
### **The Beast That Comes with the Moon**

Every year, as the Lunar New Year approaches, homes are swept clean, doors are painted red, and firecrackers explode in the streets. These traditions may seem like mere festivity to an outsider, but their origins lie in survival—because once, long ago, the Nian came.

The wind carries a faint, guttural growl through the valleys, unsettling the livestock before the villagers even sense the shift in the air. Described in hushed voices by the elderly and half-believed by the young, the Nian is no ordinary beast. It is a terror of the dark season, a creature that emerges when the old year dies, seeking to devour and destroy before the new year can begin. They say it slumbers deep in the mountains or beneath the sea, waking only when hunger calls it forth. And when it comes, villages fall silent, doors are locked, and prayers are whispered in the dim glow of lantern light.

### **A Monstrous Visage**

The Nian is unlike any earthly predator. Its body is enormous, covered in thick, coarse fur that shifts in hue like storm-lit clouds. Some say it looks like a great lion, others swear it has the twisted horns of a dragon, curling like frozen rivers. Its eyes glow an unnatural yellow, gleaming with an intelligence that makes it all the more dangerous.

Its jagged, gnarled teeth seem endless, and its claws carve through stone with ease. The air turns heavy and still, as if even the wind dares not move in its presence. Those who have seen its tracks speak of something impossibly large, prints deep enough to mark the earth for weeks after it has passed.

But the worst part? The Nian does not kill for sport. It kills because it is hungry.

### **The Endless Hunger**

The Nian feeds at the turning of the year, drawn by the scent of life and the warmth of celebration. Many once tried to appease the beast with gold, fruit, or incense, but these gifts were always ignored, their altars shattered in the morning. It cares not for these gifts—it hunts only for living flesh. It hunts cattle, pets, and sometimes, people.

The stories tell of entire villages falling to its hunger before the traditions were known. Doors left unguarded, homes without their protective symbols—these were the ones it devoured first. The beast would descend from the mountains or rise from the depths, its massive form moving with terrifying swiftness, snatching livestock and children before vanishing into the dark.

### **How It Was Defeated—Or Was It?**

For generations, the Nian returned every year, an unstoppable force of destruction. That was until the people learned its weaknesses.

- **Fireworks and Loud Noises**: The Nian, for all its power, is deeply afraid of sudden, sharp sounds. The crackling of firecrackers sends it fleeing, its ears too sensitive to bear the assault.
- **The Color Red**: It despises red, though no one knows why. Red banners, red clothing, and red-painted doors drive it away.
- **Bright Lights**: The beast thrives in darkness, its eyes accustomed to the shadows. Lanterns and fires disrupt its vision, making it hesitant to approach.

Armed with this knowledge, the people fought back. Red lanterns were hung at every door. Drums and gongs were struck with all the force they could muster. Explosions of firecrackers lit up the night, creating a storm of sound that sent the Nian fleeing. Some say it returned to the mountains, others that it slunk back into the sea.

But no one believes it is truly gone.

### **Other Tales of the Nian**

Some say the Nian was never alone—that its kin still lurk in the forgotten corners of the world. Others whisper that lesser Nian-like creatures still lurk in the deep forests and forgotten caves, waiting for their moment to strike. Others speak of the Nian retreating into deep mountain caves, waiting for the day when the firecrackers go silent and the people forget their defenses.

### **Signs of Its Return**

The Nian is rarely seen—but those who dismiss it may not be looking closely enough. Whispers persist of strange disappearances, of clawed tracks appearing where none should be. The signs are there for those who dare to notice:

- **An eerie silence before the new year**: No wind, no birds, no distant village sounds—only an unnatural stillness.
- **Strange claw marks on trees or rocks**: Deep, deliberate scratches that do not match any known animal.
- **Unexplainable disappearances of livestock**: Entire farms left in eerie silence, with doors shattered and fences broken, yet not a single body to be found.
- **Children speaking of glowing eyes in the dark**: Dismiss them at your peril. The young often sense what adults refuse to see.

### **A Word of Caution**

Even now, as firecrackers burst and red banners wave, people follow these traditions—not just for celebration, but as a safeguard. Few dare to test what happens if they are ignored.

So when the new year arrives, celebrate well. Light your lanterns, wear your red, and make as much noise as you can. Some whisper of a village where firecrackers failed—and by morning, not a soul remained. The Nian still prowls, lurking in the dark places of the world. Some say it is already here, moving in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. If you listen closely, you may hear its breath in the wind.

