Native American Mythological Creatures
This humanoid creature is known for its shape-shifting abilities, which can be used as a form of harmless magic, or for stalking and hunting prey— including humans. What is it?
- The Navajo people attest that speaking of the Skinwalkers aloud will invite bad luck and even summon them to appear, so be cautious when chatting casually about these flesh pedestrians.
This is a terrifying beast that mimics people's voices in distress and stalks the depths of forests, luring humans inside and cannibalizing them, as the creature itself is somewhere between a monster and a human itself. What is it called?
- The Wendigo is a cannibalistic man-beast that many First Nations tribes in Canada and the US have legends revolving around, including the Cree, Ojibwe, and Pequot, with descriptions that report it as gaunt, rotting, and insatiable.
This Inuit monster is an aquatic humanoid with green skin that preys on children, humming or tapping fingers on the underside of the ice to lure them over. To discourage kids from wandering too close to the water's edge, what is this creature's name?
- With slimy skin and long, tapered fingers, the Qallupilluit will snatch children and take them to the bottom of the sea to eat inside its icy, Arctic lair.
According to Cherokee legends, this monster dwells in the Southeastern regions of the US and takes the form of a huge serpent with magic-embued horns, wings, and razor-sharp teeth. What is it?
- These massive dragon-like creatures are terrifying beings, and similar to many other First Nations' stories of an immense serpent lurking in the shadows.
Otherwise known as an underwater panther, what is the name of this Ojibwe underworld beast that lives under the water and rules over aquatic creatures and the spiritual powers contained in water?
- According to the lore, this underwater panther or "Great Lynx" lived in opposition to the Thunderbirds that ruled the powers of the air, and was covered in scales and spines.
A demon of lore from the Shoshone people, this ogre-like beast lives in caves like Devils Hole, Nevada, and is known for kidnapping children, as well as volcanos and cannibalism. What is this demonic ogre called?
- In some Shoshonean myths, Dzoavits captured the sun and brought cannibalism to the lands.
This creature is a ghost witch that resembles a zombie or shambling corpse in the daytime but transforms into a ball of light in the darkness, and likes to stalk humans and drink their blood. What is its name?
- These vampiric, corpse-like entities are undead and capable of powerful magic or sorcery, making them feared creatures.
Seen as an old woman or shapeshifting witch, this creature has a skin of stone and one long talon made of obsidian or another durable material, attached to her hand. She liked to eat human livers, according to Cherokee legends— what is her name?
- According to local tales, Spearfinger's only weakness was her heart which she held in her right palm and guarded with her knife-like finger.
Mythology regarding this creature is spread across North America and these beasts are commonly depicted in Northwest Coast totem poles. They are also known for controlling the weather, including lightning and rain. What is it called?
- By flapping their wings and flashing their eyes, Thunderbirds are able to create thunder and lightning across the land— according to Native American myths.
In Alaska, these creatures walk the woods at night with a keening, high-pitched wail similar to a loon's call. They are tall, shaggy, and have glowing eyes, with arms that hang down to their feet— what are they called?
- These beings are said to live around Lake Iliamna and are essentially harmless, unlike other Bigfoot-like creatures in Native American lore.
