Schrat

{{Short description|Sprite from German, Ashkenazi Jewish, Slavic, and Northern European folklore}} {{redirect|Skrat}} {{italic title}} thumb|''Schrat'' as Carnival costume. The '''''Schrat''''' ({{IPA|de|ʃʁaːt|lang}}) or '''''Schratt''''', also '''''Schraz'''''<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> or '''''Waldschrat''''' (forest ''Schrat''),<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister"/> is a rather diverse German and Slavic legendary creature with aspects of either a wood sprite, domestic sprite and/or a nightmare demon.<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/><ref name="Grimms-DW-schrat"/> In other languages it is further known as '''''Skrat'''''.<ref>Hastings, James; Selbie, James A., edd. ''Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics'', Part 8, p. 628, Kessinger Publishing, 2003 {{ISBN|0-7661-3678-7}}.</ref>

== Etymology == The word ''Schrat'' originates in the same word root as Old Norse ''skrati'', ''skratti'' (sorcerer, giant), Icelandic ''{{linktext|skratti}}'' (devil) and ''vatnskratti'' (water sprite), Swedish ''{{linktext|skratte}}'' (fool, sorcerer, devil), and English ''{{linktext|scrat}}'' (devil).{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1286}}

The German term entered Slavic languages and (via North Germanic languages) Finno-Ugric ones as well.<ref name="moszynski1967"/> Examples are Polish ''skrzat'', ''skrzot'' (domestic sprite, dwarf),<ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat"/><ref name="moszynski1967"/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Polish variant {{lang|pl|krzat}} is recorded in the 15th century,{{sfnp|Brückner|1924|pp=112–113}} i.e., an early initial dropped shift (apheresis) form.}} Czech {{lang|cs|škrat, škrátek}}, {{ill|škrítek|cs|Skřítek (mytologie)}} (domestic sprite, gold bringing devil/mining sprite<ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat"/><ref name="moszynski1967"/>{{Refn|Ranke in HdA{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1285–}} cites two sources: Grimm ''DM'' which gives Czech {{lang|cs|skřet, skřjtek}} glossed as {{lang|la|penas}} in some lexicon,<ref>{{harvp|Grimm|1875|lac='''1''': 397}}; {{harvp|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1883|loc='''1''': 479}}</ref> and Brückner's Polish dictionary.<ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat"/>}}{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Ranke's entry for "Schrat" contends that the Czech forms mean "{{lang|de|Gold bringender Teufel}}", but this is not explicit in the cited two sources. Brückner gives Czech {{lang|cs|skrátek, szkrzítek}} as "hag, baba" ({{lang|pl|jędzy}}) or "mine spirit" ({{lang|pl|duchu-górniku}}).}}),<ref name="jungmann-dict-skřet"/> Slovene {{lang|sl|škrat, škratek, škratelj}} (domestic sprite, mining sprite), and {{lang|sl|škratec}} (corn or gold-bringing being,<ref name="kmietowicz1982"/> whirlwind, Polish plait) as well as Estonian {{lang|et|kratt, krätt, rett, krat}}, {{lang|et|krätt}} (domestic sprite, "treasure/wealth-bringer", comparable to ''Schratt'').<ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat"/><ref name="moszynski1967"/>{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=390}}

== Medieval attestations == {{See also|#Middle High German literature}} The ''Schrat'' is first attested in Medieval sources. Old High German sources have ''scrato'',<ref name="HdA-Meuli-maske"/> ''scrat'',<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister"/> ''scraz'', ''scraaz'', ''skrez'',<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>''screiz'', ''waltscrate'' (''walt'' = forest), ''screzzolscratto'', ''sklezzo'', ''slezzo'', and ''sletto'' (pl. ''scrazza'', ''screzza'', ''screza'', ''waltscraze'', ''waltsraze'').{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1286}}

Middle High German sources give the forms ''schrat'', ''schrate'',<ref name="HdA-Meuli-maske"/> ''waltschrate'',{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1286}} ''waltschrat'',<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister"/> ''schretel'', ''schretelîn'',<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> ''schretlin'',<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister"/> ''schretlein'',{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} ''schraz'', ''schrawaz'', ''schreczl'',<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> ''schreczlein'',{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} ''schreczlîn''<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> or ''schreczlin'',{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} and ''waltscherekken'' (forest terror; also the pl. ''schletzen'').{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1286}}

In Old High German sources, the word is used to translate the Latin terms referring to wood sprites and nightmare demons, such as ''pilosi'' (hairy sprites), ''fauni'' (fauns), ''satiri'', (satyrs), ''silvestres homines'' (forest humans), ''incubus'', ''incubator'', and ''larva'' (spirit of the dead).{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1287}} Accordingly, the earliest known ''Schrat'' was likely a furry or hairy fiend<ref name="HdA-Meuli-maske"/> or an anthropomorphic or theriomorphic spirit dwelling in the woods and causing nightmares.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1287–}}

Middle High German sources continued to translate ''satyrus'' and ''incubus'' as ''Schrat'', indicating it was considered a wood sprite or nightmare demon, but another ''vocabularium'' glossed ''Schrat'' as ''penates'' (domestic sprite).{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1287–1288}}

The Middle High German story "Schrätel und Wasserbär (polar bear)" (13th cent.), where the spirit haunts a peasant's house in Denmark{{sfnp|Taylor|1919|pp=305–306}} is considered "genuine" house spirit (kobold) material.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}}

The medieval tradition of offering the {{lang|gmh|schretlein}} or {{lang|gmh|trut}} (i.e. {{lang|de|Trud}}) pairs of little red shoes was preached as sin by Martin von Amberg (c. 1350–1400).{{Refn|von der Hagen (1937).<ref name="hagen1837"/> The ''HdA'' article on "{{lang|de|Schuh}}" <ref name="HdA-Jungbauer-schuh"/>{{rp|398)}} cites ''ZfVK'' '''4''':292, n2,<ref name="ZfVk04-sartori1894"/> which requotes from Rochholz<ref name="rochholz1856a-vol1"/> which in turn cites von der Hagen.}}

