toklás

Toklós are mythical creatures from Hungarian folklore, often described as shapeshifting demons or familiars. They are said to be sent by witches or evil sorcerers to torment their victims. The toklós is believed to be a malevolent spirit that attaches itself to a person, causing them to become ill, weak, or sleepless. It is often depicted as a small, dark creature, sometimes resembling a black cat, a toad, or even a deformed human.

The toklós is said to feed on its victim's vitality and can cause physical and mental suffering. It is particularly feared for its ability to drain the life force from its host, leading to a slow and painful death if not removed. In some tales, the toklós can be passed from one person to another, spreading its curse.

According to folklore, a toklós can be summoned or created through dark magic. It is often associated with the act of "making a toklós," a ritual where a witch would supposedly create such a creature. Once formed, the toklós would be bound to serve its creator.

To get rid of a toklós, various folk remedies and rituals were believed to be effective. These often involved confronting the creature, casting it out with specific incantations, or seeking help from a knowledgeable elder or a village wise woman. The belief in toklós reflects a deep-seated fear of unseen malevolent forces and the potential for witchcraft to inflict harm.