Fey Races in Jeweled Amber: Difference between revisions
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==Fey Topic== | |||
==African Folklore== | ===African Folklore=== | ||
* Impundulu – Lightning bird that brings storms and misfortune* | * Impundulu – Lightning bird that brings storms and misfortune* | ||
* Jengu – Benevolent water spirits that bring good luck and healing* | * Jengu – Benevolent water spirits that bring good luck and healing* | ||
* Eloko – Dwarf-like spirits that use enchanted bells to hypnotize victims* | * Eloko – Dwarf-like spirits that use enchanted bells to hypnotize victims* | ||
==Asian Folklore== | ===Asian Folklore=== | ||
====Chinese==== | ====Chinese==== | ||
* Jiangshi – Hopping vampire-like creature that feeds on life force* | * Jiangshi – Hopping vampire-like creature that feeds on life force* | ||
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* Zashiki-warashi – Playful household spirits that bring good fortune* | * Zashiki-warashi – Playful household spirits that bring good fortune* | ||
==Celtic & British Isles Folklore (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and English)== | ===Celtic & British Isles Folklore (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and English)=== | ||
====Irish==== | ====Irish==== | ||
* Banshee – Wailing spirits that foretell death* | * Banshee – Wailing spirits that foretell death* | ||
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* Trow – Small, troll-like beings fond of music* | * Trow – Small, troll-like beings fond of music* | ||
==Norse & Scandinavian Folklore== | ===Norse & Scandinavian Folklore=== | ||
* Draugr – Undead warriors who haunt burial sites* | * Draugr – Undead warriors who haunt burial sites* | ||
* Fossegrim – Water spirits that teach music in exchange for sacrifices* | * Fossegrim – Water spirits that teach music in exchange for sacrifices* | ||
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* Huldra – Beautiful women with hollow, bark-covered backs* | * Huldra – Beautiful women with hollow, bark-covered backs* | ||
==Greek Folklore== | ===Greek Folklore=== | ||
* Dryad – Tree spirits that embody and protect specific trees* | * Dryad – Tree spirits that embody and protect specific trees* | ||
* Naiads – Freshwater nymphs associated with rivers, springs, and lakes* | * Naiads – Freshwater nymphs associated with rivers, springs, and lakes* | ||
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* Chimera – A fire-breathing monster with a lion, goat, and serpent head* | * Chimera – A fire-breathing monster with a lion, goat, and serpent head* | ||
==Slavic Folklore== | ===Slavic Folklore=== | ||
* Domovoi – Household spirits that protect homes and families* | * Domovoi – Household spirits that protect homes and families* | ||
* Rusalka – Spirits of drowned women who haunt lakes and rivers* | * Rusalka – Spirits of drowned women who haunt lakes and rivers* | ||
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* Zmeu – A dragon-like trickster figure* | * Zmeu – A dragon-like trickster figure* | ||
==Native American Folklore== | ===Native American Folklore=== | ||
====North America==== | ====North America==== | ||
* Thunderbird – Giant bird that controls storms and lightning* | * Thunderbird – Giant bird that controls storms and lightning* | ||
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==Oceanic Folklore== | ===Oceanic Folklore=== | ||
* Taniwha (Māori) – Guardian water spirits, sometimes protective, sometimes dangerous* | * Taniwha (Māori) – Guardian water spirits, sometimes protective, sometimes dangerous* | ||
* Bunyip (Australian Aboriginal) – Amphibious monster of swamps and rivers* | * Bunyip (Australian Aboriginal) – Amphibious monster of swamps and rivers* | ||
==Middle Eastern Folklore== | ===Middle Eastern Folklore=== | ||
* Efreet – Powerful and often malevolent fire spirits* | * Efreet – Powerful and often malevolent fire spirits* | ||
* Barghest – Omen of death, often appearing as a large spectral black dog* | * Barghest – Omen of death, often appearing as a large spectral black dog* | ||
