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Kamikiri

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Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Hair-Cutting
Category: Bird

The Myth

The Kamikiri is a mysterious yōkai blamed for the unexplained cutting of a person’s hair without them noticing. Victims would suddenly discover that part of their hair had been neatly cut away, even though no one had been seen approaching them.

Different traditions attributed these incidents to invisible hair-cutting insects, foxes, badgers, or the Kamikiri itself. In yōkai picture scrolls such as the Hyakkai Zukan, the Kamikiri is depicted as a tengu-like creature with enormous scissors in place of its hands, using them to silently snip the hair of unsuspecting people.

The Kamikiri later inspired the related yōkai known as the Amikiri (“Net-Cutter”), which first appeared in later illustrated collections of Japanese monsters.

Sources

TYZ. (n.d.). 神木 (Kamiki). In 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010653484.html

Aosagibi

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Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Goi no Hikari (“Night Heron Light”)
Category: Bird

The Myth

The Aosagibi is a mysterious yōkai created when an old heron—most commonly a black-crowned night heron—lives long enough to gain supernatural powers. These transformed birds appear around rivers, marshes, and reed-filled wetlands, especially on cool autumn nights.

As the heron ages, shining scales form upon its breast. With every breath, it exhales a fine yellow powder that drifts through the air. At night, its body glows with a bluish-white radiance, and the powder bursts into floating blue fireballs that drift over rivers, through the trees, or across the night sky.

Although these ghostly flames appear supernatural, they produce no heat and burn nothing they touch. Eventually, they fade away into the wind.

Despite their eerie appearance, Aosagibi are harmless. Like ordinary herons, they remain shy and avoid people, silently disappearing into the darkness when disturbed. Their glowing blue flames are often mistaken for other supernatural lights, but they are simply the strange manifestation of an ancient magical bird.

Sources

Yokai.com. (n.d.). Aosagibi. In Yokai.com: The Illustrated Database of Japanese Folklore. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://yokai.com/aosagibi/

Aiy-toyon

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Tradition / Region: Yakut Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative names: Ayy-toyon
Category: Bird

The Myth

Aiy-toyon is a mighty two-headed eagle that dwells in the ninth heaven according to Yakut belief. Revered as a sacred celestial being, it is regarded as the teacher of shamanism, having bestowed shamanic knowledge upon humanity.

Because of this divine role, the image of Aiy-toyon was traditionally displayed on the garments and drums of shamans, symbolizing its protection, wisdom, and connection between the human world and the highest heavens.

When asked why Aiy-toyon possessed two heads, the Yakuts simply replied that “he is too clever.”

Sources

Bestiary.us. (n.d.). Aiy-toion. In New Bestiary: Encyclopedia of Imaginary Beings. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.bestiary.us/aiy-toion

Tulorialik

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Tradition / Region: Inuit Mythology, Canadian Mythology
Alternative names: Nanoq Tulorialik (“The Bear with the Fangs”)
Category: Bear

The Myth

Tulorialik, the Bear with the Fangs, is a giant bear spirit and the most powerful helping spirit of the Inuit shaman Unaleq. Among his ten spirit helpers, Tulorialik was regarded as the strongest and most influential, answering whenever the shaman called upon him.

During a shamanic séance, Unaleq invoked Tulorialik in complete darkness. Hidden beneath a table covered with skins, he called the great bear spirit to enter his body. As Tulorialik arrived, those present heard the scraping of enormous claws, deep growls, the sounds of wind and rushing water, and the snorting of walruses. Through the power of the spirit, Unaleq claimed he could transform into a bear or a walrus.

On one occasion, Tulorialik was summoned to ensure the safety of a long sled journey. The bear spirit was said to travel ahead along the route, removing dangers and protecting the travelers from sickness, accidents, and death. After the séance, the shaman declared that Tulorialik had cleared the path and that the entire expedition would return safely.

Tulorialik was believed to possess immense supernatural power, and Unaleq regarded him not merely as a spirit, but as a faithful helper who came whenever he was called.

Sources

Rasmussen, K. (1930). Intellectual culture of the Hudson Bay Eskimos (Vols. 1–3). Gyldendal.

Mizuguma

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Tradition / Region: Japanese Mythology
Alternative names: Water Beast of Mizushima
Category: Bear

The Myth

The Mizuguma, or Water Bear, is a mysterious black beast said to have lived in the depths beneath Mount Hakusan. It was believed to be responsible for the devastating floods that repeatedly struck the Tedori River during the 18th century.

During one of these floods, people noticed a huge black object protruding from the river. It resembled neither stone, wood, nor the body of a dead animal. Covered in black, leather-like skin, it had no visible eyes, nose, or head, only several branch-like limbs. Hoes and bamboo poles could not pierce its hide.

When a coconut floated downstream, the creature suddenly extended one of its limbs, seized the fruit, pressed it against its mouthless body, and drained the oil from within before letting the empty shell drift away. Realizing it was alive, the villagers tried to burn it with flaming straw. The fire finally split its hide, drawing black blood.

The wounded beast responded with a tremendous roar. Towering waves crashed onto the riverbanks, embankments burst apart, and floodwaters surged across the countryside. Wherever the creature rolled, deep pools formed, and the flooding continued to devastate the surrounding villages.

Unable to defeat it, the people prayed daily by reciting the Kannon Sutra for one hundred days. One night, a faint light appeared, and the black creature was seen swimming upstream toward the mountains. After its departure, the floodwaters receded, the river returned to normal, and the Water Bear was never seen again. It was thereafter believed to dwell once more in the deep abyss beneath Mount Hakusan.

