Potercha
Image by Yuri_B from Pixabay
Potercha
appearancechildlike
habitatlakewetland (swamp, marsh, bog, fen)
numbercommon
originUkraine
paraphernalianightlight (a small lamp used to lure people into a trap, the origin of will-o'-the-wisp or ignis fatuus)
taxonomydemonspiritundead
voicecroaking (sounds like a frog-like croaking)

Description

Potercha is formed from a stillborn, aborted child or a child deceased unbaptized. It exists during 7 years. If no one performs a ritual (see Rituals below) over the potercha, then it would be transformed into a different demon forever.

Etymology

From Ukrainian «потеряти» (poteriaty) or «потирати» (potyraty) - to loose, spoil, harm, destroy. There is also a phrase «потеряти дитя» (poteraty dytia - to loose a child) - to have a miscarriage.

Analogues in other cultures

  • Poroniec (Poland)
  • Myling (Sweden)
  • Utburd (Norway)
  • Drekavac, Дрекавац (Southern Slavs: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro)