Alp/Alpen(plural)

The Alpen are demonic creatures from Germany. They are typically male, though they can be female, and they very commonly are seen wearing white hats which are the source of their power, and stealing this hat can cause them serious trouble. Sometimes they are thought to be the spirits of dead newborns, spirits of children who died immediately after a difficult birth, or the souls of returning family members. They are powerful shapeshifters that lack a true form. They can take the form of any animal but commonly appear as birds, cats, dogs, pigs, and snakes. They may also take the form of a Black Dog, or a cloud of mist. They are thought to have incredible strength and have the ability to fly, become invisible, and spit butterflies and moths from their mouths. They commonly prey on sleeping women, but may also target men, children, cattle, geese, horses, or rabbits. They can sneak into houses in the form of mist, sit on a victims chest to push out their breath, then drink their blood and cause nightmares. This attack is referred to as “Alpdrücke.” Despite their violent nature, they are surprisingly kind if a woman asks it for help. An Alp can be kept from animals if crossed measuring sticks are placed in the barn, or a broom is placed in the animals stall. Alpen could also be repelled if a hexagon imbued with the names of the Magi who visited Jesus (Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior) is drawn. They could be kept from bedrooms by placing shoes next to the bed pointing towards the door. They could be scared away if a mirror is placed on ones chest while they sleep, and pressing your thumb into your palm could stop an attack in progress. Some believed that burying a still-born child under the front door would repel the Alp and several forms of vampires. The legend of the Alp was sometimes related to werewolf legends.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.