TheKukudh (Albaniandefinite form:Kukudhi) is anundead creature inAlbanian mythology.
Undetermined. Most probably a derivative ofAlbaniankuku ("mourn, lament."), as its synonymkukuvriq suggests. InTosk andGheg folklore, the Kukudh is associated with nightmares and death, connecting it to the nocturnal bird, the owl, and thecuckoo (Albanian:qyqe), which are considered to be bad omens; messengers of bad news.
The Kukudh is arevenant, amiser's poor soul that haunts his house after his death. For this reason, people feared the house of a miser and would avoid staying overnight out of fear of being killed. Only a brave boy may defeat the creature and bring eternal peace to its damned soul, being appointed heir in reward.[1]
In and aroundTomorr, there is a legend that alugat who is not burned in due time will become a Kukudh.[1]
In some areas, the Kukudh appears as a stocky and short-legged man with a goat's tail. He is invulnerable and may only be strangled with a noose made ofvine. Because he brings mayhem, an evil man is also commonly referred to as a Kukudh.[1]
The Kukudh andKarkanxholl (etymologically related toKallikantzarosGreek:καλικάντζαρος, also known as theKarkançoli) are alsoundead "gypsy" corpses, who go around in January, laden with chains and effusing a deadly breath, known notably amongCalabrian Albanians. According to another version, the Karkançoli is vested with iron clothes, which is whychainmail armor is known askëmish karkançoli inAlbanian.[1]
In Southern Albania the Kukudh is a blind femaledemon of sickness, carrying theplague. "Kukudh" is also the name of a sickness likecholera, but worse.Alexander the Great is said to have brought it, after having raped the corpse of anEpirote princess, who would not return his love during her lifetime. Consequently, there is a derisiveTosk saying,As të ha kukudhi!, which translates to: "Not even the plague will devour you!"[1]