Schrat

What it is

The Schrat is a versatile figure in Central European folklore. It is described as a furry, anthropomorphic spirit that can live in the woods, dwell in homes, or haunt sleepers. The creature is often depicted with shaggy hair, wolf-like teeth, and eyebrows that grow together into a single band. Its nature changes based on the region and the story, ranging from a helpful household helper to a malicious tormentor.

Where it comes from

The word comes from Old Norse roots like skratti, which meant sorcerer or devil. The term spread through medieval German and entered Slavic languages as skrzat or škrat. Early medieval texts used it to translate Latin words for satyrs, fauns, and incubi. This suggests the original concept was a hairy forest fiend or a spirit of the dead that caused nightmares.

How it is done

As a nightmare demon, the Schrat enters homes through keyholes or windows. It sits on the sleeper's chest, causing pressure and suffocation known as Alpdruck. In stables, it pins down livestock, making them appear paralyzed. As a household spirit, it may tidy up or bring luck if treated with respect, such as leaving out small red shoes.

Tools and materials

People use specific objects to ward off the harmful aspects of the Schrat. Belemnite stones, called Schrattenstein, are believed to stop its attacks. Wooden fences made of interlocked slats protect stables. Mirrors and knives marked with crosses are also used to banish the spirit or reveal its true form as a woman or animal.

What it is for

The Schrat serves different purposes depending on its type. Households seek its favor for property and honor. Conversely, people try to protect themselves from its harmful influence, which includes causing sickness, tangling horse manes, and draining milk from cows. It is feared for its ability to induce terror and physical pain during sleep.

Who does it

The Schrat is associated with ordinary households and farmers. In some regions, a hereditary condition called Schrättleweis gehen was attributed to women who were thought to be possessed by the spirit. These individuals were believed to leave their bodies at night to cause harm, requiring a specific ritual to end their affliction.

Peoples and places

The belief is strongest in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the Alps, it is a forest sprite that plays pranks on loggers. In Swabia and Alsace, it is a nightmare demon. In Styria and Carinthia, it acts as a domestic hearth spirit. The variations reflect local dialects and cultural blends between Germanic and Slavic traditions.

What people believe

The Schrat exists within a folk worldview where spirits inhabit natural and domestic spaces. It is linked to other entities like the Alp and kobold. Some beliefs connect it to witches, ghosts, or unbaptized children. The trait of joined eyebrows marks it as related to sorcery or the undead, blurring the line between human and supernatural.

When it is done

The spirit is active daily, particularly at night. It haunts homes and forests without a specific festival calendar. However, historical records mention offerings of small red shoes to appease it. The Epiphany procession in Muotatal involved sprites derived from the Schrat name, linking it to winter religious observances.

Questions people ask about Schrat

Good reading and sources

• Schrat on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data