BriefBestiary
@briefbestiary.bsky.social
210 followers
13 following
520 posts
Legendary beasts and beings posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Run by @oriondagger.bsky.social
Posts
Media
Videos
Starter Packs
![[Top Section] Pé de Garrafa; Region: Brazil
[Middle Section] A tall, furry humanoid that stands on one leg with a cylindrical, hoof-like foot. It has a singular eye and a small pointed horn. Accompanied by descriptive text.
The "bottlefoot", a towering creature of the forest with a head that reaches up into the leaves of the tallest trees, it may be humanoid or hairy beast.
Its tracks are distinctly round and deep, closely resembling the impression of a bottle's base. This feature is the creature's namesake.
Its appearance has some variations in head shape, either one or two eyes, and between one and two legs.
Its voice is high, and often tricks listeners into believing it is a fellow traveler lost.
Following its call is dangerous, as the sound will continue to echo on and on around the area, disorienting listeners.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: O Pé de Garrafa e outras lendas caxienses (2019)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreif4dim3lnegbkewaqu57opysiajix6rtseosh6shagsrd6xhil77e@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Catoblepas; Alternate Names: Katobleps, Catapheba, Catablepa, Catapleba, Catotephus, Catobefas, Cathapelaba, Cathapleba; Region: Greek and Roman legend placed in Aethiopia or Libya
[Middle Section] A bulky, dark-furred water buffalo-like beast with the hair of its messy mane covering its face. Its head faces the ground exclusively. A hint of its eye is visible from within the hair. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A deathly horrid beast. Its head is heavy, so it is almost always gazing downward toward the ground.
Its gaze inflicts death. Its diet consists of so many poisonous plants that its breath inflicts death. It may also have the capability to blow fire from out its nostrils.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Castlevania Series (2001 - Present); Magic the Gathering (2013/2020); Dungeons & Dragons (1976 [Catoblepas], 1977 [Gorgon])](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiewv3tmdi5i7omni3lgkbmdodmn3tv3uhcozhznlsff457pmslcey@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Sugar Bundle; Region: Near Jicotea, Las Villas, Cuba
[Middle Section] A small white, somewhat sack-like, lump. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A sack-shaped creature spotted one night in 1915 by a pair of men patrolling near a field of sugarcane.
Its presence spooked the horses, and then the two men noticed the bundle approaching them.
Opening fire on the creature with their pistols, they were horrified to find that the creature did not stop, slow down, or even flinch. Instead, it grew in size with every bullet that struck it.
By the time it was nearing the height of horses, the men chose to flee on foot. They were surprised to find their horses unharmed the following morning.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidmiwttpwmy7tmedrklgrexe766snpewktj3clcxj2l7z6qknyply@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Bait Robber; Region: North America
[Middle Section] A bubble with a humanoid face and arms, as well as a pair of devilish horns. It appears to be holding a worm in its left arm. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A dastardly critter, enemy of anglers; foe of fisherfolk.
A bait robber has the appearance not unlike a bubble, however it has a face, horns, and a pair of arms.
With its arms it expertly lifts bait off fishhooks with minimal tugging, then passes the meal to fish before giving the fishing line a hard pull. It will continue to do so for as long as its in the area.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo, Seance: First Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreieepdndowbbea4cr6bfddm72fmuhvg2vbsda7vanupofc5ia7tqqa@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Pig-Faced Woman; Alternate Name: Pig-Faced Lady; Region: Europe
[Middle Section] A brown-haired woman in a simple bluish green dress. Ah, right, her face is also that of a pig's. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A strange legend that originated in parts of England, France, and the Netherlands.
Early on, it was believed to be a result of magic, caused by witchcraft. As time passed, however, the legends became more "realistic" and the phenomenon was thought fact.
Early examples include the Dutch story of Jacamijntjen Jacobs' children and the English fable of Tannakin Skinker.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Penelope (2006)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiflmibmqazk5gagdpeecki6hv6medkxyxur6wlsp4yso6dwszujs4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Sanji Baba; Alternate Name: Three O'clock Granny; Region: Tottori Prefecture, Japan
[Middle Section] A large water stain is visible, seemingly originating from above the edge of the illustration. Part of said water stain appears to resemble an old woman. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An urban legend that haunts school bathrooms.
Arrives when someone is alone and in the third stall on the third floor at exactly 3:00 or 3:33:33.
Seals the door shut, followed by her voice suddenly coming out.
She may say "Help me" from within the toilet itself, keep the door sealed until the victim is done relieving themself, and even cause the toilet to be left unflushed for whoever comes in after.
Her true form seems to be a rainwater stain on a wall in the hall that vaguely looks like an old lady.
