Reilly Kissane

Photo by Oleg Magni The Dingonek is a creature of legend all the way from Africa. Reports have ranged from all over Africa but are primarily heard of in the areas of the Congolese Jungles. The first written account comes from jungle explorer Edgar Beecher Bronson’s memoirs “In Closed Territory” written in 1910. In this account Edgar tells about his friend John Alfred Jordan who had an encounter with the Dingonek even going so far as to shoot at it. This effort was noted to only have angered the ferocious creature. About the Dingonek Sometimes referred to as the “jungle walrus” the Dingonek is reported to have long tusks or fangs  that protrude from its upper jaw, much like those of the sabretooth. The Dingonek has a lion like head and is reported to have armored scales like an armadillo. Some claim the Dingonek has a large fish like tail while others say it has a scorpion tail. The creature’s feet are webbed and clawed to enable both swimming and land movement. The Dingonek

Origins The Te-Tini-O-Hakuturi are legendary creatures from the country of New Zealand in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Photo Courtesy of  Tú Nguyễn About the Te-Tini-O-Hakuturi These fairy like creatures have a variety of aliases including: “The offspring of Tane” (Referring to Tane-mahuta, lord of the forests), “the host of Hakuturi” and “the multitude of bow-legged ones”. As that last name implies, these forest dwellers are thought to be bowlegged in their original form, but may take the shape of insects or birds. These creatures are guardians of the forest. If you would take something of the forest, such as chopping down a tree, you need to appease the spirit world first or these little guys just may put the tree right back where it came from, as happens in the legend of Rata. In the World of Ekunbi The Te-Tini-O-Hakuturi appears in my current work in progress as the character “Whetu”, whose animal form is the kea parrot of the South Island of New Zealand. W

Most people are familiar with the term "Dragon" but there are hundreds of lesser known creatures from all over the world. I am making it a goal to introduce some of these characters in my blog. If you like learning about myths, legendary creatures and cryptids, stay tuned. I am trying to get at least one new mythical creature posted every month (hopefully more). I will also be sprinkling in some blogs on my world development for my work in progress, the Reagan Healy Series of Ekunbi. If you would like to get in touch with me about certain creatures or are interested in my work in progress (featuring many legendary creatures from across the globe), please leave a comment below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible! Photo Courtesy of Travel Photographer on  Stock Snap I am still in the process of setting up a monthly e-Newsletter and getting an email sign up list so check back soon or leave a message below to indicate your interest!