CREATURES
Animals
Karura: an anthropomorphic eagle.
Keukegen: a small-dog like creature that is covered in long hair.
Komainu: pair of lion-dogs that guard the entrances to temples.
Mujina: a badger that can shapeshift.
Myōbu: a title given to the messenger foxes of Inari.
Nyūnaisuzume: these are sparrows that flew from the mouth of Fujiwara-no-Sanekata, an exiled poet.
Ōgama: a giant toad that can breathe rainbow-like smoke and wield a giant spear against those who attack it.
Shachihoko: an animal with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. It's said it can create rainfall, so they are often built onto of roof ornaments of temples and castles to protect against fire.
Shisa: the Okinawan version of Shishi.
Shishi: lion-dogs that are known for guarding the entrance of temples.
Son Gokū: monkey king, also known as Sun Wukong in Chinese mythology and Journey to the West.
Tsuchinoko: a snake-like creature.
Tsukinowaguma: a legendary bear.
Uma-no-ashi: a horse's leg that dangles from a tree and kicks those who pass by it.
Waira: a large beast that typically lurks in the mountains.
Yamako: an ape-like cannibalistic creature that is capable of reading minds.
Yatagarasu: Amaterasu's three-legged crow.
Yofune-nushi: a sea serpent/sea monster that was known for terrorizing the Oki Islands. Every year, it would demand a virgin tribute.
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Curses / Spells
Kitsunebi: flames that have been created by the kitsune.
Kuda-gitsune / Kuda-kitsune: a type of spirit possession involving a small fox.
Ushi-no-tokimairi: a curse that is typically done between 1 and 3 in the morning (also referred to as the "ox hour") by a black magic user.
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Dragons
Mizuchi: a water dragon that's known to be dangerous.
Ryuu: a dragon.
Wani: a water dragon/monster that looks like an alligator or crocodile.
Yamata no Orochi: a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed dragon/serpent.
Zennyo Ryūō: a dragon that makes rain.
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Fish
Akkorokamui: a giant Ainu monster resembling a fish or octopus.
Akugyo: an enormous species of mermaid found in the waters around Japan.
Amemasu: an Ainu creature resembling a giant fish or whale.
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APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology
FantasyThe spirits grow restless... in order to continue your journey to becoming a revered immortal, you must learn about the creatures who live in darkness. This book is a collection of information revolving around creatures and well-known myths from Asi...