== Diminutive forms == The ''Schrat'' is known by numerous diminutive forms, many of which take on the sense of Alp, a nightmare demon. That is to say, many of these carry the sense of an Alptraum (oppressive dream, nightmare) demon or sickness demon especially in the south (Cf. {{section link||Nightmare demon}}). But ''Schrat'' diminutives may also refer to a house spirit (kobold, cf. {{section link||Domestic sprite}}) or a stable-haunting being (that haunt stables and homes, shearing manes, braiding elflocks, and suckling on livestock and human mothers).<ref name="Bechstein1853"/>

The diminutive form Schrätel, for example, is ambivalent, and is discussed below under both a "dream demon"<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/> and "household sprite."{{Refn|Ranke's form "Schrät(t)ele" ("{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=AFMKxvJgzt4C&pg=PA1285 |2=Schrat}}" in ''HdA''), citations under note 8)<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=n8)}} actually begins with instances of "Schrätel" (ZfVk 8, ZfVk23<ref name="ZfVk08-weinhold1898"/><ref name="ZfVk23-ebermann1913"/>), "Schrättel" (Stoeber, ''Elsass. Volksbüchl.''<ref name="stoeber1859"/>). The fourth source (Hertz ''Elsaß'') gives "Schrettele" as a {{lang|de|Koboldnamen}} in Swabia,<ref name="hertz1872"/> where {{lang|de|schrettele}} is described as a dream demon in Swabian sources.<ref name="meier1852"/> The Alsatian sources attest to "Schrätzmännel".}}

To name other such forms, unsorted into specific spirit types: ''Schrätlein'', ''Schrättlein'';<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=n9)}} ''Schrättling'';<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> ''Schrötele'', ''Schröttele'', ''Schröttlich'', ''Schreitel'';<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> ''Schrätzlein'';<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/> and ''Schlaarzla'', ''Schrähelein''.<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>

== Wood sprite == The ''Waldschrat'' is a solitary wood sprite looking scraggily, shaggily, partially like an animal, with eyebrows grown together, and wolf teeth in its mouth., as summarized by Hans Pehl in the ''HdA''.<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister"/>{{rp|at=n50)}}

But this is a hotchpotch profile put together from disparate sources.{{Refn|Pehl, n50) cites Grimm 396;{{sfnp|Grimm|1875|p=396}} Simrock Myth. 439; Lütolf Sagen 60.<ref name="luetolf1862"/> Lütolf's spelling "Walschraede" is incorrect for the Dutch ''Voyage of St. Brandan'', better Mone<ref name="mone1839"/> whom he cites and quotes for a post-Medieval poem.<ref>{{harvp|Mone|1839}} Anzeiger '''VIII''': 77. "Litteratur und Sprache: III. Teutsche Volkslieder "4. Kunz Schott".</ref>}} Grimm gave attestations of ''Waldschrat'' in medieval romances (''Barlaam und Josaphat'',<ref>"wilder waltschrate": {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=i3YHAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA251 |2=''Barlaam und Josaphat''}}: ed. Pfeiffer, Franz (1843), p. 251, line 14.</ref> Ulrich von Zatzikhoven's ''Lanzelet''<ref>"schraze wart geslagen" v. 487, i.e., the hero received a "cut from the little troll", aka the dwarf armed with a long whip. {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=78qc7QFxq9UC&pg=PA32|2=''Lanzelet'' translation}} by Thomas Kerth (2005), p. 32</ref>) and the poem "''Waldschrat''" which is a retelling of Bonerius Fable No. 91,<ref name="Grimm-AltdWaelder3-Waldschrat">XVIII. (66.) "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=yI06AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA225 |2=Waldschrat}}" in 54vv, in ''Altdeutsche Wälder'' '''3''': 225–227</ref><ref>Bonerius No. 91 "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=W6sEEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA217|2=Of a person who had hot and cold in his mouth}}", tr. Albrecht Classen (2020), pp. 216–218.</ref> none of which provide much physical description except being "dwarf" sized. The ''Schrat'' as ''Waldgeist'' is physically described as hairy in commentary by Karl Joseph Simrock, and is equated with Räzel (described further under {{section link||Nightmare demons}}); in particular, the trait of the single joined eyebrow, is held to be common to the woodland ''schrat'', the Alp, and sorcerers (cf. {{section link||Connections with the devil, witches, and deceased souls}}), some capable of werewolf-transformation.<ref name="simrock1855"/> The last bit (wolflike teeth) appears to be clipped from the description of the "{{lang|dum|Walschrande}}" encountered in the Middle Dutch version of the story of St. Brendan's Voyage. These ''Walschrande'' were described as having swines' heads, wolves' teeth, human hands, and hounds' legs that were shaggy.<ref>Blommaert, Philip ed. (1838). {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=DWo_AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA116 |2=''Reis van Sinte Brandaen''}}, p. 116 (pp. 91–120).</ref><ref name="newman2018"/><ref name="luetolf1862"/> Celtic origin has been argued in scholarship concerning the ''schrat'' in the Arthurian cycle works (e.g. Ulrich's ''Lanzelet'', adaptation of ''Lancelot'') and the legend of St. Brendan who was an Irish monk.{{Refn|Roger Sherman Loomis (1951) traces the dwarf/schrat to Welsh Beli Mawr.<ref>note 30 to Kerth tr.</ref> The beings met by St. Brendan were, in the original telling, birdlike "fallen angels/neutral angels": these beings are perhaps not according to strict orthodox Christian doctrine, but influenced by Irish lore that fairies are fallen angels.<ref name="newman2018"/>}}

The Austrian ''Schrat'' (pl. ''Schratln'') or ''Waldkobold'' looks like the creature as described above: it is small and usually solitary. The ''Schratln'' love the deep, dark forest and will move away if the forest is logged. The ''Schrat'' likes to play malicious pranks and tease evilly. If offended, it breaks the woodcutters' axes in two and lets trees fall in the wrong direction.<ref name="Pohanka2013"/>

