So, here are three very fascinating but truly terrifying folkloric beings that have plagued this planet for centuries, and will continue to torment us for hopefully many centuries more. Saving the best for last, number four is that you would actually like to shake hands with!

Kallikantzaros

You could call it a holiday. The kind of holiday where these goblin-like creatures entertain themselves by tormenting humans. During this period newborns are especially vulnerable and in grave danger, since they can transform into a Kallikantzaros themselves.

Fortunately there are ways to protect yourself. It’s highly recommended that you leave your fireplace burning for the entire night, so that they cannot enter your house. It’s also advised to leave a colander outside the door. Apparently these goblins like to count, and if they pronounce the number ‘three’ they will kill themselves.

To be entirely honest, the Kallikantzaros aren’t very clever. When they return under the earth after their little holiday they curse and knock their heads against the ground out of anger. While these goblins are away the world tree heals itself and they have to start all over again.

Nuckelavee

Despite the fact that its habitat is the sea, it loves to bring about destruction on land. When winter approaches, its malice can be felt everywhere on the Island. This monster is responsible for sickening livestock, destroying crops, and infecting everyone with plague. Few who have encountered it have lived to tell the tale. And its name can only be spoken aloud when you say a prayer immediately afterwards.

During the summer it’s imprisoned by the Mither o’ the Sea, a kind spirit, and the only one who can control the Nuckelavee.

Black Annis

Desperately Black Annis keeps a close watch on all the comings and goings of the Leicestershire countryside. Waiting until she finds a lamb or a child to eat. Once her belly is full, she tans the skin of her victims by hanging them in her favourite oak tree, and then binds the final product around her waist.

When Annis can’t find anything to eat, her howls and shrieks can be heard miles away. Inadvertently she warns the inhabitants of Leicestershire of her presence, at which they quickly close their windows, and use herbs to protect themselves.

Where Black Annis comes from isn’t clear. According to some she has her origins in Celtic mythology, while others claim that her origins lay in German myths. The most fascinating theory is that Annis is based on a nun who lived during the medieval period and went by the name of Agnes Scott.

Barbegazi

In the summer they have some well-deserved sleep and protect themselves from the sun in the caves and tunnels which they call home. But when the first snow starts to fall, they come out.

Surfing on avalanches is what they love most. But they’re also very thoughtful and warn humans below by whistling when a snowslide is coming.

We’re very lucky to have them, since they will do anything to dig out humans who are buried underneath the snow, and they’re always very helpful when they come across a shepherd who has lost some of his sheep. Not stopping their search until they have found the missing animals.