Min Min Lights and other ghostly orbs

 

We have all heard about the paranormal phenomena of inexplicable balls of light, right? They are often known as light orbs or paranormal orbs.

As with most things, this phenomena has been witnessed all over the world with remarkable regularity, particularly since the invention of the camera, whereby many of the orbs have been captured on film.

Characterized as a body of light with no apparent source of illumination, light orbs appear to move of their own volition.

Naturally, science offers plenty of explanations as to what they may be. Explanations ranging from optical illusions, to luminescent dust, to fata morgana -  an unusual and complex form superior mirage that is seen in a narrow band right above the horizon.

However I am more interested in the myths that surround this unusual phenomena, so allow me to enlighten you to the mystical lights and mythological mayhem than surrounds them!

In Australia this phenomena is referred to as Min Min lights, usually spotted around the East Coast of Australia, and have been depicted for centuries by native Aboriginal people (painting by Chernee Sutton). The Min Min are witnessed most often at night (occasionally in the day) and move with either a slow almost cautious manner or wildly, rapidly chasing cars. It is said that if a person chases and captures the Min Min, they will in fact disappear - to where, I can only imagine...



[Image curtesy: decodehindumythology.blogspot.com )

 

In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions the phenomena of light orbs, is called "Deva". The lights are considered to hail from the astral realm, and be the embodiment of a mystical being that has no other form visible to the human eye. Additionally, they have also been described as "open vortexes of cosmic consciousness" (Hobbs, 2008, Phantastic Fairies), or embodiments of the forces of nature, thus being responsible for the fires, rains etc.
Like the Australian Min Min, the Deva are capable of moving great distances at high speed. In this mythology it is also suggested that humans once had the same abilities as the Deva, but over time our desire to eat food corrupted our astral bodies and the powers eventually vanished.

In Thailand, the phenomena is known as the Naga Fireball,which are similar to the Deva and Min Min. The Naga Fireballs are seen up through Thailand as far as Laos, and sometimes called the Mekong Lights. These particular lights can number in their thousands and appear to rise from the river to a hundred or so metres in the air before disappearing. Local legend states they are caused by the enormous Naga that lives beneath the surface of the river.

Pamphlet from 1957

In America, you will find a light orb called The Hornet Spook light. Most commonly described as a single orange ball of light, it generally travels east to west along a four mile section of road (locally known as the Devil's promenade) in Oklahoma. It is also known as the Tristate Spook light, and the Joplin Light.

The oldest myth about this light is that of a  Qwapaw Indian girl who fell in love with a young warrior. She was not allowed to marry him unfortunately as he did not have enough dowry for her. Thus the young couple eloped, and were chased. The two star crossed lovers leaped to their deaths above a river. Soon after the light appeared in the sky and was then attributed to the spirits of these star crossed lovers.

There is also a European version, known as the Will-o-the-wisp, a fairy light that guides the unsuspecting into trouble. This fairy light, was made popular in the recent children's movie "Brave" where the main character follows a Will-o-the-wisp, when she was needing assistance.

The Indian version of the myth is centered around the Bay of Bengal  and is called the Aleya or Marsh lights that hover over the water in that region.  These lights were believed by locals to be the ghost lights of drowned fishermen. It is said that these ghost lights can trick you, or aid you if you are in danger.

In South America the phenomena is refered to as the Boi-tata. The glowing red orbs are said to be the devilish eyes of a great serpent that will consume anyone who comes close...

Irrespective of their true origins, I find the myths that evolve from difficult to explain phenomena fascinating - especially the differences in mythical explanation from one country to another!

And on that note, have a lovely week!

Naga Fireballs on the Mekong River

Min Min Lights

Tristate Spook Lights
 

Will-O-the-wisp

 

 



Latest Muses - from weather to film.

I am regularly afflicted by muses.
Something strikes me, and I become fascinated and inspired by it, often I find the muse can distract me completely from my writing all together!

Weather as a muse

 

We are in the depths of winter here in Perth, though by other people's standards it's hardly cold. It's cold enough for me though.

However, along the coast here it is very windy and perfect writing weather.

 

 

This is a photo (not my photo) taken of a jetty not far from my house last winter. As you can see  we do get some crazy wind here and snuggling in my office and writing (or cruising the net) is magic when it's like this.

 

I often find when I'm writing, the weather I'm experiencing at home is often what I write about in my novels... For example, the latest scene I've written in my WIP "The Sworn Virgin", is a wintery one, because as I stare out of my window at the lashing rain and gale-force winds, I find myself almost without realising it, setting my scene in it.