Stay vigilant. Stay safe. But if the firecrackers fail, and the silence lingers too long—run.


Nian – The Lunar Beast of Terror


### **Echoes of Broken Steel**

The sound of iron shattering in the dead of night is the only warning some get. Blackened footprints, scorched into the earth, mark the path of something monstrous—something insatiable. It is said that when a Bulgasari descends upon a village, no blade, no armor, no chain is spared from its insatiable hunger. Warriors stand helpless as swords rust in their hands. Merchants weep over shattered wares. When the beast departs, it leaves only brittle husks where iron once stood.

### **The Devourer of Iron**

The Bulgasari is unlike any ordinary predator. It is a beast covered in tough, needle-like spines, its hide growing harder with every piece of iron it consumes. Some say it moves like a bear, others like a hunched boar, while some claim it resembles a monstrous pangolin clad in jagged plates. Regardless of its form, all accounts agree on its immense size—large enough to crush carts beneath its bulk. Sharp spines jut from its back, each one glimmering with an eerie sheen, as though still hot from the forge. Its tusks, curved and wicked, glint under the moonlight like polished daggers.

Its most terrifying feature, however, is its mouth—a jagged maw that devours iron as if it were dry leaves. It consumes swords whole, grinds armor to dust, and drinks molten metal like water. Some say that the more iron it consumes, the stronger it becomes, its body forging new plates with each meal.

### **Born of Wrath, Sustained by Hunger**

Legends tell that the first Bulgasari was not born, but **given life**—a creation meant to end war but destined for ruin. It was meant to be a guardian, an end to the bloodshed that steel had wrought. Yet, as it fed, its hunger deepened. No weapon, no chain, no scrap of metal could sate its growing appetite. That night, the creature **stirred**—its form shifting unnaturally, growing beyond the monk’s control. With a hunger boundless, it swept through the land, devouring swords, armor, and fortresses alike before disappearing into the mountains, leaving only rust and ruin in its wake.

Tales of the Bulgasari have endured for centuries, passed down through generations, though whether the beast itself endures or only its legend remains uncertain. Others believe it is eternal, wandering the world in search of iron, never satisfied, never dying.

### **Where the Iron Eater Roams**

It is said that these creatures are drawn to places rich in iron, though whether they truly roam the lands or are simply a tale to keep blacksmiths wary is uncertain. **Ruins and battlefields** are common hunting grounds, where shattered weapons and rusted armor lie scattered. **Mountain forges**, too, attract their hunger, drawn by the scent of molten metal and freshly hammered steel. Villagers who rely on iron tools live in fear of the beast, for even a simple horseshoe could lure disaster.

Signs of the Bulgasari’s presence are unmistakable:

- **Metal corrodes overnight**: Swords left unsheathed weaken and crumble.
- **Rust-covered footprints**: As if the ground itself carries the decay of every weapon it has consumed.
- **The silence of crows**: Even scavengers flee in the wake of its hunger.

### **A Hunger That Never Ends**

The Bulgasari is spoken of as **relentless**, an unstoppable force that sweeps through iron-rich lands, leaving only ruin in its wake. It does not stalk like a tiger or strike like a wolf. It descends like a storm, driven only by hunger. It does not need to sleep, nor does it tire. Some survivors claim it **smells iron from miles away**, drawn to even the smallest traces.

Attempts to fight the beast are said to end in disaster. Arrows bounce off its metallic hide, and spears shatter upon impact, leaving warriors defenseless as their weapons crumble in their hands. Warriors speak of entire regiments whose weapons rusted to dust before they could strike, forcing them to flee with nothing but their bare hands. Even the mightiest warriors, clad in the strongest steel, have been left defenseless as their weapons crumbled in their hands.

### **Escaping the Bulgasari’s Grip**

Few who claim to have survived an encounter with the Bulgasari tell of one thing—leave no metal behind, lest the beast follow its scent.

If you suspect a Bulgasari is near:

- **Abandon iron**: Any weapon, tool, or piece of armor will betray your presence.
- **Flee to wooden structures**: The beast shows no interest in stone or wood.
- **Distract it with bait**: Some have survived by hurling weapons into the distance, giving them precious moments to escape.
- **Fire and ash**: Though the Bulgasari is drawn to flame-heated metal, it despises soot and ash. Smearing your weapons in burnt charcoal may slow its advance.