* Lamassu – Winged, protective beings from Mesopotamian mythology* | * Lamassu – Winged, protective beings from Mesopotamian mythology* | ||
==European Folklore (General or Unspecified Regions)== | ===European Folklore (General or Unspecified Regions)=== | ||
* Abaia – Giant, magical eel that protects the creatures of lakes* | * Abaia – Giant, magical eel that protects the creatures of lakes* | ||
* Alkonost – Half-woman, half-bird being with an enchanting voice* | * Alkonost – Half-woman, half-bird being with an enchanting voice* | ||
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* Leviathan – A massive sea creature representing chaos* | * Leviathan – A massive sea creature representing chaos* | ||
==French Folklore== | ===French Folklore=== | ||
* Korrigan – Female water fairies tied to wells and springs* | * Korrigan – Female water fairies tied to wells and springs* | ||
* Tarasque – A dragon-like beast subdued by a saint* | * Tarasque – A dragon-like beast subdued by a saint* | ||
==Caribbean Folklore== | ===Caribbean Folklore=== | ||
* Ciguapa – Beautiful women with backward-facing feet who lure men into the forest | * Ciguapa – Beautiful women with backward-facing feet who lure men into the forest | ||
==African-American Folklore== | ===African-American Folklore=== | ||
* Ewah – Spirit associated with darkness and fear | * Ewah – Spirit associated with darkness and fear | ||
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* Will-o’-the-Wisp – Mysterious floating lights that appear in swamps and marshes | * Will-o’-the-Wisp – Mysterious floating lights that appear in swamps and marshes | ||
Fairy Tales | ==Fairy Tales== | ||
There are many fairy tale creatures from classic European folklore and worldwide traditions that are not on the above list. Below is a collection of fairy tale creatures commonly found in literature, myths, and oral storytelling traditions that were not included in the previous list of Fey races. | |||
===European Fairy Tale Creatures (Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Perrault, etc.)=== | |||
The Tooth Fairy – A tiny winged fairy that exchanges money for children's lost teeth. | |||
The Sandman – A magical being who sprinkles sand to bring sleep and dreams. | |||
Baba Yaga – A Slavic witch-like figure who lives in a hut with chicken legs. | |||
The Pied Piper – A mysterious, magical flute player who lures rats—and children—away. | |||
The Gingerbread Man – A living, enchanted gingerbread cookie who tries to escape being eaten. | |||
Rübezahl – A trickster mountain spirit from German folklore. | |||
The Wild Hunt – A spectral host of supernatural hunters riding through the sky. | |||
Rumpelstiltskin – A devious, magical imp who spins straw into gold for a price. | |||
Frau Holle – A German fairy woman who rewards the hardworking and punishes the lazy. | |||
Mother Goose – A mythical figure representing the teller of fairy tales. | |||
===Nordic & Scandinavian Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
Tomte (Nisse) – A small gnome-like house spirit that protects farms. | |||
Kraken – A giant sea monster that terrorizes sailors. | |||
The Lindworm – A dragon-like serpent often appearing in Nordic sagas. | |||
Huldrekall – The male counterpart to the Huldra, rarely mentioned in fairy tales. | |||
Trolls – Large, often dim-witted creatures that live in mountains or under bridges. | |||
===French Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
The Beast (from Beauty and the Beast) – A cursed prince transformed into a monstrous creature. | |||
Bluebeard – A sinister nobleman with a history of murdering his wives. | |||
The Enchanted Servants (from Beauty and the Beast) – Humans transformed into objects such as teapots, clocks, and candlesticks. | |||
===British & Celtic Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
King Oberon – The fairy king from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. | |||