 

*sneaky excerpt*

...he hit the ground with a painful thud and fell to his knees. Rain lashed him with icy cutting droplets.  The wind roared like vacuum around his head, making his clothes flap wetly around him and his hair flatten against his brow.

Quelling his rolling belly, Marco peeled an eyelid open and winced as frozen rain stung his face...

 

See what I mean? Weather is a muse without me even knowing it, and now you know the hero's name in my latest WIP - Marco...

  

Film and Literature as a Muse

For some time (particularly since finishing the books) I've been been inspired by the relationship between Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth from the George R R Martin's series Song of Fire and Ice.

 

I totally love the character of Brienne of Tarth in George R R Martin's books (portrayed amazingly well by the super-awesome-let-me-go-all-fan-girl Gwendoline Christie in HBO's Game of Thrones series). Her strength as a female kick-ass character is awesome, but there is also a vulnerability about her which I absolutely adore. I also really love the development of Jaime and Brienne's friendship, it's been beautifully done.
 

Brienne is awesome.

 

The other show I've really been enjoying watching is "Strike Back", I've enjoyed it so much, I've just ordered the next two in the series.

 

'Strike Back' is a very exciting, contemporary action / suspense / military drama (which is totally out of my usual genre) and though I must admit though there are a number of 'bum and boob' shots for the bloke fans, there's sculpted torsos and biceps a plenty for the ladies too, namely from Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) phwaw.

 

 

Now, I want you to understand that contrary to popular belief, it is not just the manspiration factor that intrigued me about 'Strike Back' (though undoubtedly the rock hard abs and witty banter of the gents played a part.) It was in fact the presence of another truly awesome female kick-ass character, and that is Colonel Eleanor Grant (portrayed fabulously by actor Amanda Mealing).

 

Colonel Grant is a seriously hard lady, she's even got short hair to prove it. She is as ruthless as any of her soldiers if not more so, and very brave and utterly stoic. Unlike Brienne of Tarth, however Colonel Grant doesn't let her vulnerability show (or the writers of the show don't let her) until right at the bitter end... seriously awesome character! It's worth watching the show just for her! I love it that Strike Back had a powerful 45 year old female character! She rocks...

 

Anyway, the storm has not abated, and I'm going to write some more on my WIP.

 

Have a lovely weekend.

 

 



A Warlord's Lady - your questions answered.

Despite 5 title changes, A Warlord's Lady is officially due for release 1st November 2013 through Harlequin's Escape Publishing.

I can't wait to see the cover!

Today I'm answering some questions about the book, and offering another sneaky peek!

Why did I choose to base this novel in Laos?
There were several reasons this story is based around Laos.
1. I love exploring different countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, which is so close to Australia. Laos was one of those nations so infrequently mentioned in the news, in books or anywhere. That alone spiked my interest.
2. I wanted my hero to be the complete opposite of my heroine. I wanted him to be from a place and culture she completely did not know or understand.
Where is Laos?
Laos is a landlocked nation sandwiched in between Thailand and Vietnam in South East Asia.
Laos is most commonly pronounced 'Lao'  similar to the digraph "ou" in loud.
What language is spoken?
The spoken language in Laos is 'Lao' a tonal language. However there are many other ethnic groups within Laos with their own languages. In commerce, French is still often spoken as Laos was French colony until it's official independence in 1949.
What is the official religion?
The official religion of the country is Theravada Buddhism, although there are other animist and spiritualist native religions among the remote hill tribes, and there are small percentage of Christians practicing within Laos as well. 
Why a warlord?
The end of WWII left Laos in a state of chaos, and so began their own Civil War (1953-1975). During this time, a number of domains were ruled by warlords. So warlord culture is a known part of Lao history and therefore making my hero one seemed like a natural thing to do.
Cain Dath, the hero in A Warlord's Lady, is a magician Warlord - so he fights against the world governments, for the rights of magical beings...He's cool.
What about this heroine, what is she like?
I adore Sabra! She was a lot of fun to write. On the outside, there is nothing at all remarkable about her, except she's a Chameleon (and you'll find out more about that in the book!)She looks pretty ordinary, the kind of girl you'd smile at as you both pondered which chocolate cookies to buy at the supermarket. She's a little chubby which makes her a little self conscious, but she's got guts when she needs it! Her day job was a payroll clerk at metal fabrication company.
So why on earth would a gorgeous, powerful warlord, ever look at her twice?
You're going to have to wait until November to find out!
 

