Daily mythical creature 126: the Gashadokuro [Japanese folklore, yokai]!

(image source: GiuseppeAzzarello)

This is actually a fairly recent myth, having originated in 20th century Japan (though other stories of giant human skeletons existed in Japan before that). Said to be about 15 times larger than an average human, these creatures resemble giant skeletons. Their bones are not the skeletons of giants, but rather amalgamates of the bones of humans who died of starvation (and weren’t buried), fused together into a giant humanoid skeleton.

(image source: blckxeepxiii on Deviantart)

They hunt at night and bite the heads off their victims, to drink their blood (how DO skeletons drink?). Though they cannot be harmed by mortal humans, people hear a loud ringing sound in their ear when a Gashadokuro approaches, giving them an opportunity to flee or hide. In addition, Shinto charms can hold them at bay.