Vampires, werewolves, and maybe even the Loch Ness monster - you may have heard these names before. But have you ever wondered about the other mythical creatures out there?

Come and delve into the wonderful, weird, and sometimes wacky world of monsters, and discover even more mysterious creatures with our book recommendations.

1. Mokele-mbembe from Congo

The Mokele-mbembe, which means "he who blocks the river", is thought to roam Lake Tele in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It goes by many names depending on which local tribe you ask, but with the body of an elephant, the tail of a crocodile and the neck of a giraffe, one thing everyone can agree on is that the Mokele-mbembe is massive!

If you'd like to make friends with this gentle giant, you can gift the Mokele-mbembe its favourite food: a vine that produces white flowers.

2. Squonk from the United States of America

Despite its funny-sounding name, the Squonk is the furthest thing from a cheerful creature. With loose, ill-fitting skin that has warts all over, the Squonk is so upset by its looks that it cries ALL THE TIME. It even hides to avoid accidentally seeing its own reflection!

If you ever come across a sobbing Squonk, perhaps you could look past its appearance and try to befriend it?

3. Rakshasa from India and Sri Lanka

The Rakshasa is proof that you should judge a book by its cover.

As punishment for having been a horrible human, the Rakshasa has a hideous appearance. While you might not be able to defeat this vicious creature on your own, having a monkey along might be helpful. Apparently, every time the Rakshasa fights a monkey, it loses!

4. Rainbow Serpent from Australia

According to Aboriginal folklore, the Rainbow Serpent was one of the first beings to appear during the creation of the universe.

In fact, the beautiful canyons and ravines of Australia are believed to have been shaped by the Rainbow Serpent moving across the land. While this gorgeous serpent is known to be charitable and gentle to humans, woe betide any who harm the environment and face its wrath!

5. Simurgh from Iran

Old as time itself, the Simurgh lives in the mountains of Iran.

It is said that if you look closely, you might just catch a glimpse of her bright, multi-coloured wings. These feathers are not only beautiful — they also possess healing powers. However, do not try to trap and keep this creature; she sings only for her mate, and will die in captivity.

6. Bedawang from Indonesia

In Balinese mythology, Bedawang is a giant cosmic turtle that holds the entire world on his shell.

Being as large as he is, you can imagine that anything he does would have a huge impact — it is said that when he moves, earthquakes shake the world and volcanoes erupt! His shell also holds the entrance to the underworld, which is marked by a huge black rock. Cosmic indeed!

7. Kitsune from Japan

Also the Japanese word for "fox", kitsunes in local mythology are intelligent and powerful creatures that can take human form.

One legend tells of a kitsune that fell in love with a man while in human shape. However, the man's dog could sense that the kitsune was not truly human and kept attacking her until she reverted to her true form and escaped. So if your pet dislikes someone, perhaps you should give them a second look!

9. Antero Vipunen from Finland

Be careful where you walk if you are ever in the forests of Finland — you may just be travelling across the body of Antero Vipunen, an enormous sleeping giant.

Antero Vipunen has slept for so long that trees grow from the soil that covers his body like a blanket. It is said that the longer he sleeps, the wiser he becomes. If only humans could get smarter through sleeping!

10. Domovoi from Russia

Every Russian household is thought to also be home to a domovoi. This shapeshifting creature normally takes the form of a tiny, old, hairy man, but can become anything from an animal to the owners themselves!

When the domovoi is happy, they are fierce protectors of the home — but if you manage to get on their bad side, be prepared for some mischievous pranks!

Want to know more about these monsters?

Check out these books for more monstrous trivia, and to meet many more mythical creatures!

The information from this article has been adapted from the following books.

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