In the Swiss valley Muotatal, before 1638 there was an Epiphany procession called ''Greifflete'' associated with two female wood sprites, ''Strudeli'' and ''Strätteli'', the latter being a derivative of ''Schrat''.<ref name="HdA-Meuli-maske"/>

== Mining demon ==

A ''Schrattel'' can be a ''Goldteufel'' (gold devil) that can be made to serve a human, bringing his master gold or silver found in the Pusterwald region, according to the legend from Styria in Austria; the legend was recorded by {{illm|Fridolin von Freythall|de}} in his novel ''Das Hochgericht vom Birkachwald''.<ref>{{harvp|Krainz|1880}} Krainz No. 249. "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=MiAkh6CQoGIC&pg=PA319 |2=Der Schrattel}}", p. 319</ref>

== Nightmare demon == [[File:Praetorius(1668)-p0000-01Alpmännergen-Schröeteln-Nachtmähren.jpg|thumb|Alp, Schrat (''Schröteln''), or nightmare{{right|{{small|―engraving by Thomas Cross, Sr. (fl. 1632-1682), frontispiece to Praetorius (1668) [1666] ''Anthropodemus Plutonicus''.}}}}]] {{main|Alp (folklore)}} The ''Alp'' of German folklore, in the strict sense, refers to an ''Alptraum'' (nightmare) causing demon, and is associated with pressure like a horse is riding on the sleeper, with stifling against the pillow, and hence respiratory and other sicknesses.<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp-def"/>{{efn|And "Alp" is the common standard and Central Germany name for it, while ''Mahr'' or mare (folklore) is used in Northern Germany,}} This tends to be known by the name ''Schrat'' or its variants in Southern Germany and Switzerland, especially in regions with Alemannic dialect.<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/> Such a demon is also considered a sickness demon,<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/><ref name="Wuerttemberg-Bd2-1884"/> as explained above.

=== Forms === The ''Alptraum'' nightmare was known locally under diminutive names such as {{lang|de|Schrättele}}:<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/> Schrättel in Switzerland;{{Refn|Grimm's footnote 17) to the poem in ''Altd. Wälder'' '''3'''. XVIII. (66.)<ref name="Grimm-AltdWaelder3-Waldschrat"/>}} or ''Schrättlein'';<ref name="Bechstein1853"/> {{lang|de|Schrattele}}, ''Schrettele'' in Upper Swabia;<ref name="meier1852"/><ref name="Wuerttemberg-Bd2-1884"/><ref name="Bechstein1853"/> {{lang|de|Schrecksele}} around {{interlanguage link|Horb (district)|de|Landkreis Horb}}, Bühl, Wurmlingen in Swabia,<ref name="meier1852"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=25)}} or {{lang|de|Schrätzmännel}}{{efn|{{lang|de|-männel}} is dialectal diminutive of {{lang|de|Mann}}, i.e. "manikin".}} in "Munster valley" ({{langx|de|Münstertal}}, {{ill|Communauté de communes de la Vallée de Munster|lt=Vallée de Munster|de| |fr}}) in Alsace.{{Refn|Münstertal in Elsaß (Alsace) given in Hertz's anthology of tales from Alsace;<ref name="hertz1872"/> Stöber more specifically gives Mühlbach (now Muhlbach-sur-Munster).<ref name="stoeber1852"/>}}<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Also called {{lang|de|Doggele}} in Illzach, Alsace.<ref name="stoeber1852"/> The form {{lang|de|Doggeli}} is mentioned by Stoll.<ref name="stoll1909"/>}}

Other forms are: {{lang|de|Strädel}},<ref name="stoll1909"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/>{{rp|at=n19)}} {{lang|de|Schrätele, Schrätel, Schrattl, Schrattel, Schratel, Schrättlig, Schrätzel}}; {{lang|de|Schreckle, Schrecksel}};<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/> (corrupted forms based on German ''Schreck'' = fear or fright), {{lang|de|Scherzel}} (a corrupted form reminiscent of German ''Scherz'' = jest),<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=n22)}}<ref name="Grimms-DW-scherzel"/> {{lang|de|Rettele, Rätzel, Ritzel}},<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp"/> {{lang|de|Letzel}}, and {{lang|de|Letzekäppel}} (''Käppel'' = little cap).<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>

In the historic state of Baden (particularly Swabia<ref name="Bechstein1853"/><ref name="stoeber1859"/>), the {{lang|de|Schrättele}} enters by crawling through the keyhole and sits on the sleeper's chest.<ref name="HdA-Geramb-schluesselloch"/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Non Schrat- diminutives in Baden-Württemberg: {{lang|de|Drückerle}} (presser) occurs at the Lenninger Lauter, Neidlinger Valley, and Filsthal; and {{lang|de|Nachtmännle}} (night manikin) at Hohenstaufen.<ref name="Wuerttemberg-Bd2-1884"/><ref name="Bechstein1853"/>}} It can also enter through the window as a black hen.<ref name="HdA-Mengis-schwarz"/> The Swabian {{lang|de|schrettele}} is named as the perpetrator of the "Alp-pressure" ({{lang|de|Albdrücken}}) bearing down upon the human sleeper's chest or throat.<ref name="meier1852"/>

=== Livestock dream spirits === thumb|Das Schrattlgatter ("schrat-gate") built by farmers as a charm against the ''Schrettl'' or ''Schrattl '' to safeguard livestock In Tirol, it is said the {{lang|de|Schrettl}} or {{lang|de|Schrattl}} (''Schrattel''{{sfnp|Ranke|1927|loc=''HdA'' '''1''': 284}}) to the livestock is similar to what the dream-demon {{lang|de|Trud}} (drude) is to humans. It supposedly pins down livestock with {{lang|de|Schrattldruck}} ("Schrattl-pressure"), and the affected cattle, pigs, or hens lie down as if paralyzed or dead. Tirolian farmers try to guard against this sprite by crafting the {{lang|de|Das Schrattlgatter}} ("Scrattl-gate") from wooden slats (five pieces of wood interlocked, like a sideways-turned "H" and "X" combined,{{sfnp|Pohanka|2013|p=70}} cf. fig. right),{{efn|Cf. also the "''Drudenfuss''", the pentagram for warding off the ''drude''.}} and it is alleged hanging one in the henhouse has saved it.<ref name="alpenburg1857"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|61)}}

