Draugikas

Draugikas is a term used in speculative fiction and fantasy to refer to undead beings in Norse-inspired settings. It does not denote a single, canonical creature across all works, but rather a recurring concept in various novels, games, and worldbuilding. The name is commonly understood as a plural or derived form related to draugr, the undead in Norse mythology, adapted with the -ikas ending to signal a distinct class or group in fiction.

In most portrayals, draugikas are reanimated corpses that guard tombs, ruins, or treasure hoards. They often possess superhuman strength and resistance and may sense intruders through cold air, vibrations, or magical wardings. They are typically bound to a burial site by necromantic magic, cursed oath, or ancestral obligation. Some depictions grant them residual intelligence, allowing rudimentary planning or communication with necromancers, while others portray them as mindless, driven primarily by the instinct to defend their tombs.

Habitat and behavior: Draugikas are commonly associated with crypts, mounds, and remote coastal ruins in cold regions. They may appear as solitary guardians or as a faction within a larger undead state, sometimes serving a necromancer or fallen ruler. Weaknesses often mirror mythic undead lore, including vulnerability to fire, iron, or sacred wards.

In media, draugikas appear in role-playing games, fantasy literature, and films as antagonists or quest-related beings. See also Draugr, Wight, Undead.