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 if someone prays and hangs a religious icon. Touching a victim of the Cauchemar during an attack causes the victim to die when the creature retreats.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2017.