In Switzerland, the {{lang|de|Schrättlig}} sucks the udders of cows and goats dry and makes horses become ''schretig'', i.e. fall ill.{{sfnp|Meuli|1933|loc=''HdA'' '''5''': 1806, 1809}} In Swabia, the ''Schrettele'' also sucks human breasts and animal udders until they swell, tangles horse manes, and makes Polish plaits.<ref name="Bechstein1853"/> In Austria, The ''Schrat'' tangles horse tails and dishevels horse manes.{{sfnp|Pohanka|2013|p=70}}

===Witches, possessions, ghosts=== {{Also|#Connections with the devil, witches, and deceased souls}} Often, the nightmare demon ''Schrat'' is in truth a living human. This {{lang|de|Schrättlich}} or {{lang|de|Schrätelhexe}} (''Schrat'' witch) can easily be identified due to their characteristic eyebrows grown together, the so-called ''Räzel''{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288–}} or ''Rätzel'' trait, sometimes applied to the mysterious beings often associated with the ''Schrat''.<ref name="walz1900"/> The appellations ''Raz, Räzel'' (''Rätzel'') was likely an apheresis of ''Shräzel'' (''Shrätzel''), according to Wilhelm Hertz.{{sfnp|Hertz|1872|p=212}}<ref name="walz1900"/>

In Swabia, the ''Schratt'' is a woman suffering from an hereditary ailment known as ''schrättleweis gehen'' or ''Schrattweisgehen'' (both: going in the manner of a ''Schrat'') which is an affliction usually inherited from one's mother. The afflicted person will have to step out every night at midnight, i.e. the body will lie around as if dead but the soul will have left it in the shape of a white mouse. The ''Schratt'' is impelled to "press" (German ''drücken'') something or someone, be it human, cattle, or tree. The nightly ''Drücken'' is very exhausting, making the ''Schratt'' ill. Only one thing can free the ''Schratt'' from her condition. She must be allowed to press the best horse in the stable to death.<ref name="petzold2007"/>

According to other Swabian beliefs, the nightmare-bringing ''Schrat'' is a child who died unbaptized. In Baden, it is considered a deceased relative of the nightmare victim.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1289}}

=== Protective amulets === The ''Schrat'' is further known to cause illnesses by shooting arrows. Its arrow is the belemnite (called {{lang|de|Schrattenstein}}, ''Schrat'' stone), but his stone can also be used to ward the spirit off.{{sfnp|Ranke|1927|loc=''HdA'' '''1''': 294}} Beside the ''Schrattenstein'', it also fears the pentagram (called ''Schrattlesfuß'', ''Schrat'' foot in Swabia) and stones of the same name with dinosaur footprints.<ref name="Bechstein1853"/> The ''Schrätteli'' can be exterminated by burning the bone whose appearance it takes when morning comes.<ref name="HdA-Baechtold-knochen"/> The same is true for burning the straw caught at night, for in the morning it will become a woman covered with burns and never return again. If it is cut with a ''Schreckselesmesser'' (''Schrat'' knife), a knife with three crosses on its blade, the ''Schrettele'' will also never return again.{{sfnp|Bechstein|1853|p=777}} The ''Schrat'' can be kept out of stables by placing the aforementioned wooden ''Schratlgatter'' (''Schrat'' fence) above the stable door, or using a convex mirror called ''Schratspiegel'' (''Schrat'' mirror) which also works the same way.{{sfnp|Pohanka|2013|p=70}}

== Domestic sprite == {{See also|Kobold#Cretin names}}

===Middle High German literature=== In the Middle High German story "Schrätel und Wasserbär" (13th cent.), the kobold{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} haunts a peasant's house, but the Danish king lodges there with the polar bear, and after the encounter with the "giant cat" the spirit is frightened away.{{sfnp|Taylor|1919|pp=305–306}}

A version of this story set in a miller's house in Berneck (Bad Berneck im Fichtelgebirge), Upper Franconia, Bavaria, where a ''Holzfräulein'' replaces the Schrätel, and is killed by a "cat".<ref>{{harvp|Grimm|1878}} {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=VD7aAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA138 |2=''DM'' '''3''': 138}}, Anmerkungen zu S. 397; {{harvp|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1888}}, {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=uy1LAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1424 |2=''Teut. Myth.'' '''4''': 1424}}, note to '''1''': 480.</ref>

The ''Schrätel'' ({{lang|gmh|schrattel}}) as a peace-disturber or poltergeist also figures in the Tyrolean poet Hans Vintler's ''Die Pluemen der Tugent'' (completed 1411).<ref>{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Y4NAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA262 |2=''Die Pluemen der Tugent''}}, vv. 7803–7804. Zingerle, Ignaz Vincenz ed. (1874)</ref><ref name="ZfVk23-ebermann1913"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=n8)}}{{efn|The sprite here also bestows the {{lang|gmh|siegstein}} (stone of victory).}}

===Local lore===

The term ''Schrat'' (or its variants) is thought to have occurred more widely in the sense of "house sprite" in the past. According to belief from the 15th century, every house has a ''schreczlein'' which, if honored by the inhabitants of the house, gives its human owners property and honor.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}}

