Alberich is a legendary dwarf from German heroic legend known for his cunning and association with supernatural beings. He appears in texts such as the Nibelungenlied and Thidreksaga and is the inspiration behind Wagner's depiction in Der Ring des Nibelungen. His name, meaning 'ruler of supernatural beings', reflects his command over magical forces.

Alberich

The Alcis are a pair of divine twin brothers from ancient Germanic mythology, worshipped by the Naharvali tribe. Attested by Tacitus in his Germania, they stand as rare examples of documented Germanic deities. Their legacy highlights early Germanic religious practices and the symbolic power of twin divinities.

Alcis (gods)

The Alp is a supernatural being from German folklore known for inducing nightmares and sleep paralysis. It wields a magical hat called the Tarnkappe, which grants it abilities such as invisibility and shape-shifting. Often likened to a vampire or incubus, the Alp embodies the mysterious and malevolent aspects of nocturnal lore.

Alp (folklore)

Askafroa is a legendary spirit and guardian of the ash tree in Scandinavian folklore, also known as Askefrue and Eschenfrau. She is depicted as a malicious entity whose wrath could bring harm if her sacred tree was disrespected. Ritual sacrifices on Ash Wednesday, involving the pouring of water over the tree's roots, were performed to appease her.

Askafroa

The Aufhocker, also known as the huckup, is a shape-shifting entity from German folklore. It is renowned for its ability to alter its form, often taking on various appearances. This elusive spirit is a staple of rural legends, serving as a symbol of the mysterious forces of nature.

Aufhocker

Baduhenna is a Germanic goddess worshiped in ancient Frisia, known from Tacitus's Annals. Her sacred grove is noted for the historical killing of 900 Roman soldiers. She is linked to the Matres/Matronae, exhibiting characteristics of both divine nurturing and retribution.

Baduhenna

The Bahkauv is a deformed calf-like mythical monster from Aachen, Germany. It is characterized by its grotesque appearance featuring noticeable fangs. The creature is closely associated with drunken men in local folklore.

Bahkauv

Beerwolf is a German folk-tale monster, commonly associated with werewolves. It embodies the dual nature of man and beast through its shape-shifting ability. It also served as a political metaphor for tyrannical rulers in the 16th century.

Beerwolf

The Bergmönch is a formidable mountain spirit from German folklore, renowned for his giant size and fierce demeanor. Clad in a monk’s black hooded cowl and sometimes appearing in a miner’s garb, he captivates with his white hair and fiery, oversized eyes. Capable of shape-shifting into a horse and becoming invisible, he both aids virtuous miners and ruthlessly punishes those who display vice.

Bergmönch

The Bieresel is a mischievous house spirit rooted in German folklore, often associated with domestic settings and beer. As a type of kobold, it exhibits an elusive, shape-shifting nature that adds to its enigmatic persona. Its name, meaning 'beer donkey', reflects both its whimsical character and cultural ties to local legends.

Bieresel

Brunhild is a legendary Valkyrie and shieldmaiden from Norse and continental Germanic tradition who plays a pivotal role in the death of Sigurd/Siegfried. She is depicted as a powerful, noble warrior queen whose actions are driven by honour and vengeance. Her enduring legacy as a tragic heroine has inspired numerous adaptations, including Wagner's renowned opera cycle.

Brunhild

Drak is a mischievous household spirit from German folklore, often equated with the Kobold and even the devil. Although sometimes called Drache, it is distinct from traditional, fire-breathing dragons. Its elusive, shape-shifting nature embodies the unpredictable dynamics of domestic myth.

Drak (mythology)

The Drude is a malevolent nocturnal spirit from German folklore known for causing nightmares. It is linked with demonic and infernal qualities, often appearing during the Wild Hunt. Its ambiguous origins, with possible ties to Norse mythology, add to its enigmatic and fearsome reputation.

Drude

The Erdhenne, known as the Earth Hen, is a German house spirit from the Alp region, Upper Palatinate, and Bavaria. It is typically depicted in the form of a small, domestic fowl and serves as a protective guardian of households. Also known by several alternative names, it embodies both earthly and supernatural qualities in German folklore.

Erdhenne

The Erlking is a sinister, supernatural elf from German Romantic and Danish folklore, known for luring and killing children in the woods with a fatal touch. Renowned from Goethe's 'Erlkönig', he embodies the dark, ominous aspects of nature. His eerie presence and legendary status have made him a potent symbol of death and the dangers lurking in the wilderness.

Erlking

The Ewiger Jäger, or Eternal Hunter, is a ghostly wild huntsman rooted in German folklore. He is an ethereal figure condemned to roam the wilderness in an endless hunt. Variants of his legend appear in German, Belgian, and American folklore.

Ewiger Jäger

Fänggen are enigmatic female wood sprites from Tyrolean folklore. They are known for their deep connection to the forest and elusive nature. Embodying the wild spirit of nature, they remain a captivating and mysterious aspect of regional myth.

Fänggen

Feldgeister are corn spirits from German folklore, known as field spirits or corn demons that embody the mysterious forces of agriculture. They manifest in varied forms—from human to animal or even as a corn doll in ritual settings. Direct contact with a Feldgeist is believed to cause illness, highlighting the potent and unpredictable nature of these entities.

Feldgeister

The Feuermann is a formidable fiery ghost from German folklore with a large, glowing, and burning appearance. It stands apart from the smaller, elusive will-o'-the-wisp. Its radiant form embodies the raw elemental power of fire coupled with ghostly immortality.

Feuermann (ghost)

Fulla is a goddess in Germanic mythology known as the trusted attendant and confidante of Frigg. She is depicted wearing a golden band and is responsible for the care of sacred objects such as Frigg's ashen box and footwear. Additionally, she is noted in the Horse Cure Merseburg Incantation as assisting in healing and is recognised as Frigg's sister.

German Creatures