### **When Metal Screams**

If you wake to find your sword rusting beside you, listen closely. Some believe the wind carries faint echoes of the Bulgasari before it arrives—whether truth or superstition, none dare to test. If the scent of rust lingers in the air, it may already be too late. The Bulgasari is never far when iron begins to vanish. And should you ever hear the grinding of metal in the dead of night, do not reach for your blade—it will betray you before the beast ever does.

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare


### **The Hound at Death’s Gate**

They say the journey to the underworld begins with a single step into darkness. The river that marks the boundary is silent, its waters thick with forgotten voices. At its far shore, beyond the reach of the living, looms a pair of colossal iron gates. And there, where even the bravest souls falter, stands Cerberus—the monstrous three-headed hound of Hades.

To face Cerberus is to stand at the threshold of existence. Few who challenge it return, and those who do bear the scars of the underworld. Its snarling jaws exhale a mist of decay, its glowing eyes fixate on the wretched souls that pass beneath its gaze. Each head moves independently, watching, never at rest. Some say its tail writhes like a serpent, while others claim it is a serpent itself. One thing is certain: there is no returning past the gates, for **Cerberus lets no soul escape.**

### **Three Heads, One Purpose**

Each of Cerberus’s three heads serves a purpose. It is said that one head keeps watch over what has been, one sees all that is, and the third peers into the abyss of what is yet to come, making escape impossible. Others claim one head snarls in fury, one howls in warning, and one remains ever silent, waiting for its next victim.

Its fur is thick and matted, black as the abyss, glistening with an eerie sheen as though damp with the tears of the damned. Long, jagged fangs protrude from its maws, each ready to crush bone with ease. Around its neck, some claim a mane of writhing snakes hisses and strikes at anything foolish enough to draw near, though others insist this is merely a trick of the shadows, exaggerated by fearful storytellers.

Its breath carries the scent of rotting flesh, a warning to all that the beast has feasted well—and will again.

### **The Eternal Sentinel**

Unlike many beasts of legend, Cerberus does not roam freely. It is bound to its post by the will of Hades himself, forever guarding the boundary between the living and the dead. No mortal may pass without divine permission, and no soul may escape without suffering the wrath of the three-headed beast.

Countless have tried to slip past the beast. Those who failed left no trace; those who survived were forever changed.

The most famous of these was Heracles, who was tasked with capturing Cerberus as his final labor. Armed with nothing but his strength and determination, he descended into the underworld and wrestled the beast into submission. Though Cerberus thrashed and snapped with all three heads, Heracles held firm, forcing it to yield. With Hades' reluctant permission, the hero dragged the monstrous hound to the surface, where the beast's very presence made mortals tremble. Yet even Heracles, mighty as he was, did not truly defeat Cerberus—he merely borrowed it. When his task was done, the hound returned to its post, more furious than before, ever watchful of those who dare challenge its might.

The hero Orpheus lulled it to sleep with the haunting melody of his lyre. Heracles, in his final labor, descended into the underworld and, using nothing but his strength, forced the beast into submission. Though the hound thrashed and snapped with all three heads, Heracles held firm, dragging it to the mortal world. But even then, he did not slay it—he merely borrowed it before returning it to its eternal post. Yet even then, Cerberus did not truly fall—it simply **returned to its post, unshaken, unwavering.**

### **When the Beast is Challenged**

Throughout history, warriors, sorcerers, and desperate souls have attempted to deceive or defeat Cerberus. But those who fail vanish, leaving only echoes of their final cries. Fewer still return to tell their tale.

One such tale tells of a warrior who attempted to slip past by cloaking himself in shadow. He moved silently, pressing himself against the cold stone of the underworld’s gates. But Cerberus’s leftmost head, ever watching the past, detected the disturbance. With a single leap, the beast tore through the deception, and the warrior’s screams faded into the abyss.

Yet there are whispers of those who have survived its presence. A priestess of Hecate, goddess of magic, once approached the gates bearing an offering—**a loaf of honeyed bread, soaked in the milk of a black goat.** The beast sniffed at the gift, and for a fleeting moment, its three heads ceased their snarling. She was granted passage. But as she stepped beyond the gates, she knew the truth: **there would be no return.**

### **Those Who Seek to Cross**

To face Cerberus is to stand on the threshold of the underworld itself. Some have sought to best it, others to bargain, but only a rare few have walked away. Here’s what you must know to have any chance of survival: **Music soothes its wrath**, as Orpheus proved. **Divine favor can grant safe passage**, as seen in the myths of Persephone and Psyche. And some claim that certain rituals—**sacrificial offerings of honey, milk, or blood**—can dull its hunger, if only for a moment.