But the sense of ''Schrat'' as a ''Hausgeist'' or kobold only survived in Southeastern Germany, and West Slavic Regions.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} More specifically, ''Schrat'' as domestic sprite is particularly known in Bavaria (the Upper Palatinate, the Fichtel Mountains extending to Czechia; also Vogtland which spills into Saxony and Thuringia), and the Austrian provinces of Styria and Carinthia.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} In these parts (Southeastern Germany and Austria), the ''Schrat'' remains more akin to a domestic kobold, only occasionally appearing as an incubus.{{sfnp|Ranke|1927|loc=''HdA'' '''1''': 283–}} The form ''Schrezala'' was current in the Fichtelgebirge{{efn|Also ''Schretselein'' in Fichtelgebirge, according to Zapf.}}<ref name="zapf1874"/> and Vogtland.<ref name="Bavaria3-fentsch1865"/>

In Styria, the forms {{lang|de|Schrätel, Schratel}} are glossed as ''penates'' (hearth deities) c. 1500.{{Refn|name="Voc-GrazUni1506-ZfVk8"|"Schrätel, Schratel {{=}} ''{{linktext|penates}}''. ''Vocabularius'' anno 1506, Graz University in Styria, ''apud'' ''ZfVk8'' p. 464,<ref name="ZfVk08-weinhold1898"/> cited by Ranke (1936) n9).}} The ''Schratl'' of Carinthia is said to manifest itself as sunlight patterns on walls in the {{interlanguage link|Mölltal|de}} and Lesachtal valleys, as a small blue flame or a red face popping out the window in {{interlanguage link|Gailtal|de}};<ref name="ZfdMyth4-Lexer1859"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|58)}} he is considered invisible in {{interlanguage link|Drautal |de|Drautal in Österreich}}, but perceptible by the noises in the walls similar to the cutting-sound of scythes,<ref name="ZfdMyth4-Lexer1859"/> while the Carinthian {{lang|de|Schratelmannel}} (''Schrat'' manikin) is also reputed to make knocking noises in the bedroom walls at night like a ''Kobold'' or poltergeist.{{sfnp|Ranke|1927|loc=''HdA'' '''1''': 294}} The ''Schratl'' of Styria is said to be a grunting little man dressed in red or green.<ref name="ZfdMyth4-Lexer1859"/>

In Styria and Carinthia, the ''Schratl'' dwells inside the stove, expecting to be given millet gruel for its services.<ref name="HdA-Geramb-ofen"/> In Styria, this stove or oven (called ''Schratlofen''; ''Schrat'' stove) might also be a solitary rock formation or rock hole rather than a true stove.<ref name="HdA-Geramb-ofen(steinkloetze)"/> When summoned, it sits down on the doorstep.<ref name="HdA-WeiserAaall-schwelle"/>

In Carinthia, the ''Schratl'' can be intentionally driven away by gifting it clothes.<ref name="HdA-Jungbauer-kleid"/><ref name="ZfdMyth4-Lexer1859"/> The same motif {{efn|Stith-Thompson's motif index F405.11. "House spirit leaves when gift of clothing is left for it". Also occurs in Harry Potter series, Dobby the house elf.}} is exhibited in the story of the {{lang|de|schretzchen}} ({{interlanguage link|Kremnitzmühle|de}}, Upper Franconia, Bavaria), except the grateful mistress of the house unwittingly gave clothes as reward to the helpful spirit because it was dressed in tatters.<ref name="Bavaria3-fentsch1865"/><ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat"/>{{rp|at=n4)}} The {{lang|de|schretzelein}} that causes mischief in the stables is considered a type of kobold also, as it actually dwells in the house.{{Refn|A chronicle of Hof, Bavaria, cited by Köhler. Köhler's remark that it is a kobold.<ref name="koehler1867"/>}}<ref name="graber-no042.1"/>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Köhler also considers as related the narrative concerning the {{interlanguage link|Bilwis|de}}: Haupt, Karl ed. (1862) No. 70. "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=n2EAAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA68|2=Die Pilweisen zu Lauban}}", ''Sagenbuch der Lausitz''. '''1''': 68. Köhler's classification as "kobold" is also consistent with Grimm's ''DM'' discussing the "home-sprites" that take up residence in stables, which will care for cattle but also do them grievous harm, even though the only specific sprite named doing stable chores (quoted from {{illm|Samuel Meiger|de}}) is ''wolterken''[''s''].{{sfnp|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1883|loc='''2''':510–511}}}}

The ''schratl'' also is blamed for causing stabbing pains and "elflocks" (polish plaits<ref name="kelemina1930" />), which are referred to locally as {{lang|de|schratlzopf}} (standardized as {{lang|de|schratelzopf}}<ref name="kelemina1930" />).<ref name="graber-no042.1">{{harvp|Graber|1927}} [1914]: "42. Der Schratl", Part 1.: "Der Schratl ist ein Gespenst.. Er verursacht Stechen im Halse und verfilzt die Kopfhaare (Schratlzöpfe). Gern hält sich dieses koboldartige Wesen im Hause auf. (The Schratl is a ghost .. It causes a stabbing pain in the throat and mats the hair on the head (Schratlzöpfe). This kobold-like creature likes to stay in the house.)" Collected from Mölltal, Carinthia.</ref>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Grimm also lists English "elflocks" alongside {{lang|de|alpzopf, drutenzopf, mahrenlocke}}{{sfnp|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1883|loc='''2''':464}} and even conjectures it may be called *bilweichszopf,{{sfnp|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1883|loc='''2''':474}} based on the sprite name Bilwis. Though Grimm lists the forms for the ''alp'', ''trud'', ''mahr'' and omits "schratlzopf", extending it here to "elf lock" is sufficiently grounded. Kelemina glosses it as Polish plait ({{lang|sl|ptico polnico}}).<ref name="kelemina1930" />}}

A tale from {{interlanguage link|Wagendorf, Carinthia|de|Wagendorf (Gemeinde Friesach)|lt=Wagendorf}} recounts how a man outwitted a Schratl by demanding he fill his boot with money, actually only the cut-off tube of his boot, attached to his roof-ridge. The sprite brought money day and night that spilled into a big pile without achieving his boot-full, and finally died of exhaustion.{{sfnp|Schlossar|1892|p=166}}

