Fantastic Beasts

Enenra (en'enra, lit. "lightweight-fabric smoke"), sometimes enraenra  is a yōkai, or Japanese monster, composed of smoke and darkness.  Enenras mostly reside in bonfires; when they emerge, they take human shape or form. It is said that an enenra can only be seen by the pure of heart. Enenras are mostly considered to be demons or divine beings of darkness and smoke; legend says that there are two types of enenras, the first and most common type being enenras who are born purely as enenras, whilst the second and more rarely occurring type are humans who have died and been transformed into enenras. 📚  Explore more of the Mystical Creatures series here :  Dive into the Enchanted Realms of Mythology

Dodomeki is a yōkai in Japanese mythology. Its original form was a giant, ferocious and cruel carnivorous demon. The demon was over ten meters tall, had spiky hair, and had hundreds of glowing eyes all over its body. Its mouth can spew toxic fumes. Its body burst into flames, wrapping around its body and burning everything but its body. Dodomeki can disguise themselves as a human in the form of a human woman with very long arms covered with small bird eyes. It is said that girls who have a habit of stealing money will be cursed to become Dodomeki. At that time, hundreds of small bird eyeballs sprouted from their arms and they transformed into this monster. This is thought to be related to the Japanese dōsen, a bronze coin with a hole in the center that looks like a bird's eye, commonly known as a chōmoku (Birds eye). Legend : A long time ago, in what was now Tochigi Prefecture, there lived a nobleman named Fujiwara no Hidesato. He had just been given the title of kokushi of Shimots...

Amefuri kozō are a type of Japanese youkai. Amefuri kozō are like monk boys. They wear children's kimonos, wooden clogs and wide-brimmed straw hats or , it wears a Japanese umbrella without a handle, and holds a paper lantern in its hand. They have a weird, silly but cute appearance because of their fat bodies and upturned noses. Despite his childish appearance, the Amefuri kozō was given the very important task of causing rain. Wherever they go, they cause clouds to form and rain. In ancient China, amefuri kozō were believed to be servants of the rain god, who was called Ushi in Japanese. Amefuri kozō are shy and rarely interact directly with people. However, they love to steal people's umbrellas and wear them as hats. They then cause showers to fall on their victims. Amefuri kozō became widely known by the printing boom during the Edo period. They were common characters in inexpensive, pocket-sized publications sold by street vendors known as kibyōshi, or yellow covers. Kibyō...

Amikiri are small, crustacean-like, shrimp- or lobster-like yokai. They are described as a combination of several species: snake, bird, lobster. They have long, red, multi-segmented bodies, bird-like beaks, and two arms similar to the claws of a crayfish or a scorpion. It uses its claws to cut fisherman nets and mosquito nets. This habit and their behavior leads people to regard them as a pest. They can fly through the air like a fish swimming in water, and are quite shy, rarely appearing before humans. A story from Yamagata Prefecture tells of a fisherman who one day discovered that his fishing net had been cut so small that it was worthless. He suspected it was caused by an amikiri. The next day, he paid special attention to hiding his nets at his home, where they couldn't be found by any wandering yokai. However, that night, amikiri sneaked into his room while he was sleeping and cut the mosquito net on his bed. The man woke up with a painful and itchy mosquito bite all over his...

Amazake-babaa is a yōkai in the folklore of Miyagi and Aomori Prefectures. This youkai often appears on winter evenings in remote villages in the form of an old, emaciated woman. She goes from house to house, knocking on doors and in a childish voice she ask them for some amazake, a sweet, low-alcohol sake, and if anyone answered they fall ill. It is said that to keep her away, a cedar branch is placed in the doorway. She is also known as the goddess of smallpox during the period when smallpox raged in Japan. Mothers will make offerings to amazake-baba to prevent their children from getting sick. A variation of amazake babā from Yamanashi province is called amazake banbā. She goes from house to house trying to sell sake and amazake. The consequences of answering her are the same as for amazake babā, but the way of keeping her there is a little different. If you hang a sign on the front door that says “we don't like sake or amazake,” she will leave you alone and go to the next house...