Queen Titania – The fairy queen from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. | |||
Robin Goodfellow (Puck) – A mischievous fairy trickster. | |||
Jenny Greenteeth – A water hag who drowns unsuspecting children. | |||
Knockers – Mine-dwelling spirits that guide or trick miners. | |||
Spriggans – Small but dangerous goblin-like creatures that guard treasure. | |||
===Slavic Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
Koschei the Deathless – An immortal sorcerer who kidnaps maidens. | |||
Vodyanoy – A water spirit who drowns humans in lakes and rivers. | |||
Zmey Gorynych – A three-headed dragon from Russian fairy tales. | |||
Firebird – A glowing, magical bird that is both a blessing and a curse. | |||
The Witch of the Iron Forest – A Slavic sorceress similar to Baba Yaga. | |||
===Middle Eastern & Arabian Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
The Roc – A giant, eagle-like bird that carries off elephants. | |||
The Djinn (Genies) – Supernatural beings that grant wishes but twist them. | |||
The Simurgh – A benevolent, phoenix-like bird from Persian fairy tales. | |||
The Ghoul – A flesh-eating demon from One Thousand and One Nights. | |||
The Peri – Beautiful winged spirits that guide or deceive humans. | |||
===Asian Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
The Monkey King (Sun Wukong) – A trickster deity with immense power from Journey to the West. | |||
Nezha – A divine warrior boy from Chinese fairy tales. | |||
The Nine-Tailed Fox (Huli Jing) – A Chinese version of the Kitsune, with similar powers. | |||
The Moon Rabbit – A rabbit that lives on the moon, pounding elixirs of immortality. | |||
Madame White Snake – A snake demon who falls in love with a human. | |||
===African Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
Anansi the Spider – A trickster spirit who spins webs of deception and wisdom. | |||
The Mokele-Mbembe – A dinosaur-like creature said to dwell in Central African rivers. | |||
The Zimwi – A Swahili ogre that captures and eats humans. | |||
Tokoloshe – A mischievous, goblin-like water spirit in South African folklore. | |||
===Caribbean & South American Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
La Llorona – A weeping ghost woman who searches for her lost children. | |||
El Chupacabra – A vampire-like creature that drinks the blood of livestock. | |||
The Duende – Small goblins that can be benevolent or trick humans. | |||
Mapinguari – A one-eyed, sloth-like beast that roams the Amazon. | |||
===North American Fairy Tale Creatures=== | |||
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox – A legendary giant lumberjack and his enormous ox. | |||
The Jackalope – A mythical horned rabbit of American folklore. | |||
The Hodag – A horned creature from Wisconsin lumberjack tales. | |||
Pecos Bill – A cowboy who could ride tornadoes and lasso rivers. | |||
===Other Creatures from Universal Fairy Tales=== | |||
Gnomes – Small, bearded earth spirits that guard underground treasure. | |||
Dwarves – Master craftsmen who live in mountains and mine for gold. | |||
Pegasus – A winged horse, often associated with Greek mythology. | |||
Phoenix – A bird that is reborn from its own ashes. | |||
The Chimera – A fire-breathing monster with multiple animal heads. | |||
The Basilisk – A serpent-like creature that can kill with its gaze. | |||
Elves | ===Notable Fairy Tale Objects (Not Creatures but Iconic)=== | ||
The Magic Mirror (Snow White) – A sentient mirror that reveals the truth. | |||
The Golden Goose – A magical goose that lays golden eggs. | |||
The Magic Carpet – A flying carpet from One Thousand and One Nights. | |||
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’s Broom – A magical broom that floods a room. | |||
==Elves == | |||
Here’s a list of creatures called Elves, Elf, or Elven, grouped by region: | Here’s a list of creatures called Elves, Elf, or Elven, grouped by region: | ||
Norse & Germanic Folklore | ===Norse & Germanic Folklore=== | ||