The Polish ''skrzat'' (often equated with ''latawiec'', 'the flying one') demands kasha ({{lang|pl|kasza}}, porridge) for payment and insists it is not overly hot.<ref name="moszynski1967"/><ref name="brueckner1924"/>

== Animal forms == The Schratel reputedly appears often in the guise of a cat or squirrel in Styria.<ref name="ZfVk07-ilwof1897"/> Schratzl in the guise of a black cat was driven out from Kirchberg an der Raab into some ditch.{{sfnp|Schlossar|1892|p=166}} Farmers in Donnersbachwald (in Styria) claimed the ''Schratl'' can appear as a chamois, buck-goat, or black dog.{{Refn|{{harvp|Schlossar|1892|p=168}}, informant: Mr. K. Reiterer from Donnersbachwald. The local alias of {{lang|de|Boxhidlbua}} ({{lang|de|Boxhörndlbua}}) for the sprite is also recorded.}}

The Schrattel appears as a black raven in a tale of a man who contracted with the demon and loses his soul ({{interlanguage link|Ennstal, Styria|de|Steirisches Ennstal|lt=Ennstal}}, Styria).<ref>{{harvp|Krainz|1880}} Krainz No. 249. "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=MiAkh6CQoGIC&pg=PA319 |2=Schrattelsage aus dem Ennsthale}}", pp. 319–325</ref> It is also commented that "Schratel" was once a name commonly given to a dog in Styria.<ref name="ZfVk08-weinhold1898"/> In {{illm|Upper Carinthia|de|Oberkärnten}}, in the vicinity of Radenstein ({{=}}Rottenstein, Bad Kleinkirchheim<ref name="KaerntnerBurgenkunde"/>), the caterpillar is called and thus identified as ''Schratel''.{{Refn|''HdA'' "Raupe", at note 34)<ref name="HdA-Riegler-raupe"/>{{rp|34)}} citing Dr. Kransmayer (oral). It is noted a similar appellation occurs in Egerland, Czech Republic, citing ZföVk. 2, 329;<ref name="ZföVk-02-neubauer"/> Natur 2, 88, but was not confirmed in the first of these sources.}} The butterfly is sometimes called ''schrätteli'', ''schrâtl'', ''schràttele'' or ''schrèttele''<ref name="HdA-Riegler-schmetterling"/> and accordingly identified with the nightmare demon ''Schrätteli''.{{sfnp|Riegler|1936b|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1247.}} Sorcerers with unibrow (like the Schratel) are reputedly capable of sending an Alp in the guise of a butterfly to people who are asleep (cf. § witches).<ref name="simrock1855"/>

The ''Schretel'' appears as a butterfly according to the lore in the Tyrol region (Austria) as well as Sarganserland of the Canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland; in St. Gallen, the creature may appear also in the guise of a magpie, fox, or black cat.{{sfnp|Meuli|1933|loc=''HdA'' '''5''': 1807}}

Legends from Obermumpf, Aargau, Switzerland say that the {{lang|de|Wanzenschneider}}, a sort of black magician also known widely in the Black Forests in Germany, could transform into a {{illm|Toggel|de|lt=''Toggeli''}} or a {{lang|de|Schrätteli}}, or a red mouse, to creep up on people who are asleep, enter through open mouths, reach the heart, and ride people leaving them half-dead or paralyzed until expelled from the mouth. The sorcerer died but still loitered around as a spirit in the form of a black dog and was finally purged by the Capuchin monks of the Franciscan order.<ref name="rochholz1856b-vol2"/>

===Egg-hatched, chicken-shaped===

There is the motif recorded for kobolds under various names across many regions including Pomerania that the sprite is born from an egg laid by a hen.<ref name="polivka1918"/> The Polish {{lang|pl|skrzat}} in Posen is reputedly born from a hen's egg of a certain peculiar shape, hatched after being kept in the armpit for a long time,{{Refn|{{harvp|Knoop|1893}} XXXII. Der Skrzat oder Skrzatel {{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BHgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA111 |2=XXXII, Der Skrzat oder Skrzatel}}" p. 111, and Kolberg (1882)<ref name="kolberg1882"/> cited by {{harvp|Polívka|1918|p=50}}.}}{{Refn|Moszyński (1967).<ref name="moszynski1967"/> Raised from a black hen's egg, kept under the armpit for 9 days.}} and likewise in Kolberg (Kołobrzeg).<ref>apud {{harvp|Polívka|1918|p=50}}</ref> A number of Polish anecdotes relate that the ''skrzat'' appears in the guise of a chicken, a black chicken, an emaciated chicken, or a flying bird with sparks flying.<ref name="kolberg1882"/>

Or else, the ''škrat'' could be bred from a black hen, or hired otherwise, but to obtain its services one had to sign away himself and his family sealed in a blood signed contract. Then, it would bring such items as the contractor desired to the window and when carrying money it assumed the form of fire.<ref name="kmietowicz1982"/>

== Dwarf == The Alsatian ''Schrätzmännel'' also appear as dwarves (German ''Zwerge'', sg. ''Zwerg'') dwelling in caves in the woods and mountains.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}}

The same is true for the ''Razeln'' or ''Schrazeln'' in Upper Palatinate, whose cave dwellings are known as ''Razellöcher'' (''Schrat'' holes).{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1288}} Other names for them are ''Razen'', ''Schrazen'', ''Strazeln'', ''Straseln'', and ''Schraseln''. They dwell in the mountains and help the humans with their work, acting as domestic sprites. This they do at night, for they dislike to be seen. They only enter the homes of good people and bring good fortune upon them, expecting the food left over on the dishes as their payment. Any other form of gratitude, especially gifts, will drive them away instead, for they will think their service has been terminated, and they will leave with tears. First they wait, then they eat, and after that they go into the baking oven for dancing and threshing. Ten pairs or at least twelve ''Razen'' are said to fit inside an oven for threshing.<ref name="schoenwerth1858"/>

