Lamasta

Lamasta is a creature originating from the folklore of the Slavic peoples, particularly those in the Balkans. Descriptions of the lamasta vary across different regions, but generally, she is depicted as a female demon or spirit associated with nightmares, illness, and misfortune. Some traditions describe her as having a monstrous appearance, sometimes with the features of a snake, a bat, or a monstrous woman with long hair.

It is believed that the lamasta would visit people in their sleep, causing them to have terrible dreams and sometimes leading to physical ailments. She was often blamed for causing the death of infants or for making breastfeeding mothers ill, thus preventing them from nourishing their children. In some folklore, the lamasta is also said to be able to transform herself into various forms to deceive or harm humans.

Various rituals and amulets were used in an attempt to ward off the lamasta. These often involved specific prayers, the use of certain herbs, or protective charms worn by vulnerable individuals, especially children and pregnant women. The lamasta represents a manifestation of ancient fears related to the vulnerability of life, particularly during sleep and the early stages of childhood. Her presence in folklore highlights cultural anxieties about the unseen forces that could disrupt health and well-being.