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Cultural origin: Slavic - Baba Yaga is a supernatural being who appears as a deformed or ferocious-looking old woman. In Slavic folklore, she lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs and is often either a helper or hindrance to those who encounter her.

Cultural origin: Irish - A banshee is a female spirit in Irish mythology who heralds the death of a family member, usually by shrieking or keening. Banshees are often described as dressed in white with long, pale hair, and their mourning cries are considered omens of death.

Cultural origin: British - The myth of King Arthur revolves around a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defense of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. Arthur's story is replete with magical elements such as the sword Excalibur, the Round Table, and the wizard Merlin.

Cultural origin: Akan - Anansi is a trickster god from Ghanaian folklore who often takes the shape of a spider. He is considered to be the spirit of all knowledge of stories. The Anansi tales are believed to have played a significant role in shaping the culture and morality of the people.

Cultural origin: Greek - Atlantis is a mythical island nation first mentioned by Plato in his dialogues 'Timaeus' and 'Critias'. According to the myth, Atlantis was a powerful and advanced kingdom that sank into the ocean 'in a single day and night of misfortune'.

Cultural origin: Various (Greek, Egyptian, Chinese) - The phoenix is a mythical bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. It symbolizes immortality, resurrection, and life after death.

Cultural origin: South American - El Dorado was a mythical city or leader, rumored in the 16th and 17th centuries to be located somewhere in the unexplored interior of South America. It was supposedly fabulously rich in gold and precious stones.

Cultural origin: Welsh - Gelert is the name of a legendary dog associated with the village of Beddgelert in North Wales. The story goes that Prince Llywelyn returned home to find his cradle overturned, his baby missing, and the dog with blood on its mouth. Thinking Gelert had killed his heir, he slew the dog, which turned out to be the savior of the child, having killed a menacing wolf.

Cultural origin: German - The Pied Piper is a legend about a piper who rid the town of Hamelin of rats by luring them with his magical music. When not paid for his service, he took revenge by using his instrument to lure the children of the town away as he had the rats.

Cultural origin: Hispanic - La Llorona, 'The Weeping Woman', is a ghost from Hispano-American folklore who roams waterfront areas mourning her drowned children. The tale serves as a cautionary tale to children about the dangers of the water and to mothers about the consequences of their actions.

Cultural origin: English - Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, all whilst evading the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Cultural origin: Various (with notable mentions in European legends) - The Fountain of Youth is a mythical spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters. It has been a frequent subject of various myths and legends across cultures, often associated with the Age of Exploration.

Cultural origin: Scottish - The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. Despite numerous sightings and photographs, its existence has not been scientifically proven.

Cultural origin: Australian Aboriginal - The Bunyip is a mythical creature from Australian Aboriginal mythology, said to lurk in swamps, billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes. The Bunyip was a part of traditional Aboriginal beliefs and stories throughout Australia.

Cultural origin: Greek - Pegasus is a creature from Greek mythology, a winged divine stallion usually depicted as pure white. Pegasus is the son of Poseidon and the Gorgon Medusa and was born from Medusa's blood when she was beheaded by the hero Perseus.

Cultural origin: Norse - Sigurd (also Siegfried) is a legendary hero of Norse mythology, as well as the central character in the Völsunga saga. He slays the dragon Fafnir, acquires the cursed treasure of the Nibelungs, and is betrothed to the valkyrie Brynhildr.

Cultural origin: German - The Lorelei is a rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine near St. Goarshausen, Germany, which echoes a murmuring sound. The myth describes a beautiful siren named Lorelei inhabiting the rock on the Rhine River who lures fishermen to their doom with her irresistible song.

Cultural origin: American - 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is a short story by Washington Irving contained in his collection 'The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.', which includes tales of the spectral Headless Horseman who haunts the small town of Sleepy Hollow.

Cultural origin: Greek - Icarus, the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, attempted to escape from Crete by means of wings that his father constructed from feathers and wax. Ignoring his father's warnings, Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing the wax to melt and he fell into the sea.

Cultural origin: Central European - Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure in Central European folklore who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. He is contrasted with Saint Nicholas who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

Cultural origin: Japanese - The Tanuki, a raccoon dog, is a yōkai (spirit) in Japanese folklore that is known for its shape-shifting abilities. The Tanuki is often depicted as a jovial figure with a big belly and the ability to bring prosperity and business success.

Cultural origin: Latin American - The Chupacabra is purported to be a creature that attacks animals, especially goats, and drinks their blood. The name comes from the Spanish words 'chupar' (to suck) and 'cabra' (goat). It is a relatively recent legend, originating in the 1990s.

Cultural origin: Arthurian legend - The Lady of the Lake is an enchantress in the Matter of Britain, the body of medieval literature associated with the legend of King Arthur. She plays a pivotal role in many stories, including giving Excalibur to Arthur and taking the dying king to the isle of Avalon.

Cultural origin: Dominican folklore - La Ciguapa is a mythological creature of Dominican folklore. They are said to be beautiful and wild women who live in the mountains and have backwards-facing feet. La Ciguapa seduces and captivates travellers with their beauty and enchanting song.

Cultural origin: Himalayan folklore - The Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, is a mythical creature and an ape-like entity said to inhabit the Himalayan mountains. The Yeti is often described as a tall, bipedal being covered in thick fur, and is a figure of legend and trekking culture in Nepal and Tibet.

Cultural origin: Japanese - Kappa are aquatic creatures from Japanese folklore, similar to amphibious humanoids. Kappa are known for challenging humans to sumo wrestling and for trying to lure people into water to drown them. They are also said to help people in exchange for offerings of cucumbers.

Cultural origin: Australian Aboriginal - The Dreamtime is a term used to describe the Aboriginal understanding of the world, of its creation, and its great stories. It is the era on which the many Australian Aboriginal myths, legends, and folklore are based.

Cultural origin: North American lumberjack folklore - Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack and folk hero in American folklore. His exploits, including his competition with a steam-powered chainsaw and his companion Babe the Blue Ox, revolve around the tall tales of his superhuman labors.