*Álfar (Norse) – The original elves from Norse mythology, divided into Ljósálfar (light elves) and *Dökkálfar (dark elves). | *Álfar (Norse) – The original elves from Norse mythology, divided into Ljósálfar (light elves) and *Dökkálfar (dark elves). | ||
*Erlking (German) – A malevolent elf-like king who lures children to their doom. | *Erlking (German) – A malevolent elf-like king who lures children to their doom. | ||
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*Huldra (Norse/Scandinavian) – Beautiful forest beings that sometimes resemble elves but have animalistic features. | *Huldra (Norse/Scandinavian) – Beautiful forest beings that sometimes resemble elves but have animalistic features. | ||
Celtic & British Isles Folklore | ===Celtic & British Isles Folklore=== | ||
*Ellyllon (Welsh) – Small, mischievous elves associated with nature and mushrooms. | *Ellyllon (Welsh) – Small, mischievous elves associated with nature and mushrooms. | ||
*Tylwyth Teg (Welsh) – A beautiful, fairy-like race often equated with elves. | *Tylwyth Teg (Welsh) – A beautiful, fairy-like race often equated with elves. | ||
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*Fir Darrig (Irish) – Trickster elves that enjoy playing pranks on humans. | *Fir Darrig (Irish) – Trickster elves that enjoy playing pranks on humans. | ||
Germanic & Central European Folklore | ===Germanic & Central European Folklore=== | ||
*Schrat (German) – A mischievous woodland elf-like creature. | *Schrat (German) – A mischievous woodland elf-like creature. | ||
*Erdluitle (Swiss) – Earth-dwelling elves that avoid human contact. | *Erdluitle (Swiss) – Earth-dwelling elves that avoid human contact. | ||
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*Alp (Germanic) – A nightmare-inducing spirit sometimes described as an elf-like creature. | *Alp (Germanic) – A nightmare-inducing spirit sometimes described as an elf-like creature. | ||
Slavic Folklore | ===Slavic Folklore=== | ||
*Vila (Wila) (Slavic) – Beautiful, often elf-like nature spirits. | *Vila (Wila) (Slavic) – Beautiful, often elf-like nature spirits. | ||
*Leshy (Slavic) – A forest guardian that shares characteristics with elves. | *Leshy (Slavic) – A forest guardian that shares characteristics with elves. | ||
===Finnish & Sami Folklore=== | |||
*Haltija (Finnish) – A broad category of spirit beings, including elf-like household guardians. | *Haltija (Finnish) – A broad category of spirit beings, including elf-like household guardians. | ||
*Tonttu (Finnish) – Small elf-like house spirits similar to the Scandinavian Tomte. | *Tonttu (Finnish) – Small elf-like house spirits similar to the Scandinavian Tomte. | ||
French Folklore | ===French Folklore=== | ||
*Fées (French) – Though typically translated as "fairies," these beings share characteristics with elves. | *Fées (French) – Though typically translated as "fairies," these beings share characteristics with elves. | ||
Iberian (Spanish & Portuguese) Folklore | ===Iberian (Spanish & Portuguese) Folklore=== | ||
*Enanitos (Spanish) – Small, dwarf-like elves associated with mountain caves. | *Enanitos (Spanish) – Small, dwarf-like elves associated with mountain caves. | ||
*Duendes (Spanish & Portuguese) – Elf-like tricksters known for mischief and guiding lost travelers. | *Duendes (Spanish & Portuguese) – Elf-like tricksters known for mischief and guiding lost travelers. | ||
Italian Folklore | ===Italian Folklore=== | ||
*Folletti (Italian) – Small, playful elves often linked to household mischief. | *Folletti (Italian) – Small, playful elves often linked to household mischief. | ||
Russian & Eastern European Folklore | ===Russian & Eastern European Folklore=== | ||
*Domovoi (Slavic) – Household spirits that have some elven-like qualities. | *Domovoi (Slavic) – Household spirits that have some elven-like qualities. | ||
Middle Eastern Folklore | ===Middle Eastern Folklore=== | ||
*Peri (Persian) – Beautiful, elf-like spirits that can be benevolent or malevolent. | *Peri (Persian) – Beautiful, elf-like spirits that can be benevolent or malevolent. | ||
North American & Modern Folklore | ===North American & Modern Folklore=== | ||
