Creature Corner Kitsune, Nogitsunes, and Primed Suspect

Today I’m going to share some facts about a very special kind of fox that has incredible paranormal powers. They are called Kitsunes or Nogitsunes. While the legends and myths of these creatures are most prominent in Japan and China, they are also written about in many other countries including India. Typically a kitsune is depicted as a woman. Often times as a seducer, able to get into the heads of the men they choose, and have her way with them. They are known to be wise and live a long, long life.

A kitsune is not as powerful in their mortal form, but they have far more chances to experience pleasure as a human. They are likened to the Western concept of the succubus – beautiful, seductive, and able to draw life force out of their chosen victim. In some myths they are considered evil, while others depict them as good. Either way they are most noted as tricksters.

Their fox form differs from that of a regular fox in the amount of tails they have. The most powerful, the Nogitsune, can have up to nine tails. They are able to light a fire to see their way in the dark by rubbing their tails together. Other powers include breathing fire and creating illusions. It is said that while in their human form, the women’s faces still take on that of a fox, more often with their cheekbones, narrowed structure and the slant of their eyes.

There are many myths and legends found on the website depicting different types of kitsune. It can make for many hours of reading, which I found while researching about these unique foxes for my story Primed Suspect. Shape-shifters of any kind are always a catapult for my imagination and often keep me up late at night.

Creature Corner: The Selkie and The Nagas

Today I’m blogging about Selkies. Selch or selk(ie) is the Scots word for seal. Selkies are also referred to as water kelpies or seal people. I find them quite mysterious and I’m working on a story now about one. If you aren’t familiar with Selkies, then please read on.

It seems the legends of these unique creatures or spirits originated in Scottish and Irish folklore. Selkies are seals who have the ability to shed their seal skin and take human form. They are considered gentle, and I’ve just always considered them magical.

For many years I lived along the Oregon Coast. In one particular area along Gleneden Beach, many seals would come ashore and bask in the sunlight. I used to close my eyes and pretend I was alone on the beach, just strolling along when a male selkie would emerge from the ocean in human form, with droplets of water cascading down his muscular body.

Male Selkies are known to possess seductive powers. With their dark hair and eyes, and devastatingly handsome good looks, they are able to seduce a woman with ease. Most males seek out human females for companionship. I have a feeling I could overlook the webs between their fingers and toes. I have a feeling I’d be too distracted by everything else.

Female Selkies are somewhat the opposite, often being quite shy. They don’t go looking for a mate, even when they’ve come ashore and discarded their skin. If a mortal man happens by and captures her skin while she’s in the form of a woman, the she can be forced to become his dutiful wife. If she ever finds her skin only then can she return to the sea.

To me, Selkies are simply fascinating. I enjoyed the reference to selkies in the movie Ondine starring Colin Farrell.

Another interesting creature is known as the Naga.


This week I’m blogging about Nagas. The term Naga means serpent. Nagas are able to shape-shift into a human, or into a snake. Sometimes they can become part human, part snake, and sometimes they can be part mermaid, part snake. Often times they fully change into a snake and can become so large they can devour an elephant. When they are in snake form, they tend to resemble cobras or pythons.

Nagas or snakes represent rebirth, death, and mortality in that they are able to shed their skins and in a sense be reborn. Nagas were known to keep to themselves, typically living in underground cities or deep in the jungle, rather than out in the open with humans. They are found mostly in tales from India in much of the Hindu mythology. It is said Nagas feared unicorns.

While many fear snakes and consider them evil, the Hindus consider Nagas as nature spirits – protectors. In North India, there are communities who claim to be direct descendants of Nagas.

When I came across this type of shape-shifter, it got my imagination working overtime. Beautiful as the snake women were, my mind went a different direction. Something more powerful and masculine. The idea of a man (and we’re talking about a devastatingly handsome man here) cursed to become a Naga by a ruthless Naga queen seeped into my dreams and a story was born. My short story Snake Charmer from Ellora’s Cave can be purchased on its own, and it’s also included in the Glamorous Garnet print anthology.

Ann Cory

Creature Corner: The Mare and Windigo

In Norwegian myth, there is a terrifying female shape shifter called the Mare. She is known as a tormentor, mainly of men, and only wreaks havoc at nightfall. Though this shape shifter takes on the form of a horse, she is able to enter a dwelling through a keyhole or a wall crack.

Once inside she mounts the chests of her victims, making it difficult for them to breathe, causing extreme pain and frightful dreams. In America she is known as the nightmare.

In daylight hours she roams in the form of a woman, usually someone’s wife or mother, without any characteristics or markings to distinguish them as anything but human. While they can shift into other creatures, it predominately chooses to become a horse.

It’s suggested that a horseshoe hung over the bed, or another type of iron/metal object, can discourage the Mare. Should she not find a human to victimize, she will torment livestock by riding them roughly. To keep livestock protected, it is best to tie a bell around their necks, or hang metal around the barn.

I believe the Mare has visited me. I've woken with my chest heavy, gasping for air, and near tears from a terrifying dream. Maybe I should consider investing in a horseshoe. Mare be gone!

And onto a seasonal, subarctic maneater with a heart of ice - otherwise known as the Windigo:


It is said these ruthless creatures were humans at one time, who became possessed cannibals. With trees used as snowshoes they roam forests of the north, hunting for human flesh. Blizzards follow their path of bloody destruction.

They’re described as tall giants with gaunt forms, glaring eyes, and a shriek that paralyzes its prey. In seconds the ice creature rips out all vital organs and feeds. Even the creature’s own family is considered prey.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not run into one. I’m uncoordinated when it comes to walking in snow, so I doubt I could run or get away from some demon-like thing that has the munchies. Then again, I'm not a fan of snow so I can't imagine why I'd be out walking in it to begin with. But I've said that about other things, so who knows ;)

In my research little is said about how to escape a Windigo. You can attempt to throw excrement at the creature to buy some time, but flinging poo wouldn’t be my first choice.


~Ann Cory