaweed, and it is thought that it can change form or become invisible. If sacrifices of fish and bread are given to Bucca, then it leads fishermen to fish and pushes their boats away from rocks. If any fish are caught with the assistance of Bucca though, one must be thrown back as thanks. It is thought to be more aggressive near the Orkney Islands where it was…
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Buata
The Buata is a creature from Melanesian folklore. It is a massive boar with incredible strength and speed. It has tusks the size of swords. It hunts people and eats them whole. It has moderate intelligence, enough to speak in small sentences. It can sometimes be tricked into sparing its prey. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Bruxsa/Bruxa
The Bruxsa is a form of vampiric witch from Portuguese myth. These monsters consciously choose to be evil. They take the form of beautiful women during the day, and can fully pass as humans. At night they turn into birds and like leading travelers astray, attacking them when they have lost hope. They prefer to feed on children’s blood and sometimes they seek men to impregnate her so that she can have a child, and then consume it. They’re immortal and invulnerable using magic to bring drought, illness, destructive rain, and cause livestock to miscarry. Charms made of fresh garlic can be used to keep this creature away and mixing…
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Brunnmigi/Brunmîgi/Þurs
The Brunnmigi is a creature from Norse myth. They’re sometimes seen as Trolls, serve the role of tricksters, and are commonly related to foxes, possibly being seen as a transformed version of them. They live near springs and infest them, and are know to urinate in wells. There is a story from Halv’s Saga where a Brunnmigi was attacked with a spear on fire. Citations: Norges land og folk: Finmarkens amt, udg. ved A. T. Helland. 1905-06. 3 pts. Norway, Aschehoug, 1906. Northern Mythology: Comprising the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands. United Kingdom, E. Lumley, 1851. Saga Book of the Viking Society for…