*Christmas Elves (Western/Modern) – Santa’s helpers, originally inspired by Scandinavian and Germanic traditions. | *Christmas Elves (Western/Modern) – Santa’s helpers, originally inspired by Scandinavian and Germanic traditions. | ||
*Keebler Elves (American Pop Culture) – Cookie-making elves from modern advertising. | *Keebler Elves (American Pop Culture) – Cookie-making elves from modern advertising. | ||
Fantasy & Literary Elves (Modern Influence) | ===Fantasy & Literary Elves (Modern Influence)=== | ||
*Tolkien’s Elves (The Lord of the Rings) – Tall, wise, immortal beings based on Norse and Celtic myths. | *Tolkien’s Elves (The Lord of the Rings) – Tall, wise, immortal beings based on Norse and Celtic myths. | ||
*Dungeons & Dragons Elves – A variety of elven subraces, including High Elves, Wood Elves, and Dark Elves (Drow). | *Dungeons & Dragons Elves – A variety of elven subraces, including High Elves, Wood Elves, and Dark Elves (Drow). | ||
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*Elf on the Shelf – A modern holiday tradition featuring a magical, mischievous elf. | *Elf on the Shelf – A modern holiday tradition featuring a magical, mischievous elf. | ||
Other Traditions with Elf-Like Beings | ===Other Traditions with Elf-Like Beings=== | ||
*Alux (Mayan) – Small, elf-like nature spirits that protect crops. | *Alux (Mayan) – Small, elf-like nature spirits that protect crops. | ||
*Chaneque (Aztec) – Mischievous elf-like beings in Mexican folklore. | *Chaneque (Aztec) – Mischievous elf-like beings in Mexican folklore. | ||
*Koro-pok-guru (Ainu/Japanese) – A diminutive, elf-like race that lived in harmony with nature. | *Koro-pok-guru (Ainu/Japanese) – A diminutive, elf-like race that lived in harmony with nature. |
Revision as of 03:20, 29 January 2025
Fey Topic
African Folklore
- Impundulu – Lightning bird that brings storms and misfortune*
- Jengu – Benevolent water spirits that bring good luck and healing*
- Eloko – Dwarf-like spirits that use enchanted bells to hypnotize victims*
Asian Folklore
Chinese
- Jiangshi – Hopping vampire-like creature that feeds on life force*
- Lamassu (adopted in broader Chinese lore) – Winged, protective beings*
- Qilin – Gentle, dragon-like protector of purity and virtue*
- Xiangliu – Multi-headed serpent demon of floods and destruction*
Indian
- Rakshasa – Demonic shape-shifters with tiger-like features*
- Garuda – A massive bird-like protector, enemy of serpents*
- Naga – Serpentine beings associated with wisdom and water*
Japanese
- Baku – Dream-eating tapir-like spirit that devours nightmares*
- Kitsune – Shape-shifting fox spirits with magical abilities*
- Onryō – Vengeful ghosts that seek revenge for past wrongs*
- Kappa – Water-dwelling trickster spirits resembling turtles*
- Jorōgumo – Spider spirits that lure victims into their webs*
- Yuki-onna – Snow woman who freezes travelers to death*
- Tengu – Bird-like warriors and trickster spirits*
- Obake – Shape-shifting ghosts and spirits*
- Zashiki-warashi – Playful household spirits that bring good fortune*
Celtic & British Isles Folklore (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and English)
Irish
- Banshee – Wailing spirits that foretell death*
- Selkie – Seal creatures that transform into humans by shedding their skin*
- Merrow – Sea-dwelling merfolk with green hair and webbed fingers*
- Púca (Pooka) – Shape-shifting tricksters, often appearing as horses, goats, or rabbits*
- Dullahan – Headless rider who carries their own head, an omen of death*
- Leanan Sídhe – Beautiful muses who inspire artists but drain their life force*
Scottish
- Brownie – Small, industrious household spirits*
- Kelpie – Shape-shifting water horses that lure people to their doom*
- Nuckelavee – A terrifying, skinless sea demon*
- Redcap – Bloodthirsty goblins with red hats dyed in human blood*
Welsh
- Gwragedd Annwn – Beautiful water maidens of Welsh lakes*
English
- Will-o’-the-Wisp – Floating orbs of light that lead travelers astray*
