TheSchrat (German:[ʃʁaːt]) orSchratt, alsoSchraz[1] orWaldschrat (forestSchrat),[2] is a rather diverseGerman andSlaviclegendary creature with aspects of either awood sprite,domestic sprite and/or anightmaredemon.[1][3] In other languages it is further known asSkrat.[4]
The wordSchrat originates in thesame word root asOld Norseskrati,skratti (sorcerer, giant),Icelandicskratti (devil) andvatnskratti (water sprite),Swedishskratte (fool, sorcerer, devil), andEnglishscrat (devil).[5]
The German term enteredSlavic languages and (viaNorth Germanic languages)Finno-Ugric ones as well.[6] Examples arePolishskrzat,skrzot (domestic sprite, dwarf),[7][6][a]Czechškrat, škrátek,škrítek [cs] (domestic sprite, gold bringing devil/mining sprite[7][6][11][b]),[12]Sloveneškrat, škratek, škratelj (domestic sprite, mining sprite), andškratec (corn or gold-bringing being,[13] whirlwind, Polish plait) as well asEstoniankratt, krätt, rett, krat,krätt (domestic sprite, "treasure/wealth-bringer", comparable toSchratt).[7][6][14]
TheSchrat is first attested inMedieval sources.Old High German sources havescrato,[15]scrat,[2]scraz,scraaz,skrez,[1]screiz,waltscrate (walt = forest),screzzolscratto,sklezzo,slezzo, andsletto (pl.scrazza,screzza,screza,waltscraze,waltsraze).[5]
Middle High German sources give the formsschrat,schrate,[15]waltschrate,[5]waltschrat,[2]schretel,schretelîn,[1]schretlin,[2]schretlein,[16]schraz,schrawaz,schreczl,[1]schreczlein,[16]schreczlîn[1] orschreczlin,[16] andwaltscherekken (forest terror; also the pl.schletzen).[5]
In Old High German sources, the word is used to translate the Latin terms referring to wood sprites and nightmare demons, such aspilosi (hairy sprites),fauni (fauns),satiri, (satyrs),silvestres homines (forest humans),incubus,incubator, andlarva (spirit of the dead).[17] Accordingly, the earliest knownSchrat was likely a furry or hairy fiend[15] or an anthropomorphic or theriomorphic spirit dwelling in the woods and causing nightmares.[18]
Middle High German sources continued to translatesatyrus andincubus asSchrat, indicating it was considered a wood sprite or nightmare demon, but anothervocabularium glossedSchrat aspenates (domestic sprite).[19]
The Middle High German story "Schrätel und Wasserbär (polar bear)" (13th cent.), where the spirit haunts a peasant's house in Denmark[20] is considered "genuine" house spirit (kobold) material.[16]
The medieval tradition of offering theschretlein ortrut (i.e.Trud) pairs of little red shoes was preached as sin by Martin von Amberg (c. 1350–1400).[25]
TheSchrat is known by numerous diminutive forms, many of which take on the sense of Alp, a nightmare demon. That is to say, many of these carry the sense of an Alptraum (oppressive dream, nightmare) demon or sickness demon especially in the south (Cf.§ Nightmare demon). ButSchrat diminutives may also refer to a house spirit (kobold, cf.§ Domestic sprite) or a stable-haunting being (that haunt stables and homes, shearing manes, braidingelflocks, and suckling on livestock and human mothers).[26]
The diminutive form Schrätel, for example, is ambivalent, and is discussed below under both a "dream demon"[27] and "household sprite."[33]
To name other such forms, unsorted into specific spirit types:Schrätlein,Schrättlein;[1]: n9) Schrättling;[1]Schrötele,Schröttele,Schröttlich,Schreitel;[1]Schrätzlein;[1] andSchlaarzla,Schrähelein.[1]
TheWaldschrat is a solitary wood sprite looking scraggily, shaggily, partially like an animal, witheyebrows grown together, andwolf teeth in its mouth., as summarized by Hans Pehl in theHdA.[2]: n50)
