Shadow-dwelling

Shadow-dwelling describes a being, creature, or entity that primarily exists, resides, or thrives within the realm of shadows, darkness, or obscured spaces. These entities often possess characteristics associated with the absence of light, such as heightened senses in the dark, the ability to manipulate shadows, or a vulnerability to light. The term evokes a sense of mystery, stealth, and association with concealed or forbidden places, indicating the subjects existence relies on the absence of illumination. shadow-dwelling creatures may range from fantastical beings of lore to entities which find safety or sustenance within the obscurity of darkness.

Shadow-dwelling meaning with examples

• Legends spoke of shadow-dwelling wraiths that haunted the abandoned mine, their forms only discernible in the deepest darkness. The miners, upon hearing whispers of them, would quickly drop their tools and depart, never staying after the sun went down. Their existence was tied to the mine and the tunnels of it, a place of utter darkness.
• The ancient temple, a place of forbidden rites, was said to be inhabited by shadow-dwelling guardians who moved silently through the gloom. The temple, untouched for years, was seen to still have torches, despite nobody being present. Their task, it was rumored, was to keep the location guarded against unholy intrusion, the guardians a fearsome presence.
• In the children's story, the protagonist battled a shadow-dwelling monster that emerged from the depths of the forest. It would feed upon the souls of the fearful. The creature was invisible in the light, but when the moon blocked out the light, the monster appeared with its shadowy arms, a true harbinger of dread.
• Some species of nocturnal insects could be described as shadow-dwelling, utilizing darkness for camouflage and protection from predators. These insects lived among plants that were rarely seen by human eyes. Their success and survival came from their ability to exist out of the sight of others, and therefore, predators.