Lastly, here is another little sneeky peek! (warning this snippet is totally unedited and may or may not be in the final published version)

I was sitting in a small bar with fellow tourist Maggie, drinking a pineapple cocktail of some description. I’d drunk far too many, and was likely to drink many more. The rest of the tour group had headed back to the hostel for an early night. We were returning to Perth in two days time, but I was determined to make a night of it and thankfully so was Mags. The bar was one of those dodgy-looking local places, but our tour-guide had recommended it as being ‘safe’ and who were we to disagree? The walls were made of bamboo strung tightly together, and the floor was raw looking cement, swept religiously every fifteen minutes. Photos of drunk tourists and locals alike were pinned higgledy piggledy on the walls. Mine was destined to be up there too, they’d taken my photo only moments before. I’d looked flushed, sweaty and not at my best. The Barman, a gorgeous bronzed Laotian had taken it and despite my awkwardness, I’d laughed, strangely flattered and titillated to have some memory of my presence be reflected on the soggy, bamboo walls.

              Thus far, holiday had been a wonderful ego boost -  the Laotian men were charming, and a balm to my battered ego. The attention they gave me was nice, something I certainly wouldn’t get in the bars and clubs of my hometown, Rockingham.

 In the steamy gloom of the bar, I noticed particularly handsome Laotian man smile at me from a nearby table where he sat with two friends. He had cheekbones that could only be described as chiselled, and dark brown skin, shadowed in all the right places by sexy stubble. His hair curled slightly just above his collar. I felt myself blush. Not a good thing for a Chameleon to do, as I tended to turn a rather unflattering crimson red which seemed to put most guys off. I took a gulp of my cocktail to ward my embarrassment away. Was it just me, or was this drink stronger than the others? I found myself staring googly eyed at the handsome guy again, but thankfully my blush stayed down. He offered me a long lazy wink and raised his glass of beer in a cocky salute. I suddenly became aware of the artistic sculpture of muscles beneath his snug shirt. I really wanted to have a holiday fling. No, actually if I want to be uncouth - I was gagging for a shag.

 

I hope you enjoyed this look into the steamy world of 'A Warlord's Lady' have a beautiful weekend.

 

 

 

Ghostly Riders - The Headless Horseman

Spectral Hunters, Headless Horsemen, the Wild Hunt - ghostly riders have featured prominently  throughout the worlds mythologies.

And they've evolved! The Urban myth of the 'ghost motorbike rider' has arisen where the ghostly horsemen have faded into past.

But let us take a look at two of the earlier ghostly rider myths

Herne the Hunter

There are a few varying myths surrounding Herne the Hunter, but today I shall focus on only one. Herne was apparently one of King Richard II's (1367 - 1400AD) favourite keepers of Windsor Forest. He excelled at hunting and wood carving. Unfortunately, during a hunt that went terribly wrong, Herne was badly injured protecting the King from being mangled by a stag. A dark shadow appeared and man appeared. Some say he was called Philip Urswick, others state he was a wizard. The wizard offered to save Herne, by somehow using the head of the dead stag.
When Herne recovered, he was granted a promotion from the king, but this made the fellow keepers unhappy. How Herne actually died remains something of a mystery, but he allegedly hung himself from an old oak tree. His reasons for doing this are open for debate, but one theory suggests the stag magic used to save him, had the side effect of him losing his hunting capabilities; which made him depressed. Others say the other keepers conspired to murder him. Regardless, his miserable death had him return to the earthly realm as a spectre with massive stag antlers riding a jet black horse.

Interestingly some have since linked Herne the Hunter with the Celtic mythology of the Green man.

The Headless Horseman

 

 One of America's most famous paranormal figures!

 

The horror movies of which we are familiar are based on a ghost story, that begins in a place called Sleepy Hollow, near TarryTown, New York.

The ghost story stems from the death of a Hessian soldier (who were hired to suppress the American Revolution). During the battle for Chatterton Hill, October 28, 1776, the headless horseman was one of over 500 soldiers killed. He was apparently killed by decapitation with a canon ball. The soldier was buried in the graveyard. He apparently rises from his uneasy rest and rides about on a horse often a sword in hand. There were for some time after his burial numerous alleged 'sightings' of the spectre. Somehow through fiction, the legend surrounding the ghostly spectre became more of an antagonist ghost who would threaten travellers at night with by chasing on his steed, trying to maim them.

