Spirits in mythology are usually very different from ghosts and have a different role in their respective mythologies when compared to them. Spirits are common across many regions around the world and tend to be both helpful and harmful to human beings.

Unlike ghosts, they are not the remnants of living beings and tend to have their own origin stories and influence in the daily lives of the mortals on earth. They can be conjured up or exist peacefully depending upon their intrinsic nature. Many cultures have spirits assigned to natural phenomena who are different from actual deities.

They can also be a product of black magic and be used by a select few to harm or indulge in evil activities.