== Connections with the devil, witches, and deceased souls == A red secretion left behind at trees by butterflies is said to be the blood of the ''Schrätlein'' or ''Schretlein'' who are wounded and chased by the devil (German ''Teufel'').<ref name="HdA-Mengis-rot"/><ref name="HdA-Riegler-schmetterling"/> Conversely, the ''Schrat'' can also be identified as the devil itself.{{sfnp|Ranke|1936|loc=''HdA'' '''7''': 1289}}

''Schrättlig'' is a synonym for witch (German ''Hexe'').<ref name="HdA-WeiserAaall-hexe"/> In Tyrol and the Sarganserland, the ''Schrättlig'' also is thought to be the soul of a deceased evildoer living among people as an ordinary human, particularly an old woman. It is able to take on animal appearance and often harms humans, animals, and plants. It also causes storms and tempests, but it can also become a luck-bringing domestic sprite identified with ''lares'' and ''penates''.{{sfnp|Meuli|1933|loc=''HdA'' '''5''': 1794–}}

The ''Schrat'' might also show behavior similar to the devil or witches. In Carinthia, whenever somebody wants to hang oneself, a ''Schratt'' will come and nod in approval.<ref name="HdA-MuellerBergstroem-haengen"/> The ''Schrat'' travels in the whirlwind as well, hence the whirlwind is known as ''Schretel'' or ''schrádl'' in Bavaria and the Burgenland respectively.{{sfnp|Meuli|1933|loc=''HdA'' '''5''': 1806}}

In Bavaria and Tyrol, the souls of unbaptized children forming the retinue of ''Stempe'' (i.e. ''Perchta'') are called ''Schrätlein''. Like ''Perchta'', the ''schretelen'' were offered food on Epiphany Day in 15th century Bavaria.{{sfnp|Meuli|1933|loc=''HdA'' '''5''': 1795}}

== Yiddish folklore == === ''Shretele'' === Among the Yiddish-speaking Jews of Eastern Europe, there is belief in the helper or wealth-multiplying spirit called {{lang|yi|shretele}}, probably connected to Polish ''skrzat'',<ref name="Weinreich-p326">[[#CITEREFWeinreich1997|Weinreich [1988] (1997)]]; (2012). "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=BIQKurXeBdgC&pg=PA326 |2=Supernatural Tales}}" p. 326 (323–329).</ref> (pl. {{lang|yi|shretelekh}}{{sfnp|Weinreich|1997|p=329}}) which they might have brought with them when they came from Alsace and Southern Germany.<ref name="Weinreich-p326"/>

The ''shretele'' is very kind.<ref name="Weinreich-p326"/> It is described as a small elflike creature, more specifically a tiny, handsome, raggedly dressed little man. ''Shretelekh'' can be found in human homes where they like to help out, e.g. by finishing up the making of shoes overnight at a shoemaker's home. If given tiny suits in gratitude, they will stop working and sing that they look too glorious for work, dancing out of the house and leaving good fortune behind.{{sfnp|Weinreich|1997|p=329}}

The ''shretele'' might also stretch out a tiny hand from the chimney corner, asking for food. If given something, e.g. some cracklings (gribenes), it will make the kitchen work successful. For example, if pouring goose fat from a frying pan into containers, one might be able to do so for hours, filling all containers in the house without emptying the pan – until someone cusses about this. Cussing will drive the ''shretele'' away.<ref>{{harvp|Weinreich|1997}}. No. 152 "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lo4ZKcfjesEC&pg=PA334 |2=The Passover Elf Helps GreatGrandmother}}", p. 334</ref>

The ''shretele'' might also dwell under the bed. From there it might come out to rock the baby's cradle, give the baby a light slap to make it stop crying, or nip from a brandy bottle. A bottle from which a ''shretele'' has sipped will always remain full no matter how much is poured out.<ref>{{harvp|Weinreich|1997}}. No. 160 "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lo4ZKcfjesEC&pg=PA343 |2=The Shretele That Took a Little Nip}}", pp. 343–344</ref>

=== ''Kapelyushnikl'' === {{Irrelevant section|date=November 2024}} In Yiddish folklore, the function of the nightmare demon belongs to another kind of legendary creature, the {{lang|yi|kapelyushnikl}} (Polish for hat maker;<ref name="Weinreich-p326"/> pl. {{lang|yi|kapelyushniklekh}}<ref name="Weinreich-p333"/>). It is a hat-wearing little being bent on pestering and teasing horses. It can only be found in Slavic countries and might even be an original East European Jewish creation.<ref name="Weinreich-p326"/>{{irrelevant citation|date=November 2024|reason=Winreich at p. 326 validly connets Shretele to skrzat, but ''Kapelyushnikl'' is only named alongside as another among the "range of [Yiddish] supernatural creatures" and is not equated to ''shretele''/skrzat/Schrat, and no matter how plausible, assuming so is WP:OR without a secondary source to back it.}}

The ''kapelyushniklekh'' can appear as a male and female pair of tiny beings wearing little caps; the woman also having braided hair tied with pretty ribbons.<ref name="Weinreich-p333">{{harvp|Weinreich|1997}}. No. 151 "Whos Milking the Cows?", p. 333</ref>

They love to ride horses all night, with many ''kapelyushniklekh'' sitting on one horse, rendering the animal exhausted and sweating. ''Kapelyushniklekh'' prefer gray horses in particular. If one manages to snatch a cap from a ''kapelyushnikl'', they will be driven away for good. Only the one who lost its cap will come and ask for its return, in exchange for a great deal of gold, though in daylight the gold will have turned into a pile of rocks.<ref>{{harvp|Weinreich|1997}}. No. 161 "The Lost Hat and the Pile of Gold", p. 344–</ref>

They can also milk cows dry at night and steal the milk, but if caught and beaten, they promise that, if spared, they will never return and that the amount of milk given by the cows will be double of what it originally used to be which will come true.<ref name="Weinreich-p333"/>