 

Fantasmagoria...Vampire cats

Have I ever told you I have a totally indulgent family? No? Well, my gorgeous sister recently bought me a new mythological creatures book! It's called Fantasmagoria, by Julia Bruce, and it is wonderful, filled to the brim with interesting facts and very cool illustrations.

So for today's post I'm going to focus on one the beasties in this great book.
I chose the topic because I love cats, I have two. I have discovered through my years of meeting other authors that many have cats (and usually more than one) I'm not sure why that is.

It is unsurprising  perhaps that cats of various forms crop up in mythology all around the world. Perhaps it is their unearthly eyes, the intriguing combination of sharp claws and supersoft fur, or perhaps the knowing look in their eyes, that inspires these myths.

Interestingly there is a widespread belief in almost all cultures that a cat will suck the life (or breath via smothering)from of a newborn baby - and many of the vampire cat tales are similar in that the creature attacks human babies.

www.sarudama.com

 The Vampire Cat of Nabeshima
This is one of the few myths in which the vampire cat does not target infants. This legend speaks of a shapeshifting cat (again something very common throughout world mythology). The the shapeshifting vampire cat was created when a cat crept into a young woman's bedroom and mauled her neck (presumably to drink her blood), then dragged her into the garden and buried her. The cat then assumed the woman's form.

It just so happened that this particular lady was the object of a young princes affections. Though she was his favourite, he failed to notice an change in her after the cat shift. However, a change became noticeable in the Prince. From that day on he became increasingly pale and sickly. No one seemed to know what was wrong with him, as no one realised that the vampire-cat-woman was visiting him at night. The prince continued to deteriorate.

 As a result, the prince was put under heavy guard, alas, every night his guards would become sleepy at precicely ten o'clock, and would fall asleep. It was then that soldier named Ito Soda came and asked if he may be able to watch over the prince. He was adviced to be careful of the sleepiness that would over come him at ten o'clock. Ito Soda was prepared, when he began to feel sleepy, he stuck a knife in his thigh and would twist it every time he felt sleepy. Thus, he remained awake (and in considerable agony one suspects). At midnight he saw the girl creep into the prince's room. As she approached she asked Ito Soda why he was awake. The vampire-cat-woman then left, unable to take her sustenance from the Prince. That morning, the prince woke up feeling much better. The same thing happened on the second night, and on the third the girl didn't come at all - and all the soldiers were able to stay awake.

By this time, the prince and Ito Soda were convinced the prince's lady love was the culprit. So Ito Soda went to confont her. Terrified at her discovery the woman fought him and escaped into the mountains where she continued her vampiric behaviour. After some time the prince sent out hunt to kill her. She was found in the mountains and slaughtered.
(Bruce, 2009, pp100)

The Bajang
The Bajang is a Malaysian type of vampire cat. It is also a shifter, able to take the form of a fox, pole cat or feral cat, as well as a small stocky and unnattractive person.

The bajang's true form is that of a stunted, stocky human with a blunt nose, wispy hair, and pale brown skin. It has beady orange eyes and a wide, lipless mouth, which is permanently creased in an evil sneer. Its hands are bony claws, and its feet resemble the talons of a vulture.
The bajang can alter self at will into the form of a small wildcat. The creature is most often encountered in this form and disturbs the household by mewing like a great cat. As a wildcat, it has light brown fur and retains its distinctive orange.
 http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Bajang#ixzz2UArbqlWO

Like many south-east Asian mythological beasties, the bajang consumes human fetuses, and also likes human milk.

According to Monstropedia Bajang can be captured and guarded in a bamboo tube. A specific type of leaves will be used as a cork of the tube and locked with a talisman. Bajang will be fed with eggs an milk. Bajang can be used as a familiar (like the Pelesit) and reared in intention to harm an enemy, causing disease, madness or death.  .
 http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Bajang#ixzz2UAs8OFWI

On a facinating but disturbing side note, Lilith (who hails from Hebrew folklaw) fled from Adam (as she didn't want to obey him) she turned into a giant black cat, who also liked to feast on the blood newborn infants. What a way to demonise disobediant women! Phwaw.

There are of course more vampiric cats in mythology, but alas time eludes me, so on this note, I wish you all a good weekend.

Viveka Portman - *Cover Reveal*

A few months ago I had the lovely Viveka Portman on the blog with an interview but at that stage we didn't have her cover... Portman's book "The Secret Diary of Lady Catherine Bexley" is due for release with Harlequin's Escape on the 1st of July, and will be up for pre-order in June.