Only disappears when moving at her chosen time, and will go to a different floor when painted over.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreigrimt4cg2ragiggrj4y3oxhyp7xuxfuu7uqju7nixyckvpj5j5b4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Hantu Bandan; Region: Malaysia
[Middle Section] Its head is a copper cauldron with inverted handles. Its watery body lays prone beneath. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Spirits of Malaysian waterfalls. They are most often found lying prone by the water's surface near the base of a waterfall.
Their heads resemble an inverted kawah tembaga and cannot be moved by external forces, such as the waterfall's rushing waters. It seems a hantu bandan will always float in the same spot in the water.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicwxm2rtgehkst3ydd7lqmui34drv4pea5lsz2ixsdmkljy4zlkiu@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Muhnochwa; Region: Uttar Pradesh, India
[Middle Section] A winged insect with a pair of long, pincer-like limbs. Various blue and red lights seem to emanate from its body. Accompanied by descriptive text.
The nocturnal "face scratcher" that caused fear in parts of Uttar Pradesh in 2022.
The paranoia born from the fear of it caused real harm, from heart attacks to beaten family members and killed pets.
There is no true consensus on its form, so the illustration present here is only one interpretation. The Muhnochwa may be: an insect, a rubber doll, a turtle, some variety of humanoid, a cat, a hawk, drone or other machine, and more. A true UFO.
Despite the sheer range of descriptions, some shared the traits of: slashing parts/implements, flight, and flashing lights (red and blue/green).
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Muhnochwa (2024)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreiadijeyvnqhtff6rkl4u7e42rnmhg4xwtoav4o4xn7bipjoluh6se@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Mètminwi; Region: Haiti
[Middle Section] A towering humanoid figure in ragged clothes. He has dimly glowing white eyes and long, reaching arms. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Mètminwi, the Master of Midnight. A Haitian bogey that walks about towns at midnight.
He is two stories tall with long, slim limbs.
He searches for anyone outside and will move to snatch them up and either consume them immediately, or spirit them away (likely to eat later).
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Grand Ma, Ep. 22 "Mètminwi", [Felix] (2023)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibkyvjgabkddvzjnenh7wgwkmmyaccbqdum6xhu3ml2sma7y2dn6e@jpeg)
![[Top Section] The Humpdumple; Region: North America
[Middle Section] A bipedal, one-eyed creature somewhat shaped like a warty potato. It has a pair of humanoid arms and a pair of legs that end in big bulky feet. It wears a feathered cap and shorts and carries a walking stick in one hand. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A troublesome critter of the northern woods. The humpdumple is a small fellow whose body appears not unlike that of a warty potato.
Quite shy, he doesn't come out unless he believes no one will spot him walking about.
He has a single eye and a large nose, so his field of vision isn't all too good, causing him to trip and stumble.
A disastrous pair with his poor vision, the humpdumple's feet are as heavy as large paving stones, leaving large holes along forest paths that otherwise would be much flatter and safer to traverse.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo TCG: Seance 1st Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicei4gmr7pu2eomnj5googtasrdevf5ribecomsxqe5237xjhz3uy@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Wag-at-the-Wa'; Region: Scotland
[Middle Section] A small old man seated in the crook of the hook of a hanging chain. He has a cloth wrapped around his chin, a grey head of hair and beard, and a long skinny tail. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A household spirit that dwells in and presides over the kitchen, typically from the hearth, however when the large hook hanging above the hearth is empty, he takes it as his seat.
Appears as a miniature old man, his legs short and crooked. To help him keep balance upon his seat he has a long tail. It seems he has a constant toothache.
Was happy around children and in a happy household, but deserted when alcohol was drunk, unless it was homebrewed.
He was consistently present, watching over the household, although he would be less than kind to any servants, particularly kitchen-maids, only ever leaving when a family member within the household died.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibeijrb47s4qa2bgx4olts7lx4jjezkkd56cexnlczc6bpgo7lrti@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Shirouba; Region: Somewhere near Motoyama, Kōchi, Japan
[Middle Section] A pale old woman with a walking stick. Her wild, long hair is white, as are her eyes and clothing. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A mysterious yokai, if only because there seems to be very little information recorded other than her name and region.
Supposedly one of the "Three Great Demons of Tosa".
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreid3q7lba3cy2uhfy65cnuav5mfwlsmb5mdmtbjpkic5pdtsfjalj4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Mao Gui; Region: China
[Middle Section] A hazy, translucent cat with glowing red eyes. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Wielded by wicked sorcerers. Through the use of a particular form of gudu ritual, a mao gui is created from the ghost of a cat to target its victim.
Once inside, the mao gui causes discomfort like many needles piercing the body. It then consumes their organs, causing the victim to slowly die, weak and coughing blood.
Transfers its victim's wealth and property to the sorcerer's home.