But this is a hotchpotch profile put together from disparate sources.[38] Grimm gave attestations ofWaldschrat in medieval romances (Barlaam und Josaphat,[39]Ulrich von Zatzikhoven'sLanzelet[40]) and the poem "Waldschrat" which is a retelling ofBonerius Fable No. 91,[41][42] none of which provide much physical description except being "dwarf" sized. TheSchrat asWaldgeist is physically described as hairy in commentary byKarl Joseph Simrock, and is equated with Räzel (described further under§ Nightmare demons); in particular, the trait of the single joined eyebrow, is held to be common to the woodlandschrat, the Alp, and sorcerers (cf.§ Connections with the devil, witches, and deceased souls), some capable of werewolf-transformation.[43] The last bit (wolflike teeth) appears to be clipped from the description of the "Walschrande" encountered in theMiddle Dutch version of the story ofSt. Brendan's Voyage. TheseWalschrande were described as having swines' heads, wolves' teeth, human hands, and hounds' legs that were shaggy.[44][45][35] Celtic origin has been argued in scholarship concerning theschrat in the Arthurian cycle works (e.g. Ulrich'sLanzelet, adaptation ofLancelot) and the legend of St. Brendan who was an Irish monk.[47]
TheAustrianSchrat (pl.Schratln) orWaldkobold looks like the creature as described above: it is small and usually solitary. TheSchratln love the deep, dark forest and will move away if the forest is logged. TheSchrat likes to play malicious pranks and tease evilly. If offended, it breaks the woodcutters' axes in two and lets trees fall in the wrong direction.[48]
In the Swiss valleyMuotatal, before 1638 there was anEpiphanyprocession calledGreifflete associated with two female wood sprites,Strudeli andSträtteli, the latter being a derivative ofSchrat.[15]
ASchrattel can be aGoldteufel (gold devil) that can be made to serve a human, bringing his master gold or silver found in thePusterwald region, according to the legend fromStyria in Austria; the legend was recorded byFridolin von Freythall [de] in his novelDas Hochgericht vom Birkachwald.[49]
-p0000-01Alpm%25C3%25A4nnergen-Schr%25C3%25B6eteln-Nachtm%25C3%25A4hren.jpg)
TheAlp of German folklore, in the strict sense, refers to anAlptraum (nightmare) causing demon, and is associated with pressure like a horse is riding on the sleeper, with stifling against the pillow, and hence respiratory and other sicknesses.[50][c] This tends to be known by the nameSchrat or its variants inSouthern Germany andSwitzerland, especially in regions withAlemannic dialect.[27] Such a demon is also considered a sickness demon,[27][51] as explained above.
TheAlptraum nightmare was known locally under diminutive names such asSchrättele:[27] Schrättel in Switzerland;[52] orSchrättlein;[26]Schrattele,Schrettele inUpper Swabia;[32][51][26]Schrecksele aroundHorb (district) [de],Bühl,Wurmlingen in Swabia,[32][1]: 25) orSchrätzmännel[d] in "Munster valley" (German:Münstertal,Vallée de Munster [de;fr]) inAlsace.[54][27][e]
Other forms are:Strädel,[55][27]: n19) Schrätele, Schrätel, Schrattl, Schrattel, Schratel, Schrättlig, Schrätzel;Schreckle, Schrecksel;[27] (corrupted forms based on GermanSchreck = fear or fright),Scherzel (a corrupted form reminiscent of GermanScherz = jest),[1]: n22) [56]Rettele, Rätzel, Ritzel,[27]Letzel, andLetzekäppel (Käppel = little cap).[1]
In thehistoric state ofBaden (particularlySwabia[26][30]), theSchrättele enters by crawling through the keyhole and sits on the sleeper's chest.[57][f] It can also enter through the window as a blackhen.[58] The Swabianschrettele is named as the perpetrator of the "Alp-pressure" (Albdrücken) bearing down upon the human sleeper's chest or throat.[32]
-p369-Schrattlgatterl.png)
InTirol, it is said theSchrettl orSchrattl (Schrattel[59]) to the livestock is similar to what the dream-demonTrud (drude) is to humans. It supposedly pins down livestock withSchrattldruck ("Schrattl-pressure"), and the affected cattle, pigs, or hens lie down as if paralyzed or dead. Tirolian farmers try to guard against this sprite by crafting theDas Schrattlgatter ("Scrattl-gate") from wooden slats (five pieces of wood interlocked, like a sideways-turned "H" and "X" combined,[60] cf. fig. right),[g] and it is alleged hanging one in thehenhouse has saved it.[61][1]: 61)