In the vein of Portia Da Costa and Charlotte Featherstone, Regency England gets just a bit raunchy in this novella about a gently-raised lady who wants to feel like a woman…

 

Presents

 

“I have never seen fit in my life to divulge my secrets in a diary, yet now, after today’s proceedings, I do…”

Lady Catherine Bexley is new to marriage and the marriage bed, but surely there must be more to it than this? Her husband is proper and perfunctory — treating her with careful respect but leaving her aching for more.

When she witnesses a gentleman disciplining a maid at a house party, the ache explodes into ravenous desire. She finds herself no longer willing to wait for her husband’s stiff and passionless attentions — and soon develops a naughty plan to finally get what she wants.

•        The Secret Diary of Lady Catherine Bexley is Viveka Portman’s debut erotic regency romance. This is book one of a witty, sexy, and fun series!

•        Books two and three in the series are coming soon —  "The Wicked Confessions of Lady Cecelia Stanton," and "The Private Affairs of Lord and Lady Fielding".

If you'd like to follow Viveka, she's started a blog, www.vivekaportman.blogspot.com or you can find her on twitter @vivekaportman

Vietnamese Mythical Creatures

I've just spent eleven days in Vietnam.

It has been quite frankly amazing.

(Ha Long Bay, very nice!) 

Vietnam has an incredibly rich history, which I will leave to you to read about - but also a richly symbolic culture filled with fascinating mythology.

 

Vietnam has what our tour guide referred to as "Four Lucky Animals", also know as "Saintly Beasts" these are:

The Dragon - Long

 

The dragon holds an important place in many world mythologies, no less so than in Vietnam. The stunning Ha Long Bay named after the Dragon, who came down and created  3000 islands that make up the bay, as a way to protect Vietnam from invaders.

 

Many things in Vietnam are symbolic. The dragon in particular symbolizes nobility and power. The mythological beast is immortal, and can be associated with the elements, air, water, earth, fire.

 

Like the Chinese style dragon, the Vietnamese dragon is often depicted with deer horns, serpentine neck, eagle-like claws, belly of a crocodile, scales like a fish, and hair.

 

The Vietnamese creation myth is also centered around the dragon.

 

 Lac Long Quan, the son of a mountain god and a water dragon, was given the land of Lac Viet by his parents. He built two palaces, one in the mountains and one in the ocean. Later he fell in love with a beautiful fairy, Au Co, and transformed himself into a handsome young man to win her over. They married, and a year later, she laid a hundred eggs that hatched into human babies that quickly matured into adults.

Unfortunately, Lac Long Quan remained in his water palace while Au Co lived on land. She became lonely and pined for her homeland, so much so that she took her hundred children to visit it. It became obvious that the couple should separate. They agreed that half the children would go with their father to the land next to the ocean, and the others would follow their mother to the mountains, thus creating the Vietnamese race – the dragon and the fairy’s grandchildren. [http://www.haivenu-vietnam.com/vietnam-culture-myths.htm]



 

The Unicorn - Lân
 

I know what you're thinking - that looks nothing like a unicorn! Just so, the Vietnamese Unicorn, (also known as the Kylan) looks nothing like the Western mythological beast of the same name.

 

Unsurprisingly the unicorn's appearance can vary and they are often a hybrid-creature comprised of a multitude of other animals.

Description 1: The feet and horn of a deer, the ears of a dog, the forehead of a camel, the eyes of an eagle, the nose of a lion, the mouth of a crocodile, the body of a horse, and the tail of a bull.

Description 2:  a musk deer with huge horns, devil's a tiger's mouth, a catfish's moustache, fishlike fins on its body, and a bull's rail and hooves.
Description 3: The head of a dragon and the body of horse.

In Asia, this creature is believed to be an auspicious animal that bring luck, joy and longevity. It also represents compassion, benevolence righteousness. The Kylan never steps on grass or on insects and never drinks dirty water.

 

The Turtle -  Quy
 



 

The turtle symbolizes freedom and independence to the Vietnamese people, and are said to be good luck.

 The legend of King Le Loi, who is said to have defeated Chinese invaders with a magic sword given to him by the gods.

After the victory, the king was said to have been in a boat on the lake when a giant golden turtle made its way to the surface and took the sword and plunged back into the depths, keeping the weapon for when Vietnam needed it to fight for its freedom again.

[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/mission-to-save-the-rare-turtle-of-vietnamese-myth-and-legend-2236215.html]

The lake referred to in this myth is Hoan Kiem, a lake in the old quarter of Hanoi, north Vietnam. True to the myth, inside the lake lives an enormous soft shelled Red River Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) 2 m in length weighing 200 kg. Some Vietnamese believe this ancient turtle is the one mentioned in the myth.

