“A mòra has similar abilities as the witch, but the main difference is that the mòra is described as a young (pretty) woman who becomes a witch after marriage. She is mostly seen as a black cat that sucks on its victim’s breasts and suffocates him or her during the night while they are asleep. The largest number of interlocutors [in Dalmatia] claimed that during their lifetime they had encountered a mòra and they were pretty convinced that this being existed while fewer numbers of interlocutors stressed the real existence of witches today.”
Tag: folklore
In Irish mythology, the Púca is a mischievous, shapeshifting faerie who would assume a disguise in many forms, including a horse, rabbit, goat, goblin, dog, calf, or donkey. Most commonly, the Púca is disguised as a sleek, black horse, with burning yellow eyes and an untamed, wild mane. It is among the most frightening Faeries is some parts of Ireland, and is said to scatter livestock, break fences, and cause damage to property as well as harm humans. Although It seems to have a bad reputation, If they acquire a liking to a certain human, they will often offer advice and be a generally kind faerie. The origins of the Púca is unknown, but there is some speculation that the name could have origins in Scandinavia, the name being related to “pook” or “puke” meaning “nature spirit”.
The Russian peasant imagined the social order among demons to be much like his own. They lived in families and were fond of smoking, drinking, and playing cards or bones. Normally devils married witches, and their weddings, often celebrated at a crossroad, were frenzied affairs; sometimes in their wild dancing they raised a column of dust to the sky. Here and there one finds the belief that it was possible to disperse such gatherings by throwing an axe or a knife at the witch. Afterwards blood would be found on the spot and a village woman might walk around with a bandaged face or hand. Some peasants in Tula Province stressed that devils did not live in lawful wedlock because they lacked priests. Snowstorms and windstorms were generally associated with the activity of devils on earth; the notion that devil children liked to play in them was widespread. In Novgorod Province it was believed that one could view the devil during a snowstorm by getting down on all fours and looking through one’s legs.
Russian Folk Belief, by Linda J. Ivanits (via sonnywortzik)
The Leshy, Lesovik or Lešak is a male woodland spirit in Slavic mythology who protects wild animals and forests.
“The attitude to the devil in ancient times is dual. On the one hand, he is the master and protector of the forest and on the other – quite dangerous to humans… Before going into the forest (hunting for mushrooms, berries, for firewood, etc.), woodsmen left treats. These consist of different foods and sweets left on the stump with a request that the forest spirit throughout will contribute to a person’s success.
Either way, the devil was considered a fair spirit: if he punishes the person it is not just for fun, but for the fact that the person was guilty. And with proper and respectful attitude from the woodsman, the devil may even contribute to a man in his forest expedition – to send the hunter beast, or bring the mushroom picker to mushroom places.”
cover of WITH magazine № 1, 1906
The magazine was “Леший”, Leshy. The artist signs as “H. Брут”, N. Brutus(?). More covers.
wraithsandstraysofparis 