In Switzerland, theSchrättlig sucks theudders of cows andgoats dry and makes horses becomeschretig, i.e. fall ill.[62] In Swabia, theSchrettele also sucks humanbreasts and animal udders until they swell, tangleshorse manes, and makesPolish plaits.[26] In Austria, TheSchrat tangles horse tails and dishevels horse manes.[60]
Often, the nightmare demonSchrat is in truth a livinghuman. ThisSchrättlich orSchrätelhexe (Schrat witch) can easily be identified due to their characteristiceyebrows grown together, the so-calledRäzel[63] orRätzel trait, sometimes applied to the mysterious beings often associated with theSchrat.[64] The appellationsRaz, Räzel (Rätzel) was likely anapheresis ofShräzel (Shrätzel), according toWilhelm Hertz.[65][64]
In Swabia, theSchratt is a woman suffering from anhereditary ailment known asschrättleweis gehen orSchrattweisgehen (both: going in the manner of aSchrat) which is an affliction usually inherited from one's mother. The afflicted person will have to step out every night atmidnight, i.e. the body will lie around as if dead but thesoul will have left it in the shape of a white mouse. TheSchratt is impelled to "press" (Germandrücken) something or someone, be it human,cattle, ortree. The nightlyDrücken is very exhausting, making theSchratt ill. Only one thing can free theSchratt from her condition. She must be allowed to press the besthorse in the stable to death.[66]
According to other Swabian beliefs, the nightmare-bringingSchrat is a child who diedunbaptized. In Baden, it is considered a deceased relative of the nightmare victim.[67]
TheSchrat is further known to causeillnesses byshootingarrows. Its arrow is thebelemnite (calledSchrattenstein,Schrat stone), but his stone can also be used to ward the spirit off.[68] Beside theSchrattenstein, it also fears thepentagram (calledSchrattlesfuß,Schrat foot in Swabia) and stones of the same name withdinosaur footprints.[26] TheSchrätteli can be exterminated by burning thebone whose appearance it takes whenmorning comes.[69] The same is true for burning thestraw caught atnight, for in the morning it will become a woman covered with burns and never return again. If it is cut with aSchreckselesmesser (Schrat knife), aknife with threecrosses on itsblade, theSchrettele will also never return again.[70] TheSchrat can be kept out of stables by placing the aforementioned woodenSchratlgatter (Schrat fence) above the stable door, or using aconvex mirror calledSchratspiegel (Schrat mirror) which also works the same way.[60]
In the Middle High German story "Schrätel und Wasserbär" (13th cent.), the kobold[16] haunts a peasant's house, but the Danish king lodges there with the polar bear, and after the encounter with the "giant cat" the spirit is frightened away.[20]
A version of this story set in a miller's house in Berneck (Bad Berneck im Fichtelgebirge),Upper Franconia,Bavaria, where aHolzfräulein replaces the Schrätel, and is killed by a "cat".[71]
TheSchrätel (schrattel) as a peace-disturber or poltergeist also figures in the Tyrolean poetHans Vintler'sDie Pluemen der Tugent (completed 1411).[72][29][1]: n8) [h]
The termSchrat (or its variants) is thought to have occurred more widely in the sense of "house sprite" in the past. According to belief from the15th century, every house has aschreczlein which, if honored by the inhabitants of the house, gives its human owners property and honor.[16]
But the sense ofSchrat as aHausgeist orkobold only survived in Southeastern Germany, and West Slavic Regions.[16] More specifically,Schrat as domestic sprite is particularly known in Bavaria (theUpper Palatinate, theFichtel Mountains extending to Czechia; alsoVogtland which spills into Saxony and Thuringia), and the Austrian provinces ofStyria andCarinthia.[16] In these parts (Southeastern Germany and Austria), theSchrat remains more akin to a domestic kobold, only occasionally appearing as an incubus.[73] The formSchrezala was current in the Fichtelgebirge[i][74] and Vogtland.[75]
