Drekavac

    The Drekavac originates from South Slavic mythology and translates to “the screamer” or “the screecher.” They are supposed to be a mythical creature of the souls of children who died before being baptized. It’s common knowledge that they are made of the souls of unbaptized children, but the description of them varies, significantly depending on the culture. In Eastern Serbia, the Drekavac are described as humanoid wolf-like creatures that walk on their two back legs. In this version, they are said to have the body of a large dog with larger hind legs like a kangaroo. Other ways it’s described are as an undead man that crawled out of his grave in the middle of the night. Another common (if not the most common) way it’s described as an unbaptized undead child that crawled out of its grave in the middle of the night to haunt its parents. Drekavac are only seen as night, especially during the twelve days of Christmas (also known as the unbaptized days in Serbian languages) and in early spring when demons and mythical creatures were believed to be more active.

    The different forms also are believed to mean different things. In the child form, it's believed that they mean imminent death or predict someone's death soon. The child form is also said to be screaming and crying about being unbaptized. They are said to be begging the people around them to baptize them while they stand over their graves. The wolf form is believed to predict cattle or livestock death and the disease to run through the livestock. In the male form, it is believed to be similar to the banshee and predict the death of a loved one. Drekavac are also believed to avoid places with dogs and brightly lit. They are also feared because it is believed that if their shadow falls over someone that person will soon turn sick with diseases and die.