But do not be deceived. **Cerberus is not a mere beast to be tamed.** It is not a guardian to be reasoned with. It is a force woven into the fabric of existence, as unyielding as death itself.

### **Beyond the Gates: Myths and Whispers**

While Cerberus is best known as Hades’s three-headed guardian, its legend is unmatched among the creatures of the underworld.  Others say it is merely one of many—one of the great hounds that hunt in the night, seeking lost souls to drag below.

Stories of Cerberus shift like shadows cast by torchlight in an ancient crypt. Yet one truth remains unchanged—a monstrous hound with three heads, each unyielding in its watch. Most accounts describe Cerberus’s tail as long and powerful, a natural extension of its monstrous form. Yet in some versions of the tale, it is said to writhe like a living serpent, striking with lethal precision.

Regardless of what is said, one truth remains unshaken: **Cerberus is the final barrier between life and death, and once you pass its gaze, there is no going back.**

### **Beware the Guardian’s Gaze**

If you hear a distant growl echoing beneath the earth, if you feel unseen eyes upon you as you walk among the tombstones, **do not look back.** The hound of Hades is bound to the underworld, ensuring no soul escapes its grasp.

Should you stand at the underworld’s gate, three pairs of burning eyes fixed upon you, know this—there are no choices left. Your only hope is to avoid being seen in the first place.

**No mortal strength, no whispered prayer, no hidden path will save you. Cerberus does not bargain. Cerberus does not yield.**

Cerberus – The Guardian of the Underworld


### **The Tiyanak: The Crying Terror of the Philippine Forests**

In the deep, shadowy recesses of the Philippine jungles, there’s a cry that echoes through the trees—a sound that chills the blood of even the bravest. The **Tiyanak**. To the untrained ear, it might sound like a helpless baby in distress, calling out for someone to come to its aid. But that’s when the danger begins.

### **First Impressions: The Tiyanak's Appearance and Traits**

The Tiyanak is a creature often described as a **small, child-sized figure**—but don’t be fooled by its innocent appearance. Its face, when seen up close, is anything but childlike. With **wide, hollow eyes**, a **mouth filled with sharp, jagged teeth**, and claws that can tear through flesh, the Tiyanak is a predator with an uncanny ability to lure its victims. 

While it may initially seem like a defenseless child, this monster is far from helpless. Its skin is often reported as **decomposing** or **bloated**, adding to its disturbing presence. Some stories tell of the Tiyanak’s limbs being unnaturally long or disproportionate, further enhancing the unsettling nature of this creature.

### **How the Tiyanak Hunts: Luring the Unwary**

The Tiyanak’s hunting method is disturbingly simple yet effective: **it mimics the cry of an infant** to attract nearby humans. Often heard in desolate places like **forests**, **caves**, or the outskirts of villages, the sound will echo through the trees, growing louder and more desperate as it pulls in the unsuspecting traveler. Many reports claim that it sounds **exactly like a baby**, which makes it almost impossible to resist. **Once close enough**, the Tiyanak reveals its true form.

In some accounts, it has been said that it will **transform into a small child** just to get closer, and in others, it remains hidden in the shadows, attacking when its prey is near. But the result is always the same: **victims who follow the cry are never seen again**.

### **The Tiyanak's Strengths and Abilities**

- **Master of Mimicry**: The Tiyanak's primary weapon is its **ability to mimic** the cries of an infant or a small child. This sound is so convincing that it has caused countless people to venture into danger, only to be ambushed.
  
- **Ambush Predator**: Once its victim is in range, the Tiyanak will **spring out of hiding**, often slashing with its claws or using its unnatural strength to overpower them. The creature’s size and apparent vulnerability work to its advantage, lulling victims into a false sense of security.

- **Supernatural Endurance**: Many reports say the Tiyanak is **difficult to kill**, with some suggesting that it is a type of **undead spirit** or cursed creature that cannot easily be dispatched by conventional means.

### **Signs of the Tiyanak: How to Identify Its Presence**

You may not always hear the Tiyanak's cries before it strikes. But there are often subtle clues that indicate its presence in the area:

- **The Silence of the Forest**: Just before the Tiyanak’s cry is heard, the forest will often fall eerily silent. The birds and insects that normally fill the air with noise will disappear, making the space feel unnaturally still.
  
