The Bestiary
6 creatures from the African Traditions in the atlas, listed from most to least dangerous by the atlas's own rating.
A dragon-like creature from West African folklore, particularly among the Mandinka people of the Gambia. It dwells in the swamps and waterways, described as having the body of a crocodile, the neck of a giraffe, and a head adorned with three horns. Merely seeing this creature is said to cause death within weeks.
Dangerous dwarf-like creatures from the mythology of the Mongo people of the Congo. They are believed to be the restless spirits of the dead, dwelling in the dense rainforest and guarding the treasures of the forest. Covered in grass instead of hair and possessing snouts and mouths that can open wide enough to swallow a human whole, they use magic bells to enchant their prey.
A fearsome shapeshifting spirit from Zanzibar and the Swahili coast whose name means 'bat wing' in Swahili. It attacks people in their homes at night, particularly targeting skeptics who deny its existence. Victims are compelled to tell others of their encounter, spreading terror through communities.
A vampiric creature from Ewe folklore of Ghana and Togo that takes the form of a firefly. In its insect form, it can pass through any barrier and drink the blood of sleeping victims without waking them. If captured, it transforms into a humanoid form with hunched posture and talons.
A powerful water spirit venerated across West and Central Africa and the African diaspora. Often depicted as a beautiful woman with a fish or serpent tail, she embodies the duality of water itself: nurturing and destructive, healing and dangerous. She offers wealth and beauty to her devotees but demands absolute fidelity in return.
A mischievous and malevolent dwarf-like water spirit from Zulu and Xhosa mythology. Created by witches to cause harm, it can become invisible by drinking water or swallowing a pebble. People traditionally raise their beds on bricks to avoid its reach during the night.
Built from each creature's catalog entry. Back to the African Traditions, or browse every creature.