Apotamkin

The Apotamkin (also spelled apotampkin) is a creature in Native American mythology. According to the mythology, it is a giant fanged sea monster that lives in the Passamaquoddy Bay and pulls people in to eat them, particularly careless children. It is said to have long red hair, and in some versions, it was a human woman before being changed into a serpent. One interpretation of Apotamkin myth is that it was used to instill fear into children to keep them from venturing into areas alone and without parental guidance.

Whilst it is defined as a monster, it is not always evil. Its presence deters children from entering the water without parental supervision, avoiding injuries or death. The Passamaquoddy tribe believe that the Apotamkin prevents children from falling through thin ice.