Sources

TYZ. (n.d.). 水熊 (Mizuguma). In 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1071303462.html

Ungnyeo

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Tradition / Region: Korean Mythology
Alternative names: Bear Woman
Category: Bear

The Myth

Ungnyeo was originally a bear who lived in a cave alongside a tiger. Both prayed to Hwanung, the divine ruler, asking to become human. He gave them twenty cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort, commanding them to remain inside the cave for one hundred days and eat nothing else.

The tiger abandoned the trial after about twenty days, unable to endure the hardship. The bear remained in the cave, and after twenty-one days was transformed into a woman.

Grateful for her new life, Ungnyeo made offerings to Hwanung. However, she had no husband and prayed beneath a sacred tree for a child. Moved by her devotion, Hwanung took Ungnyeo as his wife.

Their son was Dangun, the legendary founder of the Korean nation.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Ungnyeo. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ungnyeo

Gandlora Cave Bear

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Tradition / Region: Maltese Mythology
Alternative names: Ors tal-Gandlora
Category: Bear

The Myth

The Gandlora Cave Bear is a gigantic cave bear said to roam the underworld beyond the great cities, guarding the steep rocky valleys that lead to the land of Buġibda.

One enormous bear is said to climb through a hidden tunnel that emerges from a cave on the side of Gelmus Hill. Because of its thick fur, it comes to the surface only during the coldest nights of midwinter, usually around Candlemas in early February.

It prowls the countryside in search of prey, wandering along lonely roads, silent village streets, and deserted alleys in the middle of the night. Children are warned to keep their doors and windows tightly shut during Candlemas, for the beast is said to reach into homes with its long hooked claws and snatch away unsuspecting children.

Sources

Mifsud, S. D. (2014). The Maltese bestiary: An illustrated guide to the mythical flora and fauna of the Maltese Islands.

Nandi Bear

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Tradition / Region: Kenyan Mythology
Alternative names: Chemosit, Kerit, Koddoelo, Ngoloko, Duba
Category: Bear

The Myth

The Nandi Bear is a fearsome beast said to roam the forests and plains of East Africa, particularly the lands of the Nandi people in western Kenya. It is described as a massive, powerfully built carnivore with high front shoulders, a sloping back, and reddish hair. Some traditions claim it can stand on its hind legs and is active only at night.

The creature is regarded as extremely fierce and capable of killing both livestock and wild animals. Among the Nandi, it is known as Kerit, and legends say it has unusually long feet and is feared for scalping its human victims.

For generations, people reported encounters with the Nandi Bear throughout Kenya, but no specimen was ever captured or identified. Over time, sightings became increasingly rare, and the creature remains one of East Africa’s most enduring legendary beasts.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Nandi bear. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_bear

Qupqugiaq

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Tradition / Region: Inuit Mythology, American Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative names: Kochatko (Chukchi), K’ok’satkut (Siberian Yupik)
Category: Bear

The Myth

The Qupqugiaq is a gigantic bear-like creature from the folklore of the Inuit of western Alaska and the Indigenous peoples of eastern Russia. It resembles an enormous polar bear but is said to be vastly larger and stronger than any ordinary bear. Most traditions describe it as having six, eight, or even ten legs, although some accounts attribute only four legs to the beast.

Living among the sea ice, the Qupqugiaq is a powerful semi-aquatic predator capable of smashing through ice thicker than the height of a man. Its immense head is said to reach lengths of up to five feet, and its strength makes it one of the most feared creatures of the Arctic.

The beast is notorious for ambushing hunters and attacking boats. According to tradition, it sometimes lies on its back upon the ice, waving its many legs in the air while crying out as though in distress. Curious hunters who approach to investigate risk falling into its deadly trap. It is also said to imitate the call of a raven.

Stories of encounters with the Qupqugiaq have circulated among Arctic peoples for generations. One witness claimed the distance between the creature’s ears was as wide as a man’s fully outstretched arms. Another account tells of travelers who saw its enormous head rise through the sea ice before they hurried away, fearing that no ordinary ice could support such a colossal bear.

Sources

Cryptid Archives contributors. (n.d.). Qupqugiaq. In Encyclopaedia of Cryptozoology. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://cryptidarchives.fandom.com/wiki/Qupqugiaq

Ucumar

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Tradition / Region: Bolivian Mythology, Argentine Mythology
Alternative names: Ucumarí, Jucumari, Ucumare
Category: Bear

The Myth

The Ucumar is a fearsome creature of Argentine and Andean folklore, particularly associated with northwestern Argentina and neighboring Bolivia. Its name means “bear” in Aymara, and it is commonly described as a bear-man whose appearance varies from a squat, shaggy bear with human features to a wild, hairy man with a long beard and a narrow forehead.

The creature is said to dwell in caves deep within ravines, although it frequently wanders along rivers and springs, where it bathes. Its large footprints, resembling those of a bear, are often said to reveal its presence. Traditions also describe it as immensely strong and agile enough to climb the tallest trees.

The Ucumar is most feared for kidnapping people. According to many legends, the male abducts women and fathers children with them, while other traditions tell of a female Ucumar that captures young men. It is also said to steal children, making it a common figure used to frighten youngsters into obedience.

Those who encounter the Ucumar describe it as appearing suddenly and inspiring overwhelming terror. If someone shouts at the creature, it is said to answer from a distance with voices that sound eerily human. When attacked by dogs, it defends itself by striking them with a heavy club.

Among the Colla people, the Ucumar is instead portrayed as a gigantic ape-like being that walks upright through the forests. In this tradition, the male pursues women while the female hunts men, carrying their victims into remote wilderness where they are beaten to death. Some later writers have suggested that stories of the Ucumar may have been inspired by encounters with the spectacled bear of the Andean forests, though the legendary creature itself is regarded as a supernatural being rather than an ordinary animal.

Sources

Pueblos Originarios. (n.d.). Ucumar. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://pueblosoriginarios.com/sur/andina/colla/ucumar.html