Buzz
The bogeyman is a mythical, ghostly figure with no fixed form. Its depiction varies widely, even among families in the same neighborhood. Often, it exists as a shapeless representation of fear in a child's imagination. This collection explores 15 unique interpretations of the bogeyman from different cultures worldwide.
15. Japan
During New Year celebrations, the Namahage visits homes to inquire about misbehaving children. If parents confirm their children are well-behaved, hardworking, and don’t cry excessively, the Namahage leaves peacefully and moves on to the next household.
14. Korea
In Korean folklore, the bogeyman is known as Kotgahm, named after the persimmon fruit. The tale recounts a mother warning her crying child that a tiger would devour him if he didn’t behave. A tiger overheard the threat and waited outside, expecting a meal. Instead, the mother calmed the child by giving him a persimmon (kotgahm). The tiger, believing the kotgahm to be a fearsome creature, fled. Today, Kotgahm is depicted as an elderly man with a mesh sack, said to kidnap misbehaving children.
13. Spain and Mexico
Duérmete, niño, duérmete ya. Que viene el coco y te comerá
Go to sleep child, go to sleep now. The coconut man will come and eat you.
If you imagine a coconut as a head, with its three holes resembling a face, it’s easy to see how El Coco could become a hairy, small figure in a child’s imagination. In 16th and 17th century Spain, orphan collectors would carry children away in sacks as punishment for refusing to sleep.
12. Finland
Among the world’s most unique bogeymen is Groke, a massive blue creature whose loneliness and sadness cause the ground to freeze beneath her. Though not evil, her presence terrifies people, causing them to flee.
11. England
The term 'bogeyman' has several possible origins. One theory suggests it evolved from 'buggy man,' referring to the drivers who collected plague victims during the Black Death in Europe. In England, the bogeyman is often depicted as an undefined mist or fog, scratching at windows, or as a tall, thin, scarecrow-like figure.
10. Scotland
The boggart is a mischievous fairy known for causing both minor and major misfortunes. It is said to place a cold hand on people’s faces while they sleep. Naming it is forbidden, as doing so will make it uncontrollable and cause it to haunt your family endlessly. Placing a horseshoe above your doorway can shield you from its mischief.
9. Bahamas
The Small Man roams with a cart, snatching children who wander outside after dark. If caught, you’ll transform into a Small Person and be doomed to ride in his cart for eternity.
8. Bulgaria
Torbalan, the sinister counterpart to Santa Claus, hides in Bulgaria’s shadows, ready to capture naughty children and whisk them away in his sack.
7. Czech Republic and Poland
Bubak, resembling a scarecrow, lurks near riverbanks, mimicking the cries of a baby to attract both adults and children. He travels in a cat-drawn cart and crafts clothing from the souls he captures.
6. Netherlands
The Bolman, armed with sharp claws and fangs, lurks beneath beds or inside closets, ready to seize disobedient children who refuse to sleep and drag them to the basement.
5. Philippines
Pugot Mamu is a massive, headless creature capable of shape-shifting, residing in trees and abandoned homes. Having decapitated himself, he devours children through the opening in his neck.
4. Quebec
The Bonhomme Sept-Heures, or the seven o’clock man, may derive from the term 'bone setter,' referring to an old-fashioned traveling healer. This figure kidnaps children but can only capture those who are still awake.
3. Italy
In Italy, l’uomo Nero is a towering figure with a concealed face, clad in a heavy coat and black hat. He hides beneath tables, and parents tap on the table to alert their children of his presence, warning that he will abduct them if they refuse to eat their meals.
2. Trinidad and Tobago
Jumbies are the restless spirits of misbehaving individuals who have passed away. Known for their shape-shifting abilities, children are cautioned against playing with unfamiliar animals. There are multiple ways to outsmart Jumbies: leaving shoes outside (as they lack feet and will struggle to wear them), placing a container of sand or rice outside (forcing them to count each grain), crossing a river (they cannot traverse water), or leaving a knotted rope (they must untie every knot).
1. Norway
The Nokken, a creature lurking in lakes, will seize you if you fail to return home when summoned.
