vyestitsa

In Serbian folklore, a sorceress who harbors a demonic spirit which leaves her body during sleep. It assumes the shape of a bird or butterfly and flies around houses, feeding upon people, especially children, whom she finds asleep, tearing out their hearts and devouring them.

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References

Sources

  • Bonnerjea, Biren. (1920). A Dictionary of Superstitions and Mythology. Thomson Gale.
  • Monaghan, Patricia. (1981). Book of Goddesses and Heroines. New York: Dutton.