Amabie is said to be a mythical Japanese mermaid that depicts a variety of ape-like, daruma-doll-like, or bird-like, or fish-like appearances. However, it is most commonly depicted with a mouth like a bird's beak, has three or four legs, or a tail fin, has an ape-like voice, and is said to have emerged from the sea. Some descriptions suggest that they can even glow (at night). Amabie appeared to prophesy a bountiful harvest or a plague. Its images, carvings are said to have the ability to protect people against illness or death Another illustration also attributed to Amabie from the hand-replicated pamphlet depicts an ape-like creature with three legs, the legs seeming to project straight from the head (no neck or torso in the middle) . The body and face are covered with short hair, except it is bald. The eyes and ears are human-like, with a drooping or protruding mouth. This creature appeared in 1844 and predicted the doom for 70% of Japan's population that year, which could b...

Akashita is a yokai with an extremely large body, but it is hidden in a giant black cloud that only reveals its face and hands. The face of the monster is described as hairy, monstrous with a wide, ear-to-ear mouth that is always open with a large, long, bright red tongue extending out of the mouth. And the hands are large and hairy with long, sharp claws and look as big as meteors in the sky. Its origin can be identified as Akaguchi appearing in older Edo period yōkai scrolls such as Bakemono no e. This youkai is called Akaguchi and Akashita.The name Akashita may be related to the shakuzetsujin ("red tongue god") guarding Jupiter's west gate. It may also be related to shakuzetsunichi, an unlucky day in Onmyouji. Although some sources say that Akaguchi is simply a harbinger of bad luck, bad luck, and evil, other sources suggest Akaguchi as a protective deity. Akashita usually occurs during the summer months, when rain and water requirements are highest to ensure a success...

Akaname is a yōkai in Japanese folklore. Their name means "filth licker", they are said to lick the filth that accumulates in bathtubs and bathrooms. They are described as having a cropped head, an extremely long and sticky tongue. They are small, goblin-like youkai that although in general they look much smaller due to their hunching posture. Akanames have long, greasy hair on their heads, sometimes covering their entire faces. Their bodies are naked, their skin is greasy like their hair. Akaname comes in a variety of colors and varieties, from a dark, mottled green reminiscent of mold, to the pinkish pink of the lining. They have both one and two eyes, and may have one to five fingers and toes, all of which have long claws. Akanames live only in the dirtiest houses and public baths or in dilapidated buildings. they will sneak into places at night when people are sleeping using its long tongue to lick the dirt and grime that clings to the shower and tub. All akanames have an...

Abura sumashi is a type of ghost, a rare yokai originating from Kumamoto. It has a squat-like appearance with a large ugly head that looks like a potato or a rock, and the limbs of an adult but shorter than normal. However, they are very agile and can instantly run away in front of others. Abura sumashi always wears a woven straw raincoat. It is extremely rare to appear in front of humans and is only found deep in the mountains or along the passes in southern Japan where wild tea trees grow. Little is known about the lifestyle and habits of this reclusive yokai. The most famous Abura sumashi lives in the Kusazumigoe Pass in Kumamoto, it makes passersby startle when it suddenly appears in front of them or sometimes answers them unexpectedly with a mysterious voice and instantly disappears - gone without a trace. Although its origin is a mystery, it is generally believed that Abura sumashi is the ghost of oil thieves who fled into the woods. Oil is a very difficult and expensive commodit...

The abura-akago is a type of Japanese yōkai that appears illustrated in Toriyama Sekien's Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki during the mid-Edo period. They often appear at night in populated areas as mysterious fireballs and hover in the sky. When all night fell, everyone fell into a deep sleep and the light from the lamps emanated from their houses. Abura-akago will break into houses with those lights. When entering a house, they immediately change shape into small children. In this child form, they lick the oil from oil lamps and paper lanterns, known as andon. After that, they turned back into fireballs and flew away to other houses. Like many other oil-related yōkai, abura akago are said to originate from oil thieves. While the particular circumstances of these oil thieves are lost to time, died and—instead of passing on to the next life—turned into yōkai as a penalty for their sins. Some related notes: In Hacchō, Ōtsu of Ōmi ("Afumi") Province, there exists a flame resembling...

