Bugbears (folklore)

A Bugbear is a mischievous monster that appears in English folklore comparable to goblins or hobgoblins, though it is more often portrayed similar to the bogeyman, being a creature used to frighten children into behaving themselves.

Etymology[]

The name "bugbear" most likely comes from the Middle English word "bugge", meaning something frightening, or the Old Scots word "bogill" meaning goblin. It may also be related to the origins of the word "bogeyman", "boggart", or "bugaboo".

The word "bugbear" is also an idiom for a persistent or annoying problem.

Appearance[]

Like the Bogeyman, bugbears vary wildly in appearance between different cultures and timeframes, though usually bugbears are depicted as large, frightening and/or ugly humanoid beasts with sharp teeth, claws, and horns, sometimes with tails thick, shaggy fur. In Medieval England it was described as being an actual bear, albeit a hideous and evil one. In almost all cases, bugbears were said to be monsters that lurked in forests or caves, and would kidnap and eat children who misbehaved or wandered off. These stories were primarily told to scare young children, encouraging them to behave and listen to their parents, as well as stay away from dark or dangerous places.

Modern Depictions[]

Although the Bugbear of legend is somewhat rare today its legacy continues in the word, which has become a broad term for the bogeyman in general.

Many works of modern fantasy themed media today contain bugbears, where they are depicted as minor antagonists usually related to goblins and similar creatures— in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game series, for example, they are described as large, hulking, hairy goblinoids with large pointed ears and prominent underbites with sharp teeth.

Gallery[]

Images[]

Navigation[]

Gods & Spirits
Gods & Goddesses:
Fomorians
Balor | Bres

Gods of Canaan
Anat | Baal | El | Mot | Yam

Gods of Egypt
Ammit | Apep | Geb | Nun | Set

Titans
Atlas | Kronos | Prometheus

Western European
Greek
Abyzou | Cerberus | Demiurge | Hellhounds | Lamia

French
Ankou | La Gargouille | Mourioche | Xaphan

Dutch
Demons (The Garden of Earthly Delights)

Finnish
Louhi

Germanic
Frau Perchta | Imps | Krampus | Mares

Spanish & Portuguese
Coco | Sack Man

Eastern European
Russian
Baba Yaga | Black Volga's Driver

Polish
Black Volga's Driver

Buddhism
Enma Daio | Mara

American
North American
Jersey Devil | Malsumis | Raven Mocker | Wendigo

Latin American
El Charro Negro | El Gritón de Media Noche

Canadian
Wendigo

African
Lamashtu | Marinette | Sack Man

Oceanian
Australian
Abere

Death
Grim Reaper | Skeletons | Undead | Zombies

See Also
Legends

Conspiracy Theories
Illuminati | Rain Man | Men in Black

Theology Legends (Demonology, Gods & Spirits)
Main: Theology Villains

H.P Lovecraft "Cthulhu" Legends
Main: Cthulhu Villains

SCP Foundation Legends
Main: SCP Foundation Villains

Trevor Henderson Legends
Main: Trevor Henderson Villains

Villains Wiki

Bugbears (folklore)

Contents

Etymology[]

Appearance[]

Modern Depictions[]

See also[]

Gallery[]

Images[]

Navigation[]

Fan Feed