Wolpertinger
The Wolpertinger (also called "Wolperdinger") is a mythical animal supposedly living in the alpine forests of Bavaria in Germany. It has body parts of various animals — generally wings, antlers and fangs, all attached to the body of a small mammal. The most widespread description is that of a horned rabbit or horned squirrel. It is similar to the Rasselbock from the Thuringian Forest, the Elwedritsche of the Palatinate region, which resembles a chicken-like creature with antlers, and to the American invention of the jackalope as well as to the Swedish Skvader.
Dryad
Dryads are female tree spirits in Greek mythology. In Greek drys signifies 'oak,' from an Indo-European root derew(o) - 'tree' or 'wood.' Thus dryads are specifically the nymphs of oak trees, though the term has come to be used for all tree nymphs in general. Dryads, like all nymphs, were supernaturally long-lived and tied to their homes, but some were a step beyond most nymphs. They were an integral part of their trees, such that if the tree died, the spirit associated with it died as well. For these reasons, dryads and the Greek gods punished any mortals who harmed trees without first propitiating the tree-nymphs. Some interpretations see the dryad in a tree-like form, often terrifying in appearance.
Shishigami
Shishigami is the Forest Spirit from the movie, Princes Mononoke. Also known as the Deer-God, it represents the forest as a living entity. By day, it looks like a deer with human facial features. Giant antlers protrude from its head and reach down the length of its back. At night, it grows into a giant humanoid celestial spirit and wanders the forest as its guardian. The killing of Shishigami represents the destruction of the forest to make way for Industry. Yes, we've seen this theme many times before (i.e. LOTR). I especially love the way the character is presented in this film.