Kuzuryū (nine-headed dragon), or Kuzuryūshin (nine-headed dragon god) is a deity who appears in the folklore and legends of various regions of Japan, including, such as Hakone (Kanagawa), Prefecture Nagano and Fukui Prefecture. Kuzuryū is said to be a water god. Legend has it that: During the Nara period, a huge Nine-Headed Dragon appeared and settled at Lake Ashi in Hakone. The dragon asked to be sacrificed or else it would slaughter everyone in this area. With no other choice, the people were forced to follow the dragon's request to appease it. They use a white feathered arrow and shoot into the sky. And the house where the arrow landed was the house where a girl had to become a scapegoat. A priest named Mankan couldn't stand the dragon's cruelty. He did a curse, and bound it to the Upside-down Cedar (a deep underwater rock mass). After binding underwater, the dragon seems to have changed. Mankan saw it and so he built a temple for the dragon. The dragon was worshiped and...

Onibi (Demon Fire) is a type of atmospheric ghost light in Japanese legend. One of the types of youkai that is shaped like a fireball and is extremely dangerous. Onibi is a beautiful but deadly phenomenon. They look like small fireballs, usually blue or white (red and yellow onibi are less common), and occur in groups of twenty to thirty individuals. Onibi spheres can range in size from three to thirty centimeters and often hover at eye level. They appear in places surrounded by nature, grasslands, forests, watersides, graveyards — most often during the spring and summer months, and especially on rainy days. According to folklore, they are spirits born from the corpses of humans and animals. It is not known what causes the onibi to be born; sometimes they show up and sometimes they don't. Intense grudges and malice can also create onibi. They are considered identical to the will-o'-the-wisps of English folklore. Onibi doesn't generate much heat, but is dangerous in other re...

Many birds, as well as other ordinary creatures, can transform into yokai with strange powers when they live long enough. Aosagibi is one such creature. They are believed to be herons - especially the nocturnal black-crowned heron. Other wild herons and birds, such as ducks and pheasants, can also develop the ability to transform into Aosagibi, although it is generally thought to be caused by nocturnal herons. Aosagibi depicts a heron with burning eyes and its white feathers burning brightly with a supernatural light. From a distance, the bird looks like a fiery ball of fire. This bird has the ability to hypnotize people who encounter them to the point of getting lost in the forest without finding a way out, if they can't get out, they will die. With each breath, they begin to blow a layer of iridescent yellow powder from their beaks and disperse them into the wind. In autumn, their bodies begin to emit a bluish-white light at night. Their fragrant breath ignites into bright blue f...

The Basan is a rare bird found only on the island of Shikoku, in the mountains of Ehime. They are roughly the size of a turkey and shaped like a chicken. Basans are easily recognized by their bright red crest and brightly colored plumage that looks like tongues of fire. Their most notable feature is their breath flowing out of a dragon's fire-like mouth. However, the flame does not give off heat nor ignite combustible materials. Wood and embers make up their diet According to legend, anyone who heard Basan flap his wings and saw the appearance of this ghost chicken would disappear without a trace. Basan are completely nocturnal species and little is known about their behavior. They make their homes in remote bamboo groves, far from human habitation. During the day it hides in bamboo groves, but at night it emerges and wanders into remote villages at night in search of remains of bonfires or charcoal. When pleased or startled, the basan fish flaps its wings creating a distinctive ru...

Omukade is giant centipede youkai in Japanese mythology. Ōmukade is very cruel and ferocious. It is a threat to all living things where they appear. Its favorite food is people. It has a dark body, bright orange legs and head. The exoskeleton is so hard that it cannot be penetrated by a weapon. No one has clearly stated the size of an Omukade, but it is described as as big as a dragon, and in fact, the venom from its bites, even dragons are feared. What's more terrifying is, Omukade's venom is rarely enough to cause death but cause the victim to suffer a prolonged pain. It's very painful, but I can't die. That's why many people use this monster's venom for more torture purposes. Omukade usually lives in caves deep in the mountains, dark and damp places or anywhere that can accommodate its huge size. Omukade also transforms into a half-human and half-centipede form with the upper body of a maiden and the lower body a hideous centipede. It uses that form to lure m...