- Boggarts – Malevolent spirits that cause fear and poltergeist-like disturbances*
- Nain Rouge – A small, red-skinned goblin associated with disaster*
- Bogeyman – Shadowy monster used to frighten children*
Orkney & Shetland (Scottish Isles)
- Trow – Small, troll-like beings fond of music*
- Draugr – Undead warriors who haunt burial sites*
- Fossegrim – Water spirits that teach music in exchange for sacrifices*
- Valkyrie – Warrior maidens who choose the slain in battle*
- Fenrir – A giant wolf prophesied to bring destruction*
- Huldra – Beautiful women with hollow, bark-covered backs*
Greek Folklore
- Dryad – Tree spirits that embody and protect specific trees*
- Naiads – Freshwater nymphs associated with rivers, springs, and lakes*
- Hippocampus – Half-horse, half-fish creatures of the sea*
- Manticore – A lion-bodied, scorpion-tailed beast*
- Chimera – A fire-breathing monster with a lion, goat, and serpent head*
Slavic Folklore
- Domovoi – Household spirits that protect homes and families*
- Rusalka – Spirits of drowned women who haunt lakes and rivers*
- Leshy – A forest guardian spirit who misleads travelers*
- Zmeu – A dragon-like trickster figure*
Native American Folklore
North America
- Thunderbird – Giant bird that controls storms and lightning*
- Wendigo – A skeletal, emaciated monster symbolizing insatiable hunger and cannibalism*
- Sasquatch – Large, ape-like humanoid of the forests*
South America
- Encantado – Dolphin-like shape-shifters who take human form*
Mesoamerican Folklore (Aztec, Mayan, and other Central American cultures)
- Camazotz – Bat-like death spirit*
Oceanic Folklore
- Taniwha (Māori) – Guardian water spirits, sometimes protective, sometimes dangerous*
- Bunyip (Australian Aboriginal) – Amphibious monster of swamps and rivers*
Middle Eastern Folklore
- Efreet – Powerful and often malevolent fire spirits*
- Barghest – Omen of death, often appearing as a large spectral black dog*
- Lamassu – Winged, protective beings from Mesopotamian mythology*
European Folklore (General or Unspecified Regions)
- Abaia – Giant, magical eel that protects the creatures of lakes*
- Alkonost – Half-woman, half-bird being with an enchanting voice*
- Sirin – Similar to the Alkonost but associated with sorrowful songs*
- Ouroboros – A serpent that eats its own tail, symbolizing eternity*
- Leviathan – A massive sea creature representing chaos*
French Folklore
- Korrigan – Female water fairies tied to wells and springs*
- Tarasque – A dragon-like beast subdued by a saint*
Caribbean Folklore
- Ciguapa – Beautiful women with backward-facing feet who lure men into the forest
African-American Folklore
- Ewah – Spirit associated with darkness and fear
Universal or Multiple Traditions
- Bogeyman – Shadowy figure used to scare children
- Will-o’-the-Wisp – Mysterious floating lights that appear in swamps and marshes
Fairy Tales
There are many fairy tale creatures from classic European folklore and worldwide traditions that are not on the above list. Below is a collection of fairy tale creatures commonly found in literature, myths, and oral storytelling traditions that were not included in the previous list of Fey races.
European Fairy Tale Creatures (Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Perrault, etc.)
The Tooth Fairy – A tiny winged fairy that exchanges money for children's lost teeth. The Sandman – A magical being who sprinkles sand to bring sleep and dreams. Baba Yaga – A Slavic witch-like figure who lives in a hut with chicken legs. The Pied Piper – A mysterious, magical flute player who lures rats—and children—away. The Gingerbread Man – A living, enchanted gingerbread cookie who tries to escape being eaten. Rübezahl – A trickster mountain spirit from German folklore. The Wild Hunt – A spectral host of supernatural hunters riding through the sky. Rumpelstiltskin – A devious, magical imp who spins straw into gold for a price. Frau Holle – A German fairy woman who rewards the hardworking and punishes the lazy. Mother Goose – A mythical figure representing the teller of fairy tales.
