Kikimora

household-spirit · Slovakia · Slavic

Kikimora is a household-spirit from Slovakia mythology. In Ukrainian tradition she has two distinct forms: the house Kikimora who lives behind the stove and the swamp Kikimora (bolotnyana) who dwells in marshes. The house variety is described as a tiny, hunched, ugly old woman with a pointed nose, dressed in rags of moss and grass, who can appear as a deceased family member. The name derives from Proto-Slavic 'mora' (nightmare), connecting her to the universal folklore figure of the night hag who sits on sleepers' chests. She is the wife or companion of Domovyk

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