mythology

The Terrifying Legend Of Kuchisake Onna, The Slit-Mouthed Woman Of Japan

Kuchisake onna is said to be a vengeful spirit who covers her disfigured face and asks strangers: "Am I beautiful?" She then attacks them regardless of how they answer.

By Austin Harvey • May 15, 2023

The Terrifying Legend Of Kuchisake Onna, The Slit-Mouthed Woman Of Japan

Kuchisake onna is said to be a vengeful spirit who covers her disfigured face and asks strangers: "Am I beautiful?" She then attacks them regardless of how they answer.

By Austin Harvey • May 15, 2023

The Bone-Chilling Story Of Valak, The Demon Who Terrified Audiences In ‘The Nun’ And ‘The Conjuring’

Although Valak is depicted as a habit-wearing spirit, the real demon appears as a child riding a two-headed dragon — at least according to a 17th-century demon-hunting manual.

By Gina Dimuro • May 11, 2023

The Bone-Chilling Story Of Valak, The Demon Who Terrified Audiences In ‘The Nun’ And ‘The Conjuring’

Although Valak is depicted as a habit-wearing spirit, the real demon appears as a child riding a two-headed dragon — at least according to a 17th-century demon-hunting manual.

By Gina Dimuro • May 11, 2023

Changelings, The Devilish Fairies Of European Folklore That Disguise Themselves As Human Children

For centuries, changelings were said to be fairy offspring left in place of kidnapped children. But the truth is that many kids believed to be these creatures simply had unknown illnesses.

By Austin Harvey • May 10, 2023

Changelings, The Devilish Fairies Of European Folklore That Disguise Themselves As Human Children

For centuries, changelings were said to be fairy offspring left in place of kidnapped children. But the truth is that many kids believed to be these creatures simply had unknown illnesses.

By Austin Harvey • May 10, 2023

Earth’s Largest Freshwater Turtle Species On The Brink Of Extinction After The Last Known Female Turns Up Dead

The female Yangtze giant softshell turtle could have "laid a hundred eggs or more a year," experts said. Now, the known population of this turtle species is only two males.

By Austin Harvey • May 5, 2023

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Earth’s Largest Freshwater Turtle Species On The Brink Of Extinction After The Last Known Female Turns Up Dead

The female Yangtze giant softshell turtle could have "laid a hundred eggs or more a year," experts said. Now, the known population of this turtle species is only two males.

By Austin Harvey • May 5, 2023

The Sinister Legend Of La Lechuza, The Witch-Owl Monster Of The Rio Grande Valley And Northern Mexico

According to centuries-old folklore, La Lechuza has the face of an old woman atop the body of an owl and she preys on drunk men and children in the dead of night.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 5, 2023

The Sinister Legend Of La Lechuza, The Witch-Owl Monster Of The Rio Grande Valley And Northern Mexico

According to centuries-old folklore, La Lechuza has the face of an old woman atop the body of an owl and she preys on drunk men and children in the dead of night.

By Austin Harvey • April 5, 2023

The Bizarre Legend Of Belsnickel, The Centuries-Old Christmas Figure From German Folklore

Still celebrated by the descendants of German immigrants in America today, Belsnickel is a menacing character who bears some similarities to Santa Claus — but has a violent approach all his own.

By Kaleena Fraga • Apr 1, 2023

The Bizarre Legend Of Belsnickel, The Centuries-Old Christmas Figure From German Folklore

Still celebrated by the descendants of German immigrants in America today, Belsnickel is a menacing character who bears some similarities to Santa Claus — but has a violent approach all his own.

By Kaleena Fraga • April 1, 2023

The Gory Legend Of Huitzilopochtli, One Of The Most Important Gods In Aztec Culture

The Aztec Sun god and the impetus for countless human sacrifices, Huitzilopochtli left a blood-soaked mark on Mesoamerican history.

By Kendrick Foster • Mar 7, 2023

The Gory Legend Of Huitzilopochtli, One Of The Most Important Gods In Aztec Culture

The Aztec Sun god and the impetus for countless human sacrifices, Huitzilopochtli left a blood-soaked mark on Mesoamerican history.

By Kendrick Foster • March 7, 2023

Meet The Dybbuk, The Malevolent Spirit Of Jewish Folklore

Originating in 17th-century Europe, the legend of the dybbuk warns of a "soul-cleaving" spirit with the power to possess vulnerable people.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 26, 2022

Meet The Dybbuk, The Malevolent Spirit Of Jewish Folklore

Originating in 17th-century Europe, the legend of the dybbuk warns of a "soul-cleaving" spirit with the power to possess vulnerable people.

By Austin Harvey • December 26, 2022

9 Of The Most Terrifying Christmas Traditions From Around The World

From a child-eating scarecrow to Krampus himself, these eerie Christmas folktales from around the world are bound to ensure you have at least one nightmare before Christmas.

By Austin Harvey • Dec 21, 2022

9 Of The Most Terrifying Christmas Traditions From Around The World

From a child-eating scarecrow to Krampus himself, these eerie Christmas folktales from around the world are bound to ensure you have at least one nightmare before Christmas.

By Austin Harvey • December 21, 2022

This Week In History News, Oct. 9 – 15

Ancient Medusa medal unearthed in Turkey, 1,400-year-old Native American canal found in Alabama, Chernobyl disaster's lingering effects revealed in Ukraine.

By All That's Interesting • Oct 14, 2022

News

This Week In History News, Oct. 9 – 15

Ancient Medusa medal unearthed in Turkey, 1,400-year-old Native American canal found in Alabama, Chernobyl disaster's lingering effects revealed in Ukraine.

By All That's Interesting • October 14, 2022