In Aztec mythology, Tzitzimime were demons-gods that lived in the darkness of the sky vault. These deities were commonly depicted as skeletal female figures wearing skirts often with skull and bones designs. Their ultimate purpose was in waiting until both humans and gods could not keep the world alive any longer, and then attack to destroy humankind. However, as with most of Mexica’s deities, there is duality in Tzitzimime, as they were both protectors of the feminine and progenitors of mankind...

The skoffín is the fierce, dreaded offspring of an Arctic Fox and a cat, and resembles both of them. But attention, because the skoffín is born from a male Arctic fox mating with a female tabby cat, the other way around (male cat, and vixen) would produce a Skuggabaldur; a different creature altogether.

Skoffíns could be partially hairless, are all covered in fur, with formidable teeth and claws. However, its exact appearance varies; for it may even change color with the seasons like the Arctic f...

The Ahuizotl is a legendary creature in Aztec mythology. Translated from Nahuatl (the language spoken by the Aztecs) the name means “Thorny One of the Water” (see note below).

The Florentine Codex, a manuscript both written and compiled by Nahuas during the sixteenth century, still provides us with a vast amount of first hand information concerning the ancient customs of the Aztecs before the conquest of Mexico. In this codex, ahuizotl are described as dog-like creatures, with hands capable of ma...

In ancient Japanese folklore, the Kappa are water demons that inhabit rivers and lakes and devour disobedient little children.

The Kappa are one of many Japanese water deities. The name, meaning “river child,” is a combination of the words kawa (river) and wappa, a variant form of warawa (child).

Since ancient times, Kappa have been used to warn children of the dangers of lurking in and around rivers and lakes, as kappa have been often said to try to lure people into water to drown them.

The Kappa...