Spirits and Monsters in World Folklore

Japan's folklore teems with Yokai, supernatural spirits. Ranging from malevolent to mischievous, Yokai often embody natural phenomena. A famous example is the 'Yuki-onna', a spirit manifesting as a beautiful woman who leads people to frosty demise.

In the Philippines, the 'Aswang' is a shapeshifting monster, often blending into the human populace by day and hunting by night. Feared as a vampire, a ghoul, and a witch, it reflects societal fears of the unknown.

The Draugr, undead figures from Norse mythology, are said to guard their treasure even after death, exhibiting immense strength. These revenants carry a stench of decay and can increase their size at will, symbolizing greed and corruption.

In Ireland, the Banshee wails are omens of death. She is seen as a fair or foul old woman, whose mournful cry foretells the passing of a family member, reflecting the deep Irish respect for mourning processes.

The Churel is a vengeful female ghost found in Indian folklore, often associated with the death of mothers during childbirth. She's depicted with an inverted feet appearance and is believed to haunt families, leading to successive deaths.

Obayifo, in West African folklore, is a living vampire-like creature. It's believed to be a person with witchcraft abilities that can leave its body at night to suck the life force from crops and people, especially children.