Sleep Paralysis Demons
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Walriderske
The Walriderske is a creature from German folklore. They are spirits of nightmares much like the Mara or Alpen. They are most often female and appear as rough haired animals that are black, brown, or white. Sometimes they may appear as a girl who simply likes night walking. They are sometimes apparitions that haunt people and may even be in league with the devil. They may stick with someone for their entire life and could be kind figures as they aren’t inherently evil. They travel in a spirit form rather than physically, blending the corporeal and incorporeal. When the spirit leaves the body, they are left asleep and appear lifeless.…
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Pesanta
The Peasant is a strange creature from Catalonian myth. They act similar to the Alp or Mara, sitting on peoples chest at night. This action causes nightmares and breathing troubles. They appear as giant black dogs or cats. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Mare
The Mare is another term for an Alp from German myth. When an Alp attacks a horse, it is referred to as a Mare. It mounts the horse and rides it until it dies of exhaustion. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2017.
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Cauchemar
The Cauchemar is a vampiric demon or witch from French myth whose name translates to “nightmare.” Sometimes they act as a succubus or incubus and enter the beds of evil people. Someone sleeping with a Cauchemar is enslaved to its will and drained of their life energy. Signs of an attack from a Cauchemar are waking up having drooled, having no energy, and having leg cramps. Attacks can be prevented by putting salt, stones, or beans under the pillow. A broom propped in the corner deters the Cauchemar as does having screens on the windows. Sleeping on one’s stomach can keep a Cauchemar away, and they cannot enter a house…
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Bakhtak
The Bakhtak is a creature from Iranian myth. It resembles a humanoid bear and its name translates to “nightmare.” It sneaks into houses and sits on sleeping people’s chests causing them to have horrible nightmares. It may sometimes go as far as killing its victims and eating their bodies. 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.…
