Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Plague Ghost, Pestilence Demon
Category: Ghost
The Myth
The Plague Demon is a terrifying supernatural creature in Chinese mythology that spreads deadly diseases wherever it appears. It can take many forms, including those of humans and animals, making its true appearance difficult to recognize. Its arrival brings sickness and death, and entire communities may suffer from the plague associated with its presence.
One account describes a cowherd who heard someone knocking at the door of his cattle pen during the night. When he got up to investigate, he saw hundreds of powerful men wearing colorful armor and red helmets rushing into the enclosure. The mysterious figures soon disappeared, and by daybreak all fifty cattle inside the pen were dead. The event was attributed to a Plague Demon, whose supernatural presence had brought sudden destruction to the herd.
Other traditional accounts describe plague ghosts as spirits that cling to walls and cannot pass through open air. These beings embody the devastating power of disease, appearing as mysterious forces capable of bringing death to humans and animals alike. Their arrival is feared because the sickness they spread can strike without warning and leave destruction in its wake.
Sources
“水鬼 (Shuǐguǐ).” Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%B4%E9%AC%BC