Sheep

Headless Calf

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Tradition: Luxembourg Mythology
Alternative Names: The Ghost of the Chapel at Mertert
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The ghost haunting the road between Mompach, Mertert, and Wasserbillig is a mysterious supernatural being capable of taking the forms of various animals. For generations, it haunted the place where a road from Mompach joined the main road between Mertert and Wasserbillig. The location was notorious for strange accidents involving travellers and wagon drivers. Horses would suddenly fall, wheels would break, and sometimes all four wheels of a wagon would break at once.

One moonlit night, a bold boatman was walking from Mertert to Wasserbillig with a companion when they noticed a calf standing on a small slope beside the road. The boatman climbed up to catch it, but slipped back down as soon as he reached for the animal. He tried again, only for the same thing to happen. This time, however, the calf had transformed into a sheep. Frustrated, he made a third attempt, carefully crawling up the steep slope. Once again, he slipped, and when he looked up, the sheep had become a headless calf.

Alarmed, the boatman abandoned his attempts and turned toward his companion, who had already fled. He hurried away himself, but the headless calf followed closely beside him all the way to Wasserbillig. There, in the sudden stillness of the night, he heard a strange rustling in the trees, and the apparition finally disappeared. After a cross at the haunted spot was replaced by a chapel, the ghost seemed to have been subdued and appeared only rarely.

Sources

La Fontaine, Edmond de. Luxemburger Sagen und Legenden. Luxemburg: Jos. Beffort, 1882.

Sântoaderi

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Tradition: Romanian Mythology
Alternative Names: Sântoader
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Sântoaderi were a group of seven or nine supernatural young men, recognizable by their unusually long feet and hooves and by the capes they wore. They were said to appear mysteriously in villages as a supernatural procession, announcing their arrival with singing, drums, and the pounding of hooves. Their presence was feared because they could bring illness to those who encountered them, wrapping victims in chains that caused rheumatism or stamping upon their bodies.

When villagers heard the music and the sound of hooves approaching, they were advised to remain inside their homes, where they would be safe. Anyone who remained outside risked being seized by the Sântoaderi and carried away as part of their nocturnal procession. Those taken by the supernatural riders did not all suffer the same fate. Some eventually returned healthy and carrying gifts, while others came back sick, dying, or insane.

The Sântoaderi were also associated with the zîne, Romanian fairy-like beings who likewise traveled through the night in dancing processions. According to the folklore, twenty-four days after Easter the zîne and Sântoaderi could meet together to play, and people offered them bouquets of flowers. Their name comes from a regional name for Saint Theodore, whose feast day was considered a particularly likely time for the Sântoaderi to appear.

Sources

“Sântoaderi.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 5, 2026.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A2ntoaderi

Bokkenrijder

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Tradition: Belgian Mythology, Dutch Mythology
Alternative Names: –
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Bokkenrijders were spirits who rode through the night sky upon goats. Mounted on their supernatural steeds, they could fly through the air by reciting a magical formula:

“Over huis, over tuin, over staak en dat tot Keulen in de wijnkelder!”

Once a year, the Bokkenrijders were said to ride to the Mookerheide, where they gathered to honor their master, the Devil.

The fear surrounding these spectral riders later became entangled with a very real band of robbers who operated throughout Limburg during the eighteenth century and called themselves Bokkenrijders as well. They appear to have exploited the existing fear of the supernatural riders. After being tortured, members of these gangs confessed to the most horrifying deeds, including having made a pact with the Devil and being able to fly through the air on the backs of goats.

More than 180 of these accused Bokkenrijders were eventually sentenced to death. Thus the name came to describe both the legendary spirits who supposedly crossed the night sky on goats and the eighteenth-century criminals who were accused of being their human counterparts.

Sources

“Aardmannetje tot zwarte juffer: een lijst van Nederlandse en Vlaamse elfen en geesten.” Abe de Verteller. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://abedeverteller.nl/van-aardmannetje-tot-zwarte-juffer-een-lijst-van-nederlandse-en-vlaamse-elfen-en-geesten/

Marțolea

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Tradition: Romanian Mythology
Alternative Names: Marț-sara, Marți Seara
Category: Demon, Sheep

The Myth

Marțolea is a demonic being that lives in the mountains and descends on Tuesday nights. Its gender is uncertain because it can change its form. It usually appears as a goat with a human-like head, horns, and hooves, but it can also take the form of an ugly old woman dressed entirely in white, a soldier, or a handsome young man.

