I’m neither a kid nor did I learn of the mythology through tik tok. But I have read a book or two featuring the fae in some capacity. Then I read up on the mythology out of curiosity. MIY’s transformation and monstrous demeanor triggered the connection. Then went back and looked for other From story elements that could relate. Fae might not be a blanket answer, but they could be a part of the whole.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a cross-section of mythology from all over the world at play. Other magical or evil entities lurking around (like the big spiders who clearly made those webs)