Seemingly, during the Sui dynasty a large number of cats were killed by practitioners to keep a large supply of cat ghosts.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Legend of the Demon Cat (2017); MAO (2019 - Present)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidcyp6zvjboozk5qjb6ssy7ju5hlhehvmbubdxifbrxjr63tpxdli@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Kurze płucka na pajęczych nóżkach; Region: Poland
[Middle Section] Clinging to the wall are the eight spider-like legs of the entity, its main body a reddish fleshy organ seemingly resembling the lungs of a chicken. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An apparent Polish bogey that drags naughty children behind paintings.
Given a passing mention in online articles around 2010. Various stories used to scare children into behaving had been collected by radio personality Artur Andrus from viewer letters where he quoted the ones he found interesting.
Its name can be literally translated as "chicken lungs on spider legs" however lack of available physical description or images makes depictions speculative.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreibl7tphm7clmakm3w6433iyvizlkfveai72qhqi3xrwukocuvkaz4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Roggenwolf; Alternate Names: Kornwolf, Getreidewolf, Hafelwolf, Erbsenwolf, Gerstenwolf, Kartoffelwolf, Graswolf, Pflaumenwolf; Region: Germany
[Middle Section] A large wolf with a similar colour to raw rye. Accompanied by descriptive text.
One of a variety of feldgeister, field spirits that dwell in fields of crops. This specific category of feldgeister are shaped like large wolves.
These spirits blend into the type of field they dwell in, roggenwolf in rye, kornwolf in corn, erbsenwolf in peas, and so on.
Blamed when children disappear in the fields, it is because these spirits snatch them away to eat.
It seems that due to cultural diaspora, the kornwolf may have previously made their way to specific regions of the midwestern United States.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture:](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreig2bqxxzouqh6glohgzv6o2ahg6pqoyoc57b7npj6dpzandh4nzx4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Wamp; Region: U.S.A.
[Middle Section] A grey, sack-shaped biped with cat-like ears, a vaguely humanoid or feline face, and a long tail that appears to end with an aperture resembling the top of a salt shaker. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A bizarre critter the size of a raccoon. Somehow, its body is vaguely the shape of a sack of salt. The tracks of a wamp is a sign of a higher than average number of deer coming to the area.
The end of its tail is like a salt shaker. Using this, the wamp will sprinkle salt at the roots of trees.
The salt its spreads attracts deer which, after having a good lick of it all, go off to inform other deer of trees with salted roots.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidjf2bdoylkftlwycrwym63zcff3gwkcmrpunfhucmatcorvylbtm@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Felixstowe Fire Demon; Region: Felixstowe, Suffolk, England
[Middle Section] A dark humanoid with large orange eyes entirely engulfed in orange flame. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A purported event and entity of 1965.
Three young men out on a drive took a stop along Walton Avenue. Without a word, the young Michael Johnson walked out past the greenery into the woods.
While Johnson was gone, the other two witnessed an oval-shaped, humming, orange thing in the sky.
When it was over, Johnson emerged from the woods with a burned neck and a bruise above his right ear, then passed out.
The next day, Johnson suddenly remembered how he had felt urged into the woods, meeting the flame-wreathed being before blacking out.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo TCG, Cryptid Nation: UFO 1st Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreih3n4zw7yi6zjhyv47vasymrhbktaojlvy3zw6xsch74vbombx4oe@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Narigama; Alternate Names: Narikama, Kamanari; Region: Japan
[Middle Section] A humanoid with a clawed fingers and toes and a hairy torso. Where its head would be is an overturned kama-type teakettle licked with active fire on either side. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A yokai that is either wearing an old kama on its head, or its head is said old kama.
Most often believed to be a tsukumogami of an old kama. The old iron kettle comes to life, seemingly sprouting a hairy humanoid body.
A narigama's claim to fame is its apparent talent for divination, capable of fortune reading and predicting the future (particularly weather).
When divining, its head will ring.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: World of Myths (2019); Yo-Kai Watch Franchise (2019)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicg6bxeymzqdwjkm2z7bgy2zy73bk4k6yg7f4qfwmkjjjxaeprcc4@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Monster of Lake Fagua; Alternate Names: Lake Fagua Monster, Monster of Lake Tagua, Harpy; Region: Hoax set in Lake Tagua Tagua, Santa Fe, Chile, Kingdom of Peru
[Middle Section] A large monster with a humanoid upper torso, long flowing hair, a pair of horns, long deer-like ears, and a wide open jaw of sharp teeth. Its wings are bat-like, while its lower body is dragon-like with only two forearms and a pair of tails, one short with a sharp tip and one longer. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An imagined beast known for its description in Courier de L'Europe supposedly captured and taken to Spain. Interpreted as a male harpy.