In Styria, the formsSchrätel, Schratel are glossed aspenates (hearth deities) c. 1500.[76] TheSchratl of Carinthia is said to manifest itself as sunlight patterns on walls in theMölltal [de] andLesachtal valleys, as a small blue flame or a red face popping out the window inGailtal [de];[77][1]: 58) he is considered invisible inDrautal [de], but perceptible by the noises in the walls similar to the cutting-sound of scythes,[77] while the CarinthianSchratelmannel (Schrat manikin) is also reputed to make knocking noises in the bedroom walls at night like aKobold orpoltergeist.[68] TheSchratl of Styria is said to be a grunting little man dressed in red or green.[77]
In Styria and Carinthia, theSchratl dwells inside the stove, expecting to be givenmilletgruel for its services.[78] In Styria, this stove or oven (calledSchratlofen;Schrat stove) might also be a solitary rock formation or rock hole rather than a true stove.[79] When summoned, it sits down on the doorstep.[80]
In Carinthia, theSchratl can be intentionally driven away by gifting it clothes.[81][77] The same motif[j] is exhibited in the story of theschretzchen (Kremnitzmühle [de], Upper Franconia, Bavaria), except the grateful mistress of the house unwittingly gave clothes as reward to the helpful spirit because it was dressed in tatters.[75][1]: n4) Theschretzelein that causes mischief in the stables is considered a type of kobold also, as it actually dwells in the house.[83][84][k]
Theschratl also is blamed for causing stabbing pains and "elflocks" (polish plaits[86]), which are referred to locally asschratlzopf (standardized asschratelzopf[86]).[84][l]
A tale fromWagendorf [de] recounts how a man outwitted a Schratl by demanding he fill his boot with money, actually only the cut-off tube of his boot, attached to his roof-ridge. The sprite brought money day and night that spilled into a big pile without achieving his boot-full, and finally died of exhaustion.[89]
The Polishskrzat (often equated withlatawiec, 'the flying one') demandskasha (kasza,porridge) for payment and insists it is not overly hot.[6][90]
The Schratel reputedly appears often in the guise of a cat or squirrel in Styria.[91] Schratzl in the guise of a black cat was driven out fromKirchberg an der Raab into some ditch.[89] Farmers inDonnersbachwald (in Styria) claimed theSchratl can appear as achamois,buck-goat, or black dog.[92]
The Schrattel appears as a black raven in a tale of a man who contracted with the demon and loses his soul (Ennstal [de], Styria).[93] It is also commented that "Schratel" was once a name commonly given to a dog in Styria.[28] InUpper Carinthia [de], in the vicinity of Radenstein (=Rottenstein,Bad Kleinkirchheim[94]), thecaterpillar is called and thus identified asSchratel.[97] The butterfly is sometimes calledschrätteli,schrâtl,schràttele orschrèttele[98] and accordingly identified with the nightmare demonSchrätteli.[99] Sorcerers withunibrow (like the Schratel) are reputedly capable of sending an Alp in the guise of abutterfly to people who are asleep (cf.§ witches).[43]
TheSchretel appears as a butterfly according to the lore in the Tyrol region (Austria) as well asSarganserland of theCanton of St. Gallen in Switzerland; in St. Gallen, the creature may appear also in the guise of amagpie,fox, or blackcat.[100]
Legends fromObermumpf,Aargau, Switzerland say that theWanzenschneider, a sort ofblack magician also known widely in theBlack Forests in Germany, could transform into aToggeli [de] or aSchrätteli, or a red mouse, to creep up on people who are asleep, enter through open mouths, reach the heart, and ride people leaving them half-dead or paralyzed until expelled from the mouth. The sorcerer died but still loitered around as a spirit in the form of a black dog and was finally purged by theCapuchin monks of theFranciscan order.[101]
There is the motif recorded for kobolds under various names across many regions includingPomerania that the sprite is born from an egg laid by a hen.[102] The Polishskrzat inPosen is reputedly born from a hen's egg of a certain peculiar shape, hatched after being kept in the armpit for a long time,[104][105] and likewise in Kolberg (Kołobrzeg).[106] A number of Polish anecdotes relate that theskrzat appears in the guise of a chicken, a black chicken, an emaciated chicken, or a flying bird with sparks flying.[103]