Marțolea comes at night to punish women who work on Tuesday, a day that is considered semi-holy and must be respected. It forbids four particular household tasks: spinning wool, sowing, boiling laundry, and baking bread. It can lure women with its singing before punishing those who have continued working.

Its punishments are terrible. Unmarried women may be killed, with their guts ripped out and hung from nails on the walls or around the dishes. Married women may be killed, or Marțolea may possess their baby or their husband when he is away from home.

Marțolea appears differently depending on whom it encounters. To married women it appears as an old woman, to married men as a virgin, and to unmarried women as a handsome young man.

Those who respect Tuesday and refrain from the forbidden work are rewarded instead. Marțolea may leave eggs on their doorstep or bring them flowers from the highest mountains of Bucovina. On the first night of March, women wearing Mărțișor charms may also receive a silver coin from Marțolea, which they must keep throughout the year.

Sources

“Marțolea.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C8%9Bolea

Cabra Cabriola

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Tradition / Region: Portuguese Mythology
Alternative names: Cabra-cabriola
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Cabra Cabriola is one of Portugal’s most infamous bogeymen—a monstrous, man-eating goat used for centuries to frighten children into obedience. It is described as a terrifying goat-like creature with enormous jaws, razor-sharp teeth, and fire blazing from its eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Its name, meaning “Leaping Goat,” comes from its incredible ability to bound and leap with supernatural speed.

According to legend, the Cabra Cabriola wanders at night searching for disobedient children to devour. As it approaches, it announces itself with a chilling rhyme proclaiming that it eats children two at a time and will soon feast upon anyone who disobeys their parents.

One of the best-known stories tells of a poor mother who must leave her children alone while she goes to work. Before leaving, she warns them never to open the door unless they recognize her voice. Soon afterward, the Cabra Cabriola arrives and tries to trick the children into letting it inside, but they recognize its deep, monstrous voice and refuse.

Determined to succeed, the beast secretly listens as the mother returns home and memorizes the sound of her gentle voice. It then visits a blacksmith, who magically reforges its tongue so it can perfectly imitate her speech. Returning to the house, it softly calls to the children, pretending to be their mother carrying firewood, milk, and provisions. Believing the deception, the children unlock the door, whereupon the Cabra Cabriola enters and devours them.

Another Portuguese tale, set in the Algarve, tells of the monster breaking into a widow’s home while her children hide beneath a bed. Too frightened to confront it herself, the widow seeks help from larger animals such as a fox and a wolf, but both flee in terror. Finally, a tiny ant volunteers to help in exchange for a meal of honey and oil. Crawling onto the beast, the ant delivers a painful sting to its belly, causing the mighty Cabra Cabriola to flee the house screaming in agony. The story teaches that intelligence and courage can overcome even the most terrifying monster.

Throughout Portugal, the Cabra Cabriola became one of the country’s most enduring nursery monsters, combining the image of the medieval devil’s goat with the role of the child-snatching bogeyman. It remains a classic cautionary figure, warning children against disobedience, opening the door to strangers, and ignoring their parents’ instructions.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Cabra cabriola. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabra_cabriola

Eisenriet Goat

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Tradition / Region: Swiss Mythology
Alternative names: Eisenriet-Geiss, Isariadgoass, Riatligoass
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Eisenriet Goat is a terrifying demonic creature said to haunt the marshes of the Eisenriet near the Swiss villages of Montlingen and Oberriet. According to local legend, it punishes the arrogant, the blasphemous, and those who travel the marshes at night.

The tale tells of a chimney sweep from a neighboring village whose soul was said to be as black as his soot-covered clothes. Whenever he became drunk, he cursed God and mocked religion. One evening, after drinking heavily at an inn, the other patrons warned him not to cross the dangerous marsh after dark. The chimney sweep laughed at them, boasting that he feared nothing—not even if the Devil himself appeared before him.

As he stumbled along the causeway through the Eisenriet, a beautiful snow-white goat suddenly appeared and blocked his path. Thinking it nothing more than an animal, he angrily swung his soot-covered chimney brush at it until it disappeared into the darkness.