Captured prey with its long tail and pierced with its shorter tail.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreifb5gqam6txxi7soqwi4quidd4dbmp6at4ps5npv3bvwu6dqjeszy@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Fengli; Alternate Names: Fengshengshou, Fengmu, Pinghou; Region: Chinese legend in Sichuan, Guangdong, & Guanxi, China and Northern Vietnam
[Middle Section] A hovering marten with leopard-print, pale greenish fur and orange eyes. In its mouth it carries a small twig. Accompanied by descriptive text.
Flight capable beasts with various descriptions, including leopard cat, rabbit, marten or a yellow short-tailed monkey, all with leopard-spot patterns upon their fur.
Carries a special stalk of grass it uses to hunt. When it points at a bird or beast it will fall dead.
Dies immediately when struck, but is resuscitated by a gust of wind entering their mouth. Their body cannot be cut by blades or burned by fire.
Take fatal damage when the root of sweet flag is jammed into their nostrils.
In Japan it is referred to as fūri, fūbo, fūseijū, or heikō. Along with other minor differences it is described as a type of tanuki.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Tower of Saviors (2016); Onmyoji (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreicy7ixzp2dstwlci3hkcbdwiydyxzoknwua4rkh2ppweol3qpql3q@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Domsten Blob; Alternate Name: Domsten Stink-Blob; Region: Near Domsten, Sweden
[Middle Section] A greyish blue, vertically vaguely loaf-shaped blob. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An encounter in 1958 by Hans Gustafsson and Stig Rydberg late at night. It was a foggy drive from Höganäs to Heisenberg, and during a brief rest stop they spotted a bright light in the woods.
Curious, they walked over to discover a vividly glowing disc set atop a tripod, surrounded by a group of bluish-grey, loaf-shaped, jelly-like floating blobs.
Several of the blobs attempted to drag the men to the disc, the rest seemingly dancing.
Punching was near useless, but eventually Rydberg managed to slip free enough to run to the car and honk the horn, the noise luckily scaring off the blobs.
The scent lingered in the men's memory, like ether and burnt sausage.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: N/A](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreidb6tnk6dcp2dnnhaxckivwff6iv3oprcm4r6x6kugr3vr443afua@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Crawfordsville Monster; Alternate Names: The Midnight Wraith, The Spook; Region: Crawfordsville, Indiana, U.S.A.
[Middle Section] A pale, glowing white shape with many fins at its sides. It has a single massive flaming red eye. Accompanied by descriptive text.
A bizarre creature of September, 1891. It had no distinct shape, being shroud-like in form with many side-fins and a single burning eye.
Squirmed and writhed, making a dismal wheezing all the while.
Around 18ft (5.49m) long and 8ft (2.44m) wide.
After two men followed its flight around town for a time, it was eventually discovered to have been a flock of hundred of killdeer, seemingly confused by the town's recently installed electric lights.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: MetaZoo, Cryptid Nation: UFO 1st Edition (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreieyqrusvn5lifwtm6y4mtpjovreymnokodu2qpcoqj7agixa223ji@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Gef; Alternate Names: The Talking Mongoose, The Dalby Spook; Region: Cashen's Gap, Isle of Man
[Middle Section] A marsh mongoose with yellowish fur and a remarkably bushy tail. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An entity in the form of a mongoose that haunted the Irving family during their residence at the farmhouse at Cashen's Gap near Dalby.
Has many quotes and claims, sometimes self-contradicting. Claims to be a spirit, but also claims not to be. Was both kind and cruel to the Irvings.
Claimed to be a marsh mongoose that was born in India, although unlike said animal, he has also been described as yellow-furred with a bushy tail.
Self-proclaimed fifth dimension, eight wonder of the world, and freak.
Believed to have been a family-created hoax or a product of Voirrey Irving's ventriloquism.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Eighth Wonder [by Lemon Demon] (2009); Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose (2023); Doctor Who: What Lies Inside? The Dalby Spook (2022)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreid36pfechd5erx5wdachr6yxbtatqgm3mljxalyif7rlsmdntko34@jpeg)
![[Top Section] Kyōfu no Kaidan; Alternate Name: 13 Kaidan; Region: Japan
[Middle Section] A staircase obscured by darkness. Accompanied by descriptive text.
An urban legend with a handful of variations. At its core it is a staircase.
May have a different number of steps when going up or down. The extra step, usually the 13th, may also kill or send a victim to another world.
A flight leading to a nonexistent floor may trap the victim there forever.
[Bottom Section] Some depictions in popular culture: Kingdom Hearts II (2005); Toilet-bound Hanako-kun [Misaki Stairs] (2014); Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tsfvgiiehbannefovmdxxk5s/bafkreihn4rarytadtznro7cvu7y4q7tiagffg6ymrryuv53tabi3b6h7uy@jpeg)