Uhaml

What it is

The Uhaml is a figure from German folktales originating in the regions of Bohemia and Silesia. It is characterized as an airy sprite, a ghost, or a demonic bird. The creature is distinct for its horse-like feet and its ability to move through the air. Local traditions describe it as a malevolent entity that can cause harm to those who encounter it. Its presence is often announced by a specific vocalization heard during the night hours.

Where it comes from

The name Uhaml likely derives from the Silesian dialectal form of the Standard German word unheimlich, which translates to eerie or uncanny. An alternative etymology connects the term to the Eurasian eagle-owl, known in German as uhu due to its distinctive call. The spirit was particularly documented among German communities in the former Iglau language island of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, and in Silesia, now part of Poland.

How it is done

To protect against the Uhaml, households would place three wood chips and a loaf of bread in the parlor. The spirit was believed to enter the room, cut the bread in half, and take one piece before leaving. This ritual served as a warding measure to prevent the entity from causing further mischief or harm to the inhabitants of the home.

Tools and materials

The primary tools used in warding off the Uhaml were simple household items: three chips of wood and a single loaf of bread. These materials were placed in the main living area to attract the spirit and satisfy its demands, thereby ensuring the safety of the residents.

What it is for

The practices associated with the Uhaml were intended to ward off its evildoing. The spirit was feared for its ability to chase those who mocked its call or to leap onto the backs of passersby in the forest. The rituals were designed to neutralize these threats and ensure personal safety.

Who does it

The Uhaml was a subject of concern for ordinary households in the German-speaking communities of Bohemia and Silesia. There is no indication of specialized practitioners; rather, the knowledge of how to ward off the spirit was part of local folk custom shared among the general population.

Peoples and places

The Uhaml is primarily associated with the Germans of Bohemia and Silesia. Similar spirits exist in other parts of German folklore, such as the Udl in Lower Austria and the Uhumännle in Franconia. These creatures share traits like owl-like calls and mischievous or harmful behaviors, suggesting a broader regional belief system involving avian or ghostly entities.

What people believe

The Uhaml is viewed as a supernatural being capable of interacting with the physical world. It is believed to respond to mockery by chasing individuals until they reach safety under eaves. In forests, it may leap onto people's backs, requiring them to carry it to the forest border. The spirit is also thought to have dietary preferences, specifically for bread, which can be used to appease it.

When it is done

The Uhaml is active at night, with its presence marked by its call. Specific occasions for encountering or warding off the spirit are not detailed beyond nocturnal settings and forest paths.

How scholars and sceptics see it

The Uhaml has been documented in academic works on German folklore and superstition. Scholars such as Will-Erich Peuckert have analyzed the spirit in the context of regional legends and linguistic origins. Research focuses on its etymological roots and its place within the broader taxonomy of German mythical creatures.

Compare and confuse

The Uhaml shares similarities with other Germanic spirits like the Udl and the Uhumännle. The Udl is a demonic bird in Lower Austria whose call predicts war, while the Uhumännle is a ghost in Franconia that shouts uhu and attacks mockers. All three are linked to the Eurasian eagle-owl and exhibit hostile responses to human imitation of their sounds.

Questions people ask about Uhaml

Good reading and sources

• Uhaml on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data