Buzz
From the very beginning of humanity, individuals of all ages have harbored a deep-seated fear of the unseen entities that lurk in the shadows. These fears manifest in countless forms across different cultures and time periods, yet the shared thread of storytelling binds them all together. Passed down through generations, these tales serve as both warnings and rites of passage, whispered by those wise enough to question their veracity. Many believe these stories are more than just myth, cautioning children against wandering alone in the woods or warning teenagers who feel invincible in the face of danger.
But what if these legends weren’t just fanciful tales? If you were to cross paths with one of these demonic creatures on your journey, would you be able to outwit it, or would you fall victim to its malevolent ways? Regardless of your belief, it might be wise to stay informed about the night’s darker forces, just in case.
10. Jinn/Jinni
Also known as djinn, the jinn are ancient demonic beings from Arabic and Islamic lore. They are so cunning and malevolent that they rank just below devils in the spiritual hierarchy. According to legend, jinn, created from smokeless fire, have the ability to assume both human and animal forms whenever they choose. When they wish to cause mischief, they disguise themselves in these forms, blending into the physical world until they are ready to reveal their true selves. Jinn inhabit a parallel world to humans, meaning they can always observe us, but we cannot see them unless they allow it. Their trickery is fueled by their love of chaos and thirst for revenge.
When they are not in human or animal guise, jinn can reside anywhere—trees, rocks, streams, ruins, or even in the most unexpected places, like your desk drawer. Therefore, it’s crucial not to disturb a jinn, as it may take offense and seek vengeance. A jinn is indifferent to whether the insult was unintentional; it simply desires retribution. This vengeance might come in the form of illness, a curse, possession, or even an unexpected disaster. However, if you approach with caution and understand their nature, it is relatively simple to outwit and banish a jinn—one need only pray for its demise.
9. Wendigo
If you ever find yourself in the Great Lakes Region of the United States or the dense forests of Central Canada, stay alert for the fearsome, skull-faced demon with a heart made of ice. The wendigo, originating from Algonquin folklore, is notorious for roaming the forests in search of human prey. It then either possesses its victims or drives them mad through isolation.
The wendigo is a supernatural predator—it uses its enormous strength, speed, and stamina to track down anyone who ventures into its domain. Occasionally, the wendigo even employs its ability to mimic human voices to call out the name of its intended victim, drawing an unsuspecting soul deep into the forest. Once the prey is ensnared, the unfortunate individual is either possessed or driven to madness, eventually transforming into another wendigo.
This aspect of the legend is surprisingly grounded in reality: Early settlers and Native Americans stranded in the wilderness resorted to cannibalism to survive. Those who made it back to civilization were often never the same, suffering from what became known as 'wendigo fever.' The wendigo, with its unquenchable hunger, symbolizes the demonic personification of gluttony.
8. Krampus
In true holiday tradition, Santa Claus is revered for his generosity and kindness toward children, especially those who stay on the nice list all year. However, in Central European folklore, children’s fear of landing on the naughty list is tied to a much more terrifying figure: Krampus. On the night of December 5, just before the feast of Saint Nicholas, Krampus emerges from his lair to wreak havoc on villages until dawn. Good children are rewarded with candy placed in their boots by Saint Nicholas, while those who misbehave are pursued by Krampus, who punishes them with his bundle of birch sticks. For the most wicked, Krampus might even stuff them in his sack and drag them to his lair in the underworld.
Krampus is said to be the half-goat, half-demon offspring of Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld. With his infernal origins and his dark contrast to Saint Nicholas, Krampus stands as one of the most ominous figures in Central European folklore. Ancient pagan rituals, costumes, and dances are still performed today to ward off the evil spirits of winter and their horned king.
7. Pocong
In Indonesia and Malaysia, there is a haunting spirit that preys upon cemeteries and abandoned homes. Known as the pocong in Indonesia and the hantu bungkus in Malaysia, this spirit has a gaunt, withered face devoid of eyes and a floating, decaying body. Often, the corpse is wrapped in the translucent cloth traditionally used for Muslim burials.
According to Islamic customs, the burial shroud must be tied at three points—the head, neck, and feet—to secure the soul of the deceased during its brief stay on Earth. After 46 days, the ties are meant to be removed, allowing the soul to ascend, but if left intact, the soul becomes trapped. Enraged by its imprisonment, the soul is doomed to haunt the earth, seeking vengeance on anyone who crosses its path.
Because its feet remain bound, the pocong can only hop or roll after its victims, often launching surprise attacks that result in car crashes and bizarre accidents. If you ever encounter a pocong, your best chance of survival is to lie down and play dead or run down a long, winding road until the demon can no longer see you.
6. Asag
Hailing from ancient Sumerian mythology, Asag is a terrifying demon from the depths of the underworld, with one sole purpose: to defeat the god Ninurta. To accomplish this, Asag forged an army of rock demons to carry out his dark commands. After being vanquished by Ninurta, Asag’s wrath shifted to humankind, and he began to stalk and torment unsuspecting travelers.