- **Faint Footprints**: Some report seeing the Tiyanak’s **small, childlike footprints** around the area, often near muddy streams or along poorly traveled paths. But be wary, as these prints are sometimes deliberately misleading, leading victims in the wrong direction.
  
- **Distorted Cry**: As you get closer, the baby’s cry will **grow distorted**, sometimes shifting into a screech or a laugh that sounds more like a mocking taunt than a cry for help.

### **Behavioral Patterns: The Tiyanak's Methods**

The Tiyanak is not a creature of impulse; it is a **predator that plans its attacks carefully**. It waits for the right moment when its prey is most vulnerable—whether it’s a **lone traveler**, someone **seeking solitude**, or even those grieving a loss.

- **Vulnerable Victims**: The Tiyanak has an affinity for those **in emotional distress**, such as grieving parents or individuals lost in the wilderness. The cry of a child echoes through the night, offering them false hope.
  
- **Solitary Attacks**: Unlike some monsters that prefer to hunt in packs, the Tiyanak typically hunts alone. It thrives in **solitary, isolated environments** where it can use its cries to trick one individual at a time.

### **How to Survive a Tiyanak Encounter**

- **Trust Your Instincts**: If you hear a baby’s cry in the wilderness, do not approach it without caution. Often, the cry will sound perfectly genuine. Your best option is to **avoid investigating** and continue on your way.

- **Do Not Follow the Cry**: The Tiyanak’s cry can cause confusion, even to the most experienced travelers. **Never follow the sound**—stay focused on your surroundings and keep a steady course. The moment you veer off the path, you risk falling into the creature’s trap.

- **Create Distance**: If you happen to come across the Tiyanak, **create distance immediately**. Run and do not look back. The Tiyanak’s pursuit can be relentless, but it is not particularly fast in open areas.

- **Burning Herbs**: Some stories suggest that certain **herbs or plants**, like **sage or lavender**, when burned, can ward off evil spirits, including the Tiyanak. If you must travel through areas known for Tiyanak sightings, it may be wise to carry these with you.

### **Final Warnings**

The Tiyanak is not a creature to be taken lightly. The forests of the Philippines hold more than just shadows—sometimes, they hold a predator waiting to strike. If you ever find yourself in an area where a baby’s cry echoes through the trees, remember that it may not be a cry for help at all.

Survival depends on **staying alert** and not allowing the Tiyanak to manipulate your emotions. Trust in your instincts, avoid the sound, and stay on guard. Your life could depend on it.

Tiyanak: The Crying Terror of the Philippine Forests


### **A Journey Through New Zealand's Mythical Creatures**
 
New Zealand’s misty forests, deep rivers, and rugged coasts are said to harbor ancient beings that guard the wild places. From protectors of waterways to elusive spirits of the wilderness, these entities are deeply tied to the land. Travelers who venture too boldly into these untamed regions risk encountering forces both mysterious and powerful. Here are some of the most intriguing beings believed to roam New Zealand’s landscapes.

### **Taniwha: Guardians or Enforcers of the Waters**

In the deep rivers and vast oceans of Māori lore, **Taniwha** dwell—formidable beings revered as both protectors and enforcers. Their forms vary, appearing as serpentine creatures or shark-like guardians, each tied to a specific waterway or coastline. Some are believed to guide and safeguard communities, ensuring safety during journeys, while others are seen as enforcers of sacred rules, guarding against disrespect or harm to the land and waters. Fishermen and travelers speak of ripples in still waters or distant, guttural sounds as signs of their presence. Respect their domain, or risk invoking their wrath.

### **Māui’s Demise: The Goddess Hine-nui-te-pō**

Hine-nui-te-pō, the goddess of death, is said to stand at the threshold between life and the afterlife, her immense power shaping the fate of all who encounter her. Legends tell of Māui, the demigod, attempting to reverse death by entering her sleeping form. But as he neared success, her sharp obsidian teeth crushed him, marking the end of his journey and humanity’s mortality.

Travelers speak of her presence in the crimson skies at dusk, a sign that the boundary she guards is not to be crossed. To challenge Hine-nui-te-pō, as Māui did, is to face the certainty of mortality.