Tomte (Nisse) – A small gnome-like house spirit that protects farms. Kraken – A giant sea monster that terrorizes sailors. The Lindworm – A dragon-like serpent often appearing in Nordic sagas. Huldrekall – The male counterpart to the Huldra, rarely mentioned in fairy tales. Trolls – Large, often dim-witted creatures that live in mountains or under bridges.
French Fairy Tale Creatures
The Beast (from Beauty and the Beast) – A cursed prince transformed into a monstrous creature. Bluebeard – A sinister nobleman with a history of murdering his wives. The Enchanted Servants (from Beauty and the Beast) – Humans transformed into objects such as teapots, clocks, and candlesticks.
British & Celtic Fairy Tale Creatures
King Oberon – The fairy king from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Queen Titania – The fairy queen from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Robin Goodfellow (Puck) – A mischievous fairy trickster. Jenny Greenteeth – A water hag who drowns unsuspecting children. Knockers – Mine-dwelling spirits that guide or trick miners. Spriggans – Small but dangerous goblin-like creatures that guard treasure.
Slavic Fairy Tale Creatures
Koschei the Deathless – An immortal sorcerer who kidnaps maidens. Vodyanoy – A water spirit who drowns humans in lakes and rivers. Zmey Gorynych – A three-headed dragon from Russian fairy tales. Firebird – A glowing, magical bird that is both a blessing and a curse. The Witch of the Iron Forest – A Slavic sorceress similar to Baba Yaga.
Middle Eastern & Arabian Fairy Tale Creatures
The Roc – A giant, eagle-like bird that carries off elephants. The Djinn (Genies) – Supernatural beings that grant wishes but twist them. The Simurgh – A benevolent, phoenix-like bird from Persian fairy tales. The Ghoul – A flesh-eating demon from One Thousand and One Nights. The Peri – Beautiful winged spirits that guide or deceive humans.
Asian Fairy Tale Creatures
The Monkey King (Sun Wukong) – A trickster deity with immense power from Journey to the West. Nezha – A divine warrior boy from Chinese fairy tales. The Nine-Tailed Fox (Huli Jing) – A Chinese version of the Kitsune, with similar powers. The Moon Rabbit – A rabbit that lives on the moon, pounding elixirs of immortality. Madame White Snake – A snake demon who falls in love with a human.
African Fairy Tale Creatures
Anansi the Spider – A trickster spirit who spins webs of deception and wisdom. The Mokele-Mbembe – A dinosaur-like creature said to dwell in Central African rivers. The Zimwi – A Swahili ogre that captures and eats humans. Tokoloshe – A mischievous, goblin-like water spirit in South African folklore.
Caribbean & South American Fairy Tale Creatures
La Llorona – A weeping ghost woman who searches for her lost children. El Chupacabra – A vampire-like creature that drinks the blood of livestock. The Duende – Small goblins that can be benevolent or trick humans. Mapinguari – A one-eyed, sloth-like beast that roams the Amazon.
North American Fairy Tale Creatures
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox – A legendary giant lumberjack and his enormous ox. The Jackalope – A mythical horned rabbit of American folklore. The Hodag – A horned creature from Wisconsin lumberjack tales. Pecos Bill – A cowboy who could ride tornadoes and lasso rivers.
Other Creatures from Universal Fairy Tales
Gnomes – Small, bearded earth spirits that guard underground treasure. Dwarves – Master craftsmen who live in mountains and mine for gold. Pegasus – A winged horse, often associated with Greek mythology. Phoenix – A bird that is reborn from its own ashes. The Chimera – A fire-breathing monster with multiple animal heads. The Basilisk – A serpent-like creature that can kill with its gaze.
Notable Fairy Tale Objects (Not Creatures but Iconic)
The Magic Mirror (Snow White) – A sentient mirror that reveals the truth. The Golden Goose – A magical goose that lays golden eggs. The Magic Carpet – A flying carpet from One Thousand and One Nights. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’s Broom – A magical broom that floods a room.
