The International Guide to the Mythological

Origin: German Mythology  Habitat: Alpine forests of Bavaria in Germany Behavior: Moderate Description:  It has a body comprising various animal parts — generally wings, antlers, tails and fangs, all attached to the body of a small mammal.  The most widespread description portrays the Wolpertinger as having the head of a rabbit, the body of a squirrel, the antlers of a deer, and the wings and occasionally the legs of a pheasant. Facts: They are often characterised as being mischievous.

Origin: Philippine Mythology Habitat: Mountains, Forests Behavior: Moderate Description:  It is a tall, bony humanoid creature with the head and hooves of a horse and disproportionately long limbs, to the point that its knees reach above its head when it squats down. Facts:  The form of the Tikbalang traces back 4000 years, with roots in Hinduism.  Tikbalangs scare travelers, lead them astray and play tricks on them such that the travelers keep on returning to an arbitrary path no matter how far they go or turn. This is counteracted by wearing one's shirt inside out. Another countermeasure is to ask permission out loud to pass by or, not to produce too much noise while in the woods in order not to offend or disturb the tikbalang.  A superstition popular with the Tagalog of Rizal Province is that Tikbalangs are benevolent guardians of elemental kingdoms. They are usually found standing at the foot of large trees looking arou...

Origin: Greek Mythology  Habitat: N/A Behavior: Harmless Description:  Impudent, thieving, droll, idle, mischievous, gnome-dwarfs "Funny, little triksy elves" of a phallic nature Facts:  A mischievous creature fond of tricking and frightening mortals . The kobaloi were companions of  Dionysus  and could shapeshift as Dionysus in the guise of Choroimanes-Aiolomorphos. According to one myth, they robbed Herakles  while he slept. He captured them in revenge but took pity on them when he found them amusing. The kobaloi were thought to live in Euboea or near Thermopylae.  Parents used tales of the  kobaloi  to frighten children into behaving.