Moments later, however, a massive old billy goat emerged. Its grim expression, enormous horns, and frightening appearance chilled even the fearless chimney sweep. Suddenly realizing he might be facing the Devil himself, he cried out in terror.

The monstrous goat began pawing violently at the ground before charging with tremendous force. It gored the chimney sweep upon its horns while his screams echoed across the countryside, loud enough for the people of Montlingen to hear.

Villagers rushed to the scene but arrived too late. They found only a few black scraps of clothing and the chimney sweep’s ladder. Of the man himself, there was no trace.

The legend survives to this day as a warning to children. As night falls, mothers in Montlingen are said to call them home with the words:

“Come home quickly, or the Eisenriet Goat will get you.”

Sources

SAGEN.at. (n.d.). Die Geiß von Eisenriet. In SAGEN.at – Traditionelle Sagen. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/schweiz/st_gallen/Eisenriet_Geiss.html

Diano

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Tradition / Region: Spanish Mythology
Alternative names: Diañu Burlón (“Mocking Devil”), Diablo Burlón (“Mocking Devil”)
Category: Sheep

The Myth

Diano is a deceptive demon from the folklore of northern Spain, most commonly appearing in the form of a beautiful goat. Rather than attacking people outright, it tricks exhausted travelers into mounting its back before revealing its true supernatural nature.

According to the Asturian legend El Diañu Burlón and the closely related Navarrese tale El Diablo Burlón, a weary traveler resting in a forest encounters an unusually handsome goat. The animal calmly kneels as if inviting the traveler to ride it. Believing he has found an easy way to continue his journey, the traveler climbs onto its back.

The moment he does, the goat suddenly begins to grow to an enormous size and bolts into the forest at terrifying speed. Racing through mountains and woodland with impossible swiftness, it carries its helpless rider ever deeper into the wilderness. The traveler, unable to escape and convinced he is about to die, desperately calls upon God and the saints for protection. At the sound of these prayers, the demonic goat instantly vanishes, throwing the rider safely to the ground before disappearing without a trace.

The legend presents Diano as a supernatural deceiver who preys upon the exhausted and unwary rather than killing through brute force. His goal is to terrify, mislead, and lure people away from safety into the unknown depths of the forest.

Diano’s appearance as a goat reflects medieval Christian symbolism. In the Gospel’s description of the Last Judgment, Christ separates the righteous sheep from the sinful goats, who are cast into eternal punishment. This imagery helped establish the goat as one of the Devil’s most recognizable forms throughout medieval Europe. In northern Spanish folklore, Diano embodies this symbolism, appearing as an attractive yet treacherous animal whose invitation leads only to fear, deception, and peril.

Sources

Bestiary.us. (n.d.). Diano. In New Bestiary: Encyclopedia of Imaginary Beings. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://www.bestiary.us/diano

Sigbin

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Tradition / Region: Philippine Mythology
Alternative names: Sigben, Sigbinan’s Sigbin
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Sigbin is one of the most feared supernatural creatures in Philippine folklore. It is described as a bizarre, goat-like demon with no horns, enormous bat-like ears, and a long whip-like tail. Rather than walking normally, the Sigbin moves backwards, with its head hanging between its hind legs. Folklore claims that this unnatural posture allows it to become invisible to ordinary humans.

The creature is believed to emerge primarily during Holy Week, especially on Easter, when the boundary between the human and supernatural worlds is thought to weaken. During these nights, the Sigbin leaves its hiding place to hunt, targeting children and unsuspecting travelers. According to legend, it tears out the hearts of its victims, using them to create powerful magical amulets. It is also said to feed on human blood, which it mysteriously draws from a person’s shadow rather than directly from the body.

Unlike many mythical beasts that roam freely, the Sigbin is often portrayed as a creature that can be owned and controlled. Certain families, known as sigbinan, are believed to inherit the ability to command Sigbins through secret magical knowledge. These demons are said to live hidden inside large clay jars during the day and are released only at night. They are also commonly associated with aswang witches, who supposedly keep Sigbins as supernatural servants, guardians, or hunting companions.

Although the Sigbin is deeply rooted in Philippine folklore, some researchers have suggested that its strange appearance may have originated from descriptions of unfamiliar animals, particularly kangaroos, whose upright posture, powerful hind legs, and long tails resemble aspects of the legendary creature. Over time, these observations blended with local supernatural beliefs, transforming the mysterious animal into one of the Philippines’ most enduring demonic legends.