Tatsu, the Japanese dragon, is similar in appearance to the Chinese dragon. They have long, scaly bodies, zigzag tails, sharp teeth and claws, and often have horns, antlers, spines, and antennae. Some tatsu have multiple limbs or heads. Some of them disguise themselves as humans and are never seen in their natural form. Tatsu has a strong connection with water, such as rain, rivers, seas or oceans. They are considered water gods. They live in splendid palaces on the depths of the sea, or in other secluded places. They usually live far away from human-inhabited areas, but sometimes stay at home near Buddhist temples. Like Western dragons, they store large amounts of treasure and keep powerful magical artifacts in their homes. Many of them are great villains, tormenting humanity without words, while others are pure and kind, dedicating their wisdom and strength to those who seek it. Some tatsu even allow worthy heroes to visit them, and lend their magical items to noble warriors. Tatsu r...

Hōō are beautiful, peaceful, phoenix-like beings honored throughout East Asia and worshiped as gods. They are described as having the beak of a rooster, the jaws of a swallow, the head of a pheasant, the neck of a snake, the back of a turtle, the legs of a crane, and the tail of a peacock. Vibrantly colored with the five colors of the Chinese elements - white, black, red, yellow and blue. They have five distinctive tail feathers. Hōō are completely peaceful beings and they never harm other living things. They only eat bamboo seeds, and only nest on paulownia trees. When a hōō flies, it is said that the wind stops, the dust settles, and the birds and insects grow quietly. Because of their purity, they appear only in lands blessed with peace, prosperity, and happiness. The appearance of a hōō is an extremely good omen, said to herald the beginning of a new era in history. The hōō is a common motif in Japanese paintings, crafts, kimonos, and on shrines and temples. As a symbol, it symboli...

Yamata no Oroch (eight-headed giant snake) also known as Yamata no Orochi. This is a snake-like creature in Japanese Shinto. Yamata no Orochi is depicted with eight heads and eight tails. It has bright red eyes and a red belly. Yamata no Orochi's giant body is depicted stretching 8 valleys, 8 hills. Its body was covered with moss, cypress and cedar trees on its back so it looked like a mountain range. Born Izanagi, the male god who created ancient Japan, used the sacred spear Ame-no-nubuki to stir into the ocean, creating the eight islands that formed ancient Japan. He is married to the goddess Izanami. The one who conceived and gave birth to Hinokagu is the fire god of the earth. However, upon giving birth to Hinokagu, Hinokagu's flames flared up and caused the goddess Izanami to die. The god Izanagi got angry, cut Hinokagu into eight pieces and threw it into the sea. Each part of Hinokagu becomes different volcanoes. Hinokagu's spirit reincarnated as a human, becoming the...

Futakuchi-onna (two-mouthed woman) is a type of Japanese youkai or monster. They are characterized by having two mouths - one normally located on the face and a second one on the back of the head below the hair. There, the woman's skull split open, forming large, fat lips filled with teeth and a tongue, creating a completely functional second mouth. However, that's not the worst thing, if it feels hungry its mouth starts to mutter hateful things, threaten and demand food. If not fed, it will scream obscene words and cause pain to the woman. Eventually, the hairs around the second mouth turned into tentacles and snatched all the food from the woman. In Japanese mythology and folklore, Futakuchi-onna belong to the same story class as rokurokubi, kuchisake-onna, and yama-uba, women who suffer from a curse or supernatural illness that causes them to turn into youkai. The supernatural nature of the women in these stories is often hidden until the very last moment, when the real pers...

Dorotabou is a mud spirit that emerges from the black mud of a rice field and, although not entirely dangerous, is terrifying in appearance. Dorotabou are actually shapeshifting ghosts of old men toiling in their rice fields. They appear as one-eyed, three-toed humanoid figures that emerge from the mud at night. It is said that the five fingers of the human hand represent three vices and two virtues: anger, greed, delusion, wisdom, and compassion. The ghostly Dorotabou that appears with only three fingers represents evil. It was a spirit of vengeance and rage — angry at the ignorance and greed that it was now ashamed of with its life's work. Dorotabou often appears and wanders through the overgrown grasslands, calling out in a mournful voice, "Give me back the rice fields!" They haunt their fields after nightfall, disturbing the new inhabitants of their land and preventing their sleep. Dorotabou continued to haunt until the wasteful landowners changed their ways or gave u...