In Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Serb folklore, Ala is a mythological creature, considered demons, whose main purpose is to cause bad weather by bringing hail-producing thunderclouds in the direction of vineyards, fields, and in orchards to destroy and/or loot the crops and take them away. Ale (plural form), like to eat children on Earth and try to devour the Sun or Moon which they believed caused eclipses and upon success would cause the end of the world.
Upon encountering one of them causes mental and physical health to be in great danger. Approaching one of them with respect and trust is said to gain their favor and being in a good relationship with them may enrich your life and is said that they save the lives of their favorites when in danger. Black wind, snakelike monster, raven, and female dragons are just a few that are said to be the appearances of this mythological creature. They can possess a human’s body and also take on various forms of animals. They are said to live in the clouds or in a spring, lake, and pretty much any hidden, remote location. They have greater enemies than humans, particularly dragons. Eagles, high in the sky, are said to fight against the ale as well.
Works Cited/Further Reading
Wikipedia.org’s article “Ala”
Jason Mythical Creatures
In Ainu folklore, Akkorokamui is a octopus-like or fish-like sea monster which supposedly lurks in Hokkaid in Funka Bay. It can be seen from a great distance and is said to have an enormous red body, which can probably explain for its visibility in distance. The Ainu people have long feared this creature, fearful that the creature will have a tendency to swap boats which is why many fishermen carry large sickles with them to protect themselves. Non-Anui have claimed to see this monster as well. In his book, The Ainu and their Folklore, the nineteenth century Englishman and missionary John Batchelor describes an alleged actual incident concerning the Akkorokamui:
In the morning, we found the whole village under a cloud. Three men, it was said, were out trying to catch swordfish, when all at once a great sea monster, with large staring eyes, appeared in front of them and proceeded to attack the boat. A desperate fight ensued. The monster was round in shape, and emitted a dark fluid and noxious odor. The three men fled in dismay, not so much indeed for fear, they say, but on account of the dreadful smell. However that may have been, they were so scared that the next morning all three refused to get up and eat; they were lying in their beds pale and trembling.
Another account from the nineteenth century was that of a Japanese fisherman:
And I saw ahead something huge and red undulating under the waves. I at first thought my eyes deceived me and that I was merely seeing the reflection of sun upon the water, but as I approached, I could see that in fact it was an enormous monster, 80 meters in length at least, with large, thick tentacles as big around as a man’s torso. The thing fixed me with a huge, staring eye before sinking out of sight into the depths.
Works Cited/Further Reading
Cryptomundo – Akkorokamui
Wikipedia.org’s article “Akkorokamui”
Jason Mythical Creatures
Akka is a female spirit in Sámi and Finnish mythology. The first actor in Sámi mythology was Maderakka and her daughters were Sarakka, Uksakka and Juksakka. Many Sámi actually believed that they had lived under their kota tents. Many worshipped the Akka, in forms of sacrifices, pleas for help, and other various types of rituals. Many believed that the Akka were helpful for pregnant women. In fact, a woman would eat a special porridge dedicated to her. Spirits of lost babies are soothed and comforted by her, while other spirits dwell in sorrow. In Finnish mythology, Akka is the wife of Ukko ylijumala and is the goddess of fertility. She could also be seen as the female side of nature (mother nature).
Jason Mythical Creatures
Ajatar, in Finnish folklore, is known as “Devil of the Woods” and is a female evil spirit that manifests as a snake or a dragon. She is said to be the mother of all evil. She spreads disease and plagues, suckles serpents, and makes those ill who dare to look at her.
(Source: Rose, Carol M. Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia. 1998.)
Jason Mythical Creatures
(A rooster)
In Lithuanian mythology, Aitvaras is a household spirit. It looks like a black or white rooster with a fiery tail. They may hatch from a nine to twelve year old rooster. If they die, they become a spark. In many cases, it is said that this creature has the appearance of a rooster indoors while appearing as a dragon outdoors. They will lodge themselves into a house and absolutely refuse to leave. Good or bad luck is the result of having this creature inside your home they say, providing you with stolen gold and grain and constantly getting the household in trouble.
Many believe that Aitvaras can be bought from the devil, for that person’s soul.
Works Cited/Further Reading
Wikipedia.org’s article “Aitvaras”
Jason Mythical Creatures