Elves
Here’s a list of creatures called Elves, Elf, or Elven, grouped by region:
Norse & Germanic Folklore
- Álfar (Norse) – The original elves from Norse mythology, divided into Ljósálfar (light elves) and *Dökkálfar (dark elves).
- Erlking (German) – A malevolent elf-like king who lures children to their doom.
- Weisse Frauen (Germanic) – Pale, elven-like spirits that appear in forests or ruins.
- Huldra (Norse/Scandinavian) – Beautiful forest beings that sometimes resemble elves but have animalistic features.
Celtic & British Isles Folklore
- Ellyllon (Welsh) – Small, mischievous elves associated with nature and mushrooms.
- Tylwyth Teg (Welsh) – A beautiful, fairy-like race often equated with elves.
- Sidhe (Aos Sí) (Irish) – The supernatural race of Irish mythology, often compared to elves.
- Seelie Court (Scottish) – A court of benevolent fairies and elves.
- Unseelie Court (Scottish) – A group of dangerous and malevolent elves and fey.
- Brown Elves (Scottish) – A type of house spirit similar to brownies.
- Fir Darrig (Irish) – Trickster elves that enjoy playing pranks on humans.
Germanic & Central European Folklore
- Schrat (German) – A mischievous woodland elf-like creature.
- Erdluitle (Swiss) – Earth-dwelling elves that avoid human contact.
- Heinzelmännchen (German) – Small, helpful elves that work in secret at night.
- Dwarves (Nibelungen) (Germanic) – Sometimes considered an elven subgroup, particularly in Wagnerian mythology.
- Alp (Germanic) – A nightmare-inducing spirit sometimes described as an elf-like creature.
Slavic Folklore
- Vila (Wila) (Slavic) – Beautiful, often elf-like nature spirits.
- Leshy (Slavic) – A forest guardian that shares characteristics with elves.
Finnish & Sami Folklore
- Haltija (Finnish) – A broad category of spirit beings, including elf-like household guardians.
- Tonttu (Finnish) – Small elf-like house spirits similar to the Scandinavian Tomte.
French Folklore
- Fées (French) – Though typically translated as "fairies," these beings share characteristics with elves.
Iberian (Spanish & Portuguese) Folklore
- Enanitos (Spanish) – Small, dwarf-like elves associated with mountain caves.
- Duendes (Spanish & Portuguese) – Elf-like tricksters known for mischief and guiding lost travelers.
Italian Folklore
- Folletti (Italian) – Small, playful elves often linked to household mischief.
Russian & Eastern European Folklore
- Domovoi (Slavic) – Household spirits that have some elven-like qualities.
Middle Eastern Folklore
- Peri (Persian) – Beautiful, elf-like spirits that can be benevolent or malevolent.
North American & Modern Folklore
- Christmas Elves (Western/Modern) – Santa’s helpers, originally inspired by Scandinavian and Germanic traditions.
- Keebler Elves (American Pop Culture) – Cookie-making elves from modern advertising.
Fantasy & Literary Elves (Modern Influence)
- Tolkien’s Elves (The Lord of the Rings) – Tall, wise, immortal beings based on Norse and Celtic myths.
- Dungeons & Dragons Elves – A variety of elven subraces, including High Elves, Wood Elves, and Dark Elves (Drow).
- Warhammer Elves – Divided into High Elves, Dark Elves, and Wood Elves.
- The Elves of The Witcher – A persecuted magical race that once ruled the world.
- Elder Scrolls Elves (Mer) – Includes Altmer (High Elves), Dunmer (Dark Elves), and Bosmer (Wood Elves).
- Elf on the Shelf – A modern holiday tradition featuring a magical, mischievous elf.
Other Traditions with Elf-Like Beings
- Alux (Mayan) – Small, elf-like nature spirits that protect crops.
- Chaneque (Aztec) – Mischievous elf-like beings in Mexican folklore.
- Koro-pok-guru (Ainu/Japanese) – A diminutive, elf-like race that lived in harmony with nature.