The Well Engulfer – Belliegħa tal-Bir

Hidden in Malta’s network of underground limestone tunnels and freshwater caverns, the well engulfer lies in wait beneath seemingly innocent wells. This monstrous, fish-like creature is said to lure victims with sounds of gurgling water, whispers, distant voices, even the call of thirst-quenching brooks.

Curious souls who lean too close are snatched by a chameleon-like tongue, tipped with sticky tentacles that drag them into the monster’s enormous maw.

Legend has it that a particularly fearsome engulfer in Gozo managed to snare seven sisters one by one, giving the spot its chilling name: Tal-Belliegħa.

The Marine Engulfer – Belliegħa tal-Baħar

If you think the danger is only underground, think again. The marine engulfer stalks Malta’s coastlines, appearing as sudden tidal waves, whirlpools, or even invisible currents.

Those who linger too long in the shallows risk being sucked under by these mysterious forces.

Some say the entity is made of tiny, microscopic organisms moving in unison, creating deadly water currents, a sea monster you can’t even see until it’s too late.

The Well Ghoul – Mħalla

Not all well monsters are fishy. The Mħalla resembles a huge eel and lunges at unsuspecting passersby, dragging them into the darkness.

One notorious creature, il-Għula tal-Latmija, was reportedly seen near Għarb in Gozo, scaring villagers away, until a couple of curious children got too close and were dragged down. Locals quickly blocked up the well, leaving only stories to haunt the imagination.

Some believe these ghouls are descendants of small eels, mutated over time, or even underworld creatures that travel through sunken channels into wells.

This Halloween, if you’re wandering near ancient wells, grottoes, or Malta’s coastline, beware… the Belliegħa might just be watching, waiting, and hungry.

Think you’d dare peek into Malta’s haunted wells this Halloween?

Information courtesy of The Maltese Bestiary by Stephan D.Mifsud