Or else, theškrat could be bred from a black hen, or hired otherwise, but to obtain its services one had to sign away himself and his family sealed in a blood signed contract. Then, it would bring such items as the contractor desired to the window and when carrying money it assumed the form of fire.[13]
TheAlsatianSchrätzmännel also appear asdwarves (GermanZwerge, sg.Zwerg) dwelling incaves in the woods and mountains.[16]
The same is true for theRazeln orSchrazeln in Upper Palatinate, whose cave dwellings are known asRazellöcher (Schrat holes).[16] Other names for them areRazen,Schrazen,Strazeln,Straseln, andSchraseln. They dwell in the mountains and help the humans with their work, acting as domestic sprites. This they do at night, for they dislike to be seen. They only enter the homes of good people and bring good fortune upon them, expecting the food left over on the dishes as their payment. Any other form of gratitude, especially gifts, will drive them away instead, for they will think their service has been terminated, and they will leave with tears. First they wait, then they eat, and after that they go into thebaking oven for dancing andthreshing. Ten pairs or at least twelveRazen are said to fit inside an oven for threshing.[107]
A red secretion left behind at trees by butterflies is said to be theblood of theSchrätlein orSchretlein who are wounded and chased by thedevil (GermanTeufel).[108][98] Conversely, theSchrat can also be identified as the devil itself.[67]
Schrättlig is a synonym forwitch (GermanHexe).[109] In Tyrol and the Sarganserland, theSchrättlig also is thought to be thesoul of a deceased evildoer living among people as an ordinary human, particularly an old woman. It is able to take on animal appearance and often harms humans, animals, and plants. It also causes storms and tempests, but it can also become a luck-bringing domestic sprite identified withlares andpenates.[110]
TheSchrat might also show behavior similar to the devil or witches. In Carinthia, whenever somebody wants tohang oneself, aSchratt will come and nod in approval.[111] TheSchrat travels in thewhirlwind as well, hence the whirlwind is known asSchretel orschrádl in Bavaria and theBurgenland respectively.[112]
In Bavaria and Tyrol, thesouls of unbaptized children forming the retinue ofStempe (i.e.Perchta) are calledSchrätlein. LikePerchta, theschretelen were offered food on Epiphany Day in 15th century Bavaria.[113]
Among theYiddish-speakingJews ofEastern Europe, there is belief in the helper or wealth-multiplying spirit calledshretele, probably connected to Polishskrzat,[114] (pl.shretelekh[115]) which they might have brought with them when they came from Alsace and Southern Germany.[114]
Theshretele is very kind.[114] It is described as a small elflike creature, more specifically a tiny, handsome, raggedly dressed little man.Shretelekh can be found in human homes where they like to help out, e.g. by finishing up the making of shoes overnight at ashoemaker's home. If given tiny suits in gratitude, they will stop working and sing that they look too glorious for work, dancing out of the house and leaving good fortune behind.[115]
Theshretele might also stretch out a tiny hand from the chimney corner, asking for food. If given something, e.g. somecracklings (gribenes), it will make the kitchen work successful. For example, if pouringgoose fat from a frying pan into containers, one might be able to do so for hours, filling all containers in the house without emptying the pan – until someone cusses about this.Cussing will drive theshretele away.[116]
Theshretele might also dwell under thebed. From there it might come out to rock thebaby's cradle, give the baby a light slap to make it stop crying, or nip from abrandy bottle. A bottle from which ashretele has sipped will always remain full no matter how much is poured out.[117]