"The Vietnamese believe the turtle is a guardian of a magical sword, Thuan Thiên, or Will of Heaven," said Dana Healy, a Vietnam expert at University of London's School of African and Oriental Studies. "Hence the name of the lake in the middle of Hanoi, the Lake of Returned Sword, or Hoan Kiem."[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/mission-to-save-the-rare-turtle-of-vietnamese-myth-and-legend-2236215.html]

I spent some time walking around Hoan Kiem lake trying to spot Cu Rua (Grandfather Turtle) with no luck. In 2011, the ailing Cu Rua was captured and treated with antiboitics before being released back into the lake. There is apparently only four giant softshelled turtles left in existance (Cu Rua, two in China, and another in Hanoi). So this marvellous creature is on the brink of extinction. I sincerely hope that Cu Rua lives on, and that the environs around Hoan Kiem are kept toxin and trash free.

Interestingly however, turtle meat is a very popular in Vietnamese cuisine, so despite the auspicious nature of the turtle, a number of Vietnamese turtle species are threatened by hunting.

 

 

The Phoenix -  Phượng

 

Vietnamese Phoung was often used as an emblem for queens. Richly symbolic it symbolises grace, pride, and nobility.

The Vietnamese Phoung described as an immense bird whose song made up the five basic tones of the traditional music scale. It is also a hybrid animal - a veritable mishmash of animals that may include tortoises and fish. The Phoenix can fly over incredible distances at lightning speed and will only take its rest in super tall trees or mountain tops.

 

Unlike the Western phoenix myths, the Phoung are truly immortal. They are not reborn from their own ashes.  Like the western phoenix they do however represent longevity, renewal and most importantly hope.

Some others...

 

Naturally there are many more mythological creatures in Vietnam than just these four... here are a few;

Xương Cuồng - Demon
In Phong Châu (the capital of the legendary Hùng dynasty), there once was a huge old tree. Its branches allegedly cast shade thousands of miles from its root.  When the tree aged and died, its spirit turned malicious  - taking delight in harming people. This spirit or demon is known as Xương Cuồng.

People made a concerted effort to rid the world of this particular demon. The legendary king Kinh Dương battled Xương Cuồng, and  forced the demon to flee. However, since Xương Cuồng was also a shifter, and possessed the power to transform, he hid himself and continued causing havoc. To appease the demon, the people decided that on the last day of each year, one human life was to be sacrificed to calm the demon.

Times change however, and human sacrifice became illegal under the governance of a man named Nhâm Ngao. He forbid the locals from practicing human sacrifice. Unable to appease the demon with human flesh, the demon's behaviour worsened.Xương Cuồng killed Nhâm Ngao soon after.

Finally, under the reign of emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng, there was a famous shaman named Dũ Văn Mậu. He and his followers disguised themselves and lured the evil spirit away to kill it. [http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=277707]

Hồ tinh (Nine tailed fox) 
This is reminiscent of the Japanese Kitsune.
Where modern day Hanoi sits, there once was a fox spirit who inhabited a mountain. It was a shape-shifter and used its intelligence to trick people and lure them to come to it. Once away from other people, the Ho tinh would eat its victim.

Lạc Long Quân together with his army fought and and killed fox. Not satisfied with the creatures destruction he continued and destroyed its den. At this site he dug a pond, called Fox Corpse pond (Thi Hồ Trạch) - which is now West lake (Hồ Tây). He then built a temple to suppress the fox's resentment.

Ngư tinh (Demon Fish)
In the ocean  there once lived a gargantuan marine demon. Described as being at least 150m long with hundreds of legs. This beast devoured fishermen and boats.  It was also a shifter, able to transform into a human to lure unwary fishermen to their grisly deaths.

The hero, Lạc Long Quân decided that this such an abhorrent creature should not live and went in search of it. He found it's lair and as just as the demon was about to devour him, Lạc Long hurled a large hot iron pole into its mouth. It fought against him wildly, but Lạc Long decapitated it and chopped off its tail. The tail turned into Bạch Long Vỹ island. Its head transformed into a dog and ran away. Lạc Long then caught the dog and also killed it which became Mt Cẩu đầu.   



 

 Of course there are many more fascinating mythological beasties in Vietnamese legend, but I'll leave it here today. Click on the links if you're interested in reading more. 

 

Enjoy your weekend.