### **Patupaiarehe: Mysterious Fairy Folk**

In the mist-shrouded forests and hilltops of New Zealand, the **Patupaiarehe** are said to dwell, elusive beings with pale skin and fair hair. Known for their ethereal beauty and haunting melodies played on flutes, they are most active under the cover of night or during the morning mist. Stories warn against straying too close, as these beings may lure humans into their realm, never to return.

Some claim to hear faint music drifting through the fog, a sign of their presence. Those who respect their territory and avoid their haunts during twilight are said to be safe from their enchantments.

### **Pouākai: The Eagle That Ruled the Skies**

High above the rugged peaks of Aotearoa, the **Pouākai** once ruled as a master of the skies. This massive bird, often described with a wingspan that could shadow the ground below, is said to have preyed on large creatures—and perhaps even humans. Villagers spoke of sudden, eerie silences in the forests and the sound of powerful wings slicing through the air. Known for its precision and strength, the Pouākai could swoop down without warning. Travelers are warned to tread carefully in remote areas, where legends say its lingering spirit still watches.

### **Tipua: Spirits of the Land**

The **Tipua**, mysterious spirits tied to the land, are said to inhabit stones, trees, and rivers, watching over the natural world. Known for their shapeshifting abilities, they can take on the form of animals or humans to interact with travelers who wander too close. Tales warn of sudden changes in weather or unexplained whispers that signal their presence. While some Tipua protect sacred sites and those who respect the land, others punish those who show disregard. Locals leave offerings at certain places, mindful that the Tipua’s favor—or wrath—can shift with the winds.

### **Kumi: The Hidden Giant**

Lurking in the shadows of dense forests and misty valleys, the **Kumi** is a fearsome giant said to guard its hidden domain. Described as towering and powerful, with a piercing gaze that sees through the thickest undergrowth, the Kumi is both protector and predator. Travelers speak of hearing heavy footsteps and the crack of branches, though the creature itself remains elusive. Those who respect the land are often left unscathed, but those who trespass with ill intent risk drawing its wrath. In these untamed places, the Kumi ensures that nature’s balance is upheld.

### **Kawekaweau: The Giant Gecko of Legend**

Hidden among the ancient forests, the **Kawekaweau** is a legendary gecko said to reach lengths far beyond its smaller kin. Its sleek, scaled body and sharp eyes make it a formidable presence in the wild. Whispers tell of its ability to vanish among the trees, its movements so silent that only the rustle of leaves betrays its passing. Some believe the Kawekaweau is a guardian of the forest, appearing only to those who threaten its sanctuary. Travelers who stumble upon its domain often feel an uncanny sense of being watched—by something both ancient and unseen.

### **Maero: Savage Forest Dwellers**

Deep within the shadowed forests, the **Maero** are said to dwell, their wild, humanoid forms covered in tangled hair and wielding sharp claws. Known for their fierce and territorial nature, these beings are believed to attack intruders without hesitation. Stories tell of their disdain for human encroachment, with lost travelers often finding eerie signs of their presence—stripped tree branches or claw marks etched into the bark. Locals warn against venturing into Maero territory unprepared, as encounters with these savage dwellers often end in whispers of disappearance and dread.

### **Ponaturi: Creatures of the Deep**

Lurking beneath the ocean’s waves, the **Ponaturi** are said to be nocturnal beings, their pale forms emerging only under the cover of darkness. Legends describe them as malevolent and cunning, preying on humans who stray too close to their watery domains. They cannot tolerate sunlight, which is said to destroy them instantly, forcing them to retreat into their underwater lairs by dawn. Coastal dwellers speak of strange sounds and eerie lights near the shore—warnings that the Ponaturi are near. To encounter them is to risk being dragged into the depths, never to return.

### **Ngarara: Cunning Reptilian Beings**

The **Ngarara** are cunning, reptilian creatures said to inhabit caves and dense forests. Their scaled forms and sharp intelligence make them both feared and respected. Some tales describe them as guardians of hidden treasures, while others warn of their vengeful nature when their territory is disturbed. Known to be both solitary and calculating, they are said to strike bargains with those who approach with respect but show no mercy to the reckless. Travelers recount eerie encounters—eyes glinting in the darkness and a low, guttural hiss that seems to come from all directions.


monsters

Nian – The Lunar Beast of Terror

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare

Cerberus – The Guardian of the Underworld

Tiyanak: The Crying Terror of the Philippine Forests

Top 10 Monsters from New Zealand Folklore: Taniwha, Marakihau, and More