Germany
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Büxenwolf/Boxenwolf/Böchsenwolf
This is a Werewolf from the Schaumberg region of Germany. A Büxenwolf is formed when a person makes a pact with the devil for knowledge, wealth, and power. They use a magic girdle to fully change from a human to a wolf. In wolf form they have enhanced speed, strength, and intelligence on top of their animal instincts and senses. They are known to be incredibly sadistic and will attack people from behind aiming for the neck to drag victims away. Despite their supernatural power, they can still be killed by normal weapons. Putting a piece of iron or steel above the creature’s head will break its connection with Hell.…
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Aufhocker
The Aufhocker is from German folklore, and its name means “leap upon.” It looks like a black dog that occasionally walks on its back legs. It targets people traveling alone at night. It attacks at crossroads and rips out their victims’ throats. It can shapeshift into other animals, or even a human. It cannot be killed but will leave at the sound of church bells or when the sun rises. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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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.…
