Wilis

Wilis is a term often found in Slavic folklore, particularly in Serbian and Bulgarian traditions, referring to a type of supernatural female spirit. These spirits are typically depicted as the ghosts of young women who died before their wedding day, often under tragic circumstances such as suicide or murder. Wilis are usually associated with forests, lakes, and rural areas, and are believed to be most active at night.

The nature of Wilis can vary, but they are commonly portrayed as vengeful and dangerous to men. Legend has it that if a man encounters a Wili, he must be careful not to engage with her. If he sees her dancing, he is compelled to dance with her until he collapses from exhaustion, often leading to death. Some tales describe them as having a particular hatred for men who have wronged them in life or who are unfaithful in relationships.

Despite their fearsome reputation, not all Wilis are purely malevolent. Some stories suggest that they can be appeased or even helped by kind individuals. However, their primary characteristic is their melancholic and often terrifying presence, tied to their unfinished lives and tragic fates. The concept of Wilis shares some similarities with other female ghost figures in European folklore.