Today, the Sigbin remains one of the best-known creatures in Philippine folklore, remembered as a terrifying nocturnal predator, a servant of witches, and a symbol of hidden supernatural dangers lurking beyond the edge of human sight.

Sources

Bestiary.us. (n.d.). Sigbin. In New Bestiary: Encyclopedia of Imaginary Beings. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://www.bestiary.us/sigbin

Bai Ze

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Tradition / Region: Chinese Mythology
Alternative names: Hakutaku (Japanese), Bai Ze (Chinese)
Category: Sheep

The Myth

Bai Ze (Hakutaku) is one of the most revered divine beasts in Chinese mythology. Unlike most legendary creatures, Bai Ze is not feared as a monster but honored as a symbol of wisdom, protection, and supernatural knowledge. It is said to appear only during the reign of a wise and virtuous ruler, making its appearance an omen of peace and good governance.

According to legend, the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) encountered Bai Ze while traveling through the eastern mountains. The creature spoke in human language and revealed that it possessed complete knowledge of the supernatural world. Bai Ze explained that the universe contained 11,520 different kinds of spirits, demons, monsters, ghosts, and magical beings, each born from condensed spiritual energy or wandering souls.

The emperor ordered scribes to record everything Bai Ze taught him, creating the famous Bai Ze Tu (Illustrated Guide of Bai Ze). Although the original work has been lost, ancient Chinese texts frequently mention it as an encyclopedia of supernatural creatures and methods for identifying and dealing with them. Stories even tell of scholars successfully recognizing dangerous spirits because they had consulted the Bai Ze Tu.

In Chinese tradition, Bai Ze is usually depicted as a lion-like or guardian-beast resembling an imperial protector. In Japan, however, its appearance evolved into something much stranger: a white beast with a human face, horns, and nine eyes—three on its face and three on each side of its body. This distinctive form became popular during the Edo period and was sometimes confused with the baku, another supernatural beast associated with dreams.

Because Bai Ze was believed to possess perfect knowledge of evil spirits and diseases, images of the creature became powerful protective talismans. During epidemics and outbreaks of illness, people displayed paintings and statues of Hakutaku to ward off disease, repel malevolent spirits, and invite good fortune. As a result, Bai Ze became not only a legendary creature but also one of East Asia’s most important symbols of divine protection and supernatural wisdom.

Sources

Bestiary.us. (n.d.). Giristis. In New Bestiary: Encyclopedia of Imaginary Beings. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://www.bestiary.us/giristis

Meloi Khryseoi

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Tradition / Region: Greek Mythology
Alternative names: Golden Sheep
Category: Sheep

The Myth

The Golden Sheep (Meloi Khryseoi) were a flock of magical sheep whose fleeces shone with pure gold. Despite their beautiful appearance, they were among the most dangerous creatures in Greek mythology. During the heat of the day they became violently aggressive, charging with rock-hard heads, sharp horns, and even poisonous bites capable of killing humans.

The sheep appear in the story of Psyche, who was ordered by Aphrodite to collect a tuft of their priceless golden wool as one of her impossible labors. Rather than confronting the beasts directly, Psyche was advised by a prophetic river reed to wait until evening, when the flock had calmed. Instead of shearing them, she gathered the golden wool that had become caught on nearby branches and bushes, allowing her to complete the task without facing the murderous animals.

The Golden Sheep are largely a literary creation of the Roman author Apuleius, who combined elements of two famous Greek myths: the Golden Fleece of the ram sought by Jason and the Golden Apples of the Hesperides. This wordplay was possible because the Greek word mēlon could mean either “sheep” or “apple”, allowing the “Golden Sheep” to function as a clever fusion of both legendary treasures.

Although they appear only briefly in mythology, the Meloi Khryseoi represent a recurring Greek theme: great beauty and immense wealth guarded by deadly supernatural danger, where wisdom and patience succeed where force would fail.

Sources

Atsma, A. J. (n.d.). Meloi Khryseoi (Golden Sheep) – Poisonous flock of Greek mythology. In Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://www.theoi.com/Ther/MeloiKhryseoi.html