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. They’re sometimes thought to be people born during “unfortunate hours” meaning during the days from October 13th to 19th. Girls born during this time are Walriderske and males born during this time are Nachtwandler. Some believe Wariderske are girls who breastfeed after the death of another girl. Others believe that the seventh daughter in a family becomes a Walriderske much like the belief of seventh sons becoming werewolves. They can be kept in place if the holes on a belt are blocked, and slamming a door strong enough to unplug the belt makes a Walriderske leave.

Citations:

Bonnerjea, Biren. A Dictionary of Superstitions and Mythology. United Kingdom, Singing Tree Press, 1969.

Strackerjan, Ludwig. Aberglaube und Sagen aus dem Herzogtum Oldenburg. Germany, Salzwasser Verlag, 2012.