E

  • Cryptids,  E,  K,  Russia,  S

    Kalmykian Exploding Snake/Kalmykia’s Exploding Worm/Short Grey Snake/Exploding Enigma

    The Kalmykian Exploding Snake is an extremely obscure cryptid. This creature is briefly mentioned in the book The Beasts That Hide From Man by Karl Shuker in a section talking about the Mongolian Death Worm. The account of this creature comes from a letter written to a cryptozoologist named Michel Raynal, from another cryptozoologist named Dr. Marie-Jeanne Koffmann on January 6, 1997. The accounts themselves were lost when Dr. Koffmann’s office was robbed. It’s described as a short grey snake, roughly 50 centimeters (20 inches) long and 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) in diameter. It has smooth skin, is rounded at the front of its body, and has a very short…

  • Dragons,  E,  J,  Japan,  Yokai

    Jinshin-Mushi/Earthquake Beetle

    The Jinshin-Mushi is a Yokai from Japanese myth. It’s thought to be a giant dragon-headed beetle that causes earthquakes as it moves around underground. It’s thought to be covered in scales and have ten hairy legs ending in spider claws. It’s thought to be the counterpart to the Jinshin-Uwo. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Rose, Carol. Giants Monsters and Dragons: An Encyclopedia Of Folklore Legend And Myth. United Kingdom, WW Norton, 2001. Rosen, Brenda. Mythical Creatures Bible: The Definitive Guide to Legendary Beings. Taiwan, Sterling, 2009.

  • Coeur d'Alene,  E,  H

    Hinqumemen/Engulfer

    The Hinqumemen is a creature from the myth of the Coeur d’Alene Native Americans. It is a living sentient lake. If any take water from the lake, it will follow them back to their village in an amorphous form. It engulfs its victims in water and drags them back to the lake. Once back, it drowns them. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

  • E,  Hebrew,  Shapeshifters,  Vampires

    Estrie

    The Estrie is a dangerous monster from Hebrew belief. They are thought to be shapeshifters who have been known to take the form of dogs, cats, insects, or snakes. Along with these animal forms, it could take the form of a human, or even specific individuals if it helped them to lure in its prey. They specifically feed on the blood of children and lure them to isolated locations. Once alone, the Estrie reveals their true face and consume their victims. It is believed none have ever seen the face of an Estrie and lived to tell of it. The Estrie may unintentionally lead to the execution of an innocent…

  • Demonic,  E,  Ghosts,  Russia,  Witches

    Eretiku/Eretnik/Elatoamsk/Eretitsa/Eretnitsa

    The Eretiku is a creature from Russian mythology. This creature is seen as the female version of Erestun. They are thought to be deliberate blasphemers who practice black magic or women who sold their souls to the devil and return from the grave. They take the form of old women and seek out others of their kind to form covens. It can induce a sickness that causes the life force and sanity to begin wasting away, simply by staring into someone’s eyes. If they’re not strong enough to physically manifest, they take the form of a ghost that can manipulate physical objects. In this form, they rise from the graves…

  • E,  Russia,  Spirits,  X

    Erestun/Xloptuny

    The Erestun is a form of spirit from Russian myth. They possess someone who is on the brink of death, often causing accidents, illnesses, or violence. They are thought to be the spirits of evil sorcerers formed when the sorcerer splits its soul, or when they somehow lose their physical body. They enter the body in an invisible astral form and cause what appears to be a miraculous recovery. They need to feed on human blood to maintain control of the body they possess and prey on the friends and family of their host. Sometimes they take only a small amount of blood, but in desperate situations, they will drain…

  • Aliens,  E,  Italy

    Erba Martian

    The Erba Martian was an alien sighted in Erba, Como, Italy October 18, 1954. The witness was a 37-year-old man named Renzo Pugina. He was returning from seeing a movie when he noticed a glow coming from a nearby villa. He parked and climbed a set of stairs connecting to the villa and he saw a bizarre figure. He determined this figure was a “Martian.” The creature stood 1.3 meters in height surrounded by soft, warm light. It seemed to be wearing armor and a helmet with a transparent front and light was coming from the top. The upper body was covered in overalls covered in metallic, fish-like scales. Its…

  • E,  Japan,  Yokai

    Enenra/Enen-Ra/Enra-Enra

    The Enenra is a Yokai from Japanese myth. They have no physical form and appear in smoke from fires. Their amorphous form may resemble animals or people and fade in and out of sight as the smoke shifts. They are completely harmless but very frightening, and are considered especially disturbing when they emerge from the smoke of someone being cremated. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

  • E,  Fae,  Romania,  Water Horse

    Endrop

    The Endrop is a form of Fairy Animal from Romanian myth. It’s descrption is incredibly similar to the Kelpie and Each-Uisge . It appears as a horse and entices people to ride on its back. They then dive into the water and drown the rider. It’s thought that victims can only save themselves if they pray to Jesus. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

  • Chile,  E,  Ghouls

    Encerrados

    The Encerrados are creatrures from Chilean myth whose name means “captive” or “recluse.” They resemble grey skinned cannibals that kidnap children and deliver them to witches who then sew up the orifices of the kidnapped. They serve Invunche and Chivato, and in some interpretations evolve into these creatures. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.