Asag relentlessly hunts humans, bringing disease and pestilence with him. He infests his victims, enveloping them like a cloak, and gradually weakens them with fever until they are paralyzed. When not tormenting the innocent, Asag disrupts nature by boiling fish in rivers and causing destruction through landslides.
5. Manananggal
By day, this Filipino creature presents herself as a beautiful woman, using her charm to captivate and ensnare her prey. But as night falls, she transforms into a terrifying being with bat-like wings, fangs like a vampire, and long, menacing claws. To change into her true form, the manananggal must separate her torso from her legs and sprout wings, dragging her intestines behind her. While she hunts men during the day, at night her focus shifts to pregnant women, from whom she drinks blood and consumes the unborn child’s organs.
This night-dwelling demon only hunts when the moon is high, as she must reunite her upper body with her lower half before sunrise—failure to do so means her destruction. To ward off a manananggal, carry salt, garlic, pungent spices, vinegar, daggers, stingray tails, or holy water. These items can also be used to destroy her if you find her lower half: simply cover it with ash, salt, or garlic, ensuring she cannot reconnect with it before daybreak.
4. Dullahan
Much like the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, Ireland’s Dullahan is a headless specter. Clad in black robes, this rider does not chase or slay his victims directly. Instead, he acts as a harbinger of death: when he halts, someone nearby will soon die. Should you hear your name called by him, your death is certain. On moonlit nights, the Dullahan rides Ireland’s lonely roads, often in a black carriage pulled by six black horses, marking the arrival of death.
Should you be unfortunate enough to witness the Dullahan up close, you would find his head cradled beneath one arm or raised high in the air, allowing it to see for miles across the darkened landscape. In his other hand, the Dullahan wields a spine-like whip. During full moons, it is wise to remain indoors, hoping the Dullahan passes you by—no locked door or gate can prevent him from continuing his journey. If you dare to peek through the blinds as he rides by, beware! You will forever lose sight in one eye. However, if you find yourself on the road as he approaches, reach for anything made of gold—a ring, a coin, or a watch—as only gold can repel the Dullahan.
3. Tengu
From Japan comes the flying, goblin-like terror known as the tengu. This demonic, mythical demigod is not only capable of soaring through the skies but can also run vast distances at remarkable speeds. A tengu is easily recognized by its bright red skin, long nose, and proud demeanor. Disrespect a tengu, and you can be sure it will seek revenge on you, becoming your next tormentor.
When not exacting vengeance for insults, the tengu preys on those journeying along the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It is believed that tengu are restless spirits of former priests and heretics, wronged by their religious peers, and driven by a desire for retribution. Tengu are often seen abducting monks, robbing sacred temples, and even possessing women to lead holy men into temptation and breaking their vows. If you ever encounter a tengu, running or fighting it would be futile, as its magical martial arts abilities make it an unstoppable force.
2. Fairy Changelings
Don’t confuse them with their more friendly relatives like the Tooth Fairy, as the fairies from Scotland and Ireland are far more mischievous. Though not inherently evil, these fairies are notorious for their tricks, and if you aren’t careful, you may fall victim to one of their schemes. A favorite trick of theirs is swapping human babies with their own. When the mother isn’t paying attention, the fairy changelings creep in, snatching her baby and leaving behind one of their own kind in its place. Sometimes, they might even leave behind just a bundle of twigs or a log instead of a child.
The changeling’s primary goal is to mimic a human baby, eating and drinking just like one. It remains with the mother until she realizes the deception and manages to trick the changeling into revealing itself. The easiest way to reveal a changeling is by boiling water in half eggshells. When the changeling sees this strange sight, it will burst into laughter, the first time it shows any sign of joy since arriving. After its true identity is uncovered, the changeling can be driven away, and the fairy’s kin will return the real baby to its crib.
1. Nian
The Chinese New Year is a globally recognized celebration of new beginnings and prosperity. While it's now a time of joy and good fortune, its origins trace back to a legend of self-defense and survival.
In ancient China, a Taoist monk named Hongjun Laozu arrived at a village where the locals were fortifying their homes. They explained that they were preparing for the Nian, a fearsome creature that lived in the mountains and came down once a year to ravage their crops, livestock, and children. The Nian was a formidable beast with the body of a bull and the head of a lion, terrifying the villagers for generations. Every year, the villagers were powerless in the face of its wrath. Unable to watch them suffer, Laozu ventured into the mountains that very night, mounted the Nian, and rode it until the beast was utterly exhausted, saving the village for a time.
For three consecutive nights, Laozu wore the Nian down until both he and the creature were spent. Laozu then revealed to the villagers that they must learn to control the Nian themselves. Initially, they thought it impossible... until Laozu explained that the creature feared three things: the color red, fire, and loud sounds. That night, the villagers draped their homes and themselves in red, set off fireworks, and stayed awake in celebration. Since then, the Nian has not returned from the mountains, and the Chinese New Year has become a symbol of new beginnings and good fortune.