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In Yiddish folklore, the function of the nightmare demon belongs to another kind of legendary creature, thekapelyushnikl (Polish forhat maker;[114] pl.kapelyushniklekh[118]). It is a hat-wearing little being bent on pestering and teasing horses. It can only be found in Slavic countries and might even be an originalEast European Jewish creation.[114][irrelevant citation]
Thekapelyushniklekh can appear as a male and female pair of tiny beings wearing little caps; the woman also having braided hair tied with pretty ribbons.[118]
They love to ride horses all night, with manykapelyushniklekh sitting on one horse, rendering the animal exhausted and sweating.Kapelyushniklekh prefer gray horses in particular. If one manages to snatch a cap from akapelyushnikl, they will be driven away for good. Only the one who lost its cap will come and ask for its return, in exchange for a great deal ofgold, though in daylight the gold will have turned into a pile of rocks.[119]
They can alsomilk cows dry at night and steal themilk, but if caught and beaten, they promise that, if spared, they will never return and that the amount of milk given by the cows will be double of what it originally used to be which will come true.[118]
In Scandinavian folklore, theskrat is a prankster out in the woods or fields, known for its horse laughs and known particularly to spoil the finds of treasure-hunters, and if the man thinks he spotted a gold ring, the spirit will laugh it away before he has actually gained possession. Commentary classes it as a type ofmyling.[120]Theskrat orskratt is also known among the Estonian Swedes and denotes a devil or ghost.[121][14] But this is more commonly calledkratt (q.v.) (orkrätt,rett,rätt) and is a household spirit equivalent of the GermanSchrat[t].[6][7][14] Thekratt more particularly is a "treasure-bearer" (wealth bringer),[14] and theskrat orkratt will enrich his cohabitating farmer by stealing (milk, beer, money) from the neighbor.[121][122]
This "treasure-bearer" has many aliases (around 30[123]), much of which have different etymologies unrelated toSchrat.[14] In appearance, thekratt (alsopuuk,nasok) is sometimes an artificial composite creature made of old junk, which is four- or three-legged[124][125] (cf. the 2017 Estonian movieNovember[126]); the subtyperahakratt (raha means 'money) is a money-bringer and often takes the form of a human or the composite artificial creature already described. However, thekratt as a group is known by various names and takes on various shapes, including animals such as birds (roosters), dogs (black dogs), or snakes (serpent with a red comb).[124] But even thoughCharles Dickens as a travel writer reported theskratt as a generous wealth-bringing "fiery dragon", its typical appearance is that of "a huge fiery shape with a long tail",[121] and modern scholarship insists that thekratt has never been described literally as a "flying serpent/dragon"[m]per se in the Estonian folklore record[127] (whereas the Belarussian parallel is the flying serpentлетучий змей), even though the alias namepisuhänd ('spark tail') is evocative of a fiery serpent.[128] The Estoniankratt's favourite food is porridge with butter[129] (or "bread-and-butter and two or three types of porridges", which it demands as compensation[121]), in contrast with the Belarusian flying serpent favouringfried eggs.[129] Another point of contrast is that the Estoniankratt (or more generally the Finnish, Swedish,Finnic,Finno-Ugric, Scandinavian, etc. "treasurer-bearer"), does not exhibit the secondary aspect of the "mythological lover", in contrast to the East (and West and South Slavic) "treasure bearer" which also seduces women,[130] the examples of the latter being the aforementioned Polishlatawiec ('the flying one) and Belarussian "flying serpent" (cf.Firedrake (folklore)).
