household spirit

A benevolent spirit that lives in the household. It will guard the home, the family and the family possessions. Household spirits are known to do much of the tedious work left unfinished at night. As a reward for their help, the family would leave some milk or food for them. Although usually benevolent, they may also be mischievous or even malignant and can be difficult to get rid of.

Household spirits are commonly found in European folklore but also appear in North and South America and the Far East. Examples of household spirits are: dugnai, gardsvor, Mieg Moulach, Mājas gars, and Smierra-gatto.

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