kikimora

Kikimora is a female house spirit from Slavic mythology, most notably found in Russian folklore. She is often depicted as a diminutive, often ugly, creature with long hair. Her appearance can vary, sometimes described as resembling a witch or a small old woman. Kikimora is primarily associated with the home and can be found in the cellar, attic, or behind the stove.

Her temperament is generally considered mischievous and sometimes malevolent. A happy kikimora might help with household chores, such as spinning thread or looking after the children, but this is often conditional on the household's behavior. If displeased, she can cause a great deal of trouble. This can include making loud noises, tangling yarn, breaking dishes, causing nightmares, or even physically tormenting sleepers by sitting on their chests, a phenomenon known as "kikimora's oppression." She is also believed to be responsible for the mysterious tangling of hair, especially at night.

The presence of a kikimora was often thought to be a sign of a poorly managed or unhappy home. Some traditions suggest that she is the wife of the Domovoy, another house spirit, and that her presence is tied to his. While not always malicious, her actions are rarely seen as entirely beneficial, and households often sought ways to appease or ward her off.