In Lugbaran mythology, the epitome of all evil and the master of witches and wizards, for the people who live in the West Nile region of Uganda. Adro is an onzi (“bad”) earth NATURE SPIRIT which separated itself from the onyiru (“good”) Adroa Ba’ during the creation of the earth. Adro appears as a whirlwind …
A species of malevolent SEA SERPENT or NATURE SPIRIT from Polynesian mythology, the adaro actually lived in the sun and came to earth by traveling down rainbows. These beings were described as looking like men with gills behind their ears, a horn like a shark fin, a pike on their head like a sword fish …
Vampiric creatures living along the African coast, the abonsam come inland at night to prey upon crabs but are said to occasionally supplement their diet by attacking sleeping children, men, and women; when this occurs, the creature inadvertently infects them with a “wasting” disease. Those afflicted by the abonsam will slowly waste away unless they …
In Dahomey mythology the abiku (“one who is born, dies”) is a type of otherworld being, part human and part spirit, which is locked into a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This belief is particularly strong in southern Nigeria where it is said the abiku begins the cycle in the spirit world; there, …
From Melanesian folklore comes the singular demonic creature known as Abere (“maiden”). Described as a beautiful young woman as well as a provocative seductress, she is a known cannibal and preys exclusively upon men. Abere will use her feminine guile to lure a man into the lake or swampy region she calls home. Once there, …