== Scandinavian and Baltic folklore == In Scandinavian folklore, the ''skrat'' is a prankster out in the woods or fields, known for its horse laughs and known particularly to spoil the finds of treasure-hunters, and if the man thinks he spotted a gold ring, the spirit will laugh it away before he has actually gained possession. Commentary classes it as a type of ''myling''.<ref name="thorpe1851"/> The ''skrat'' or ''skratt'' is also known among the Estonian Swedes and denotes a devil or ghost.<ref name="dickens1863"/>{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=390}} But this is more commonly called ''kratt'' (q.v.) (or ''krätt'', ''rett'', ''rätt'') and is a household spirit equivalent of the German ''Schrat[t].''<ref name="moszynski1967"/><ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat"/>{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=390}} The ''kratt'' more particularly is a "treasure-bearer" (wealth bringer),{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=390}} and the ''skrat'' or ''kratt'' will enrich his cohabitating farmer by stealing (milk, beer, money) from the neighbor.<ref name="dickens1863"/>{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|p=84}}

This "treasure-bearer" has many aliases (around 30{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|p=83}}), much of which have different etymologies unrelated to ''Schrat''.{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=390}} In appearance, the ''kratt'' (also ''puuk'', ''nasok'') is sometimes an artificial composite creature made of old junk, which is four- or three-legged {{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=392}}{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|pp=85–87, 98}} (cf. the 2017 Estonian movie ''November''<ref>{{harvp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|p=85}}, Fig. 2. Cf. also Fig. 3, Fig. 4</ref>); the subtype {{lang|et|rahakratt}} (''raha'' means 'money) is a money-bringer and often takes the form of a human or the composite artificial creature already described. However, the ''kratt'' as a group is known by various names and takes on various shapes, including animals such as birds (roosters), dogs (black dogs), or snakes (serpent with a red comb).{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=392}} But even though Charles Dickens as a travel writer reported the ''skratt'' as a generous wealth-bringing "fiery dragon", its typical appearance is that of "a huge fiery shape with a long tail",<ref name="dickens1863"/> and modern scholarship insists that the ''kratt'' has never been described literally as a "flying serpent/dragon"{{efn|{{langx|sl|leteče kače}}; {{langx|et|lendavad maod}}[?]}} ''per se'' in the Estonian folklore record<ref>{{harvp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=391}}; cf. {{harvp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|p=89}} </ref> (whereas the Belarusian parallel is the flying serpent {{lang|be|летучий змей}}), even though the alias name {{lang|et|pisuhänd}} ('spark tail') is evocative of a fiery serpent.{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=391}} The Estonian ''kratt'''s favourite food is porridge with butter{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=395}} (or "bread-and-butter and two or three types of porridges", which it demands as compensation<ref name="dickens1863"/>), in contrast with the Belarusian flying serpent favouring fried eggs.{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2020|p=395}} Another point of contrast is that the Estonian ''kratt'' (or more generally the Finnish, Swedish, Finnic, Finno-Ugric, Scandinavian, etc. "treasurer-bearer"), does not exhibit the secondary aspect of the "mythological lover", in contrast to the East (and West and South Slavic) "treasure bearer" which also seduces women,{{sfnp|Kõiva|Boganeva|2022|p=80}} the examples of the latter being the aforementioned Polish {{lang|pl|latawiec}} ('the flying one) and Belarusian "flying serpent" ({{compare|Firedrake (folklore)}}).

==Explanatory notes== {{notelist}}

==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist|2|refs= <ref name="alpenburg1857">{{cite book|last=Alpenburg |first=Johann Nepomuk Ritter von |author-link=:de:Johann Nepomuk von Alpenburg |title=Mythen und Sagen Tirols |location=Zürich |publisher=Meyer und Zeller |year=1857 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xq4JAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA369 |page=369}}</ref>

<ref name="Bavaria3-fentsch1865">{{cite book|last=Fentsch |first=Eduard |author-link= |chapter=4ter Abschnitt. Volkssage und Volksglaube in Oberfranken |editor-last=Riehl |editor-first=Wilhelm Heinrich |editor-link=Wilhelm Heinrich Riehl |title=Bavaria: Landes- und volkskunde des königreichs Bayern |volume=3 |location=München |publisher=J. G. Cotta |year=1865 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VgJAAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA306 |pages=305–307}}</ref> q <ref name="Bechstein1853">{{cite book|last=Bechstein |first=Ludwig |author-link=Ludwig Bechstein |others=Illustrated by Adolf Ehrhardt |chapter=956. Die Schrettele |title=Deutsches Sagenbuch |location=Leipzig |publisher=Georg Wigand |year=1853 |orig-year=1852 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LcpoAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA776 |pages=776–777}}</ref>

<ref name="brueckner1924">{{cite book|last=Brückner |first=Aleksander |author-link=Aleksander Brückner |title=Mitologja polska: studjum porównawcze |place=Warszawa |publisher=Instytut wydawniczy, Bibljoteka poska |date=1924 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZBJLAGYc_30C&pg=PA112 |pages=111, 112 }}</ref>

<ref name="brueckner-dict-skrzat">{{cite dictionary|last=Brückner |first=Alexander |author-link=Alexander Brückner |entry=Skrzat |title=Słownik etymologiczny języka polskiego |volume=8 Pušlisko-Stalmach |location= Kraków |publisher=Nakładem Krakowskiej Spółki Wydawniczej |year=1926 |entry-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iV8VAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA497 |page=267}}</ref>

<ref name="dickens1863">{{cite journal|last=Dickens |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Dickens |title=An Obliging Dragon |journal=All the Year Round |volume=9 |issue=225 |date=15 August 1863 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=49wNAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA585 |pages=585–587}}</ref>

<ref name="Grimms-DW-scherzel">Grimms; Heyne, Moritz (1893). ''Deutsches Wörterbuch'', Band 8 R-Sohiefe, s.v. "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=aV3ou4TPqFIC&pg=PA2597 |2=Sherzel}}"</ref> <ref name="Grimms-DW-schrat">Grimms; Heyne, Moritz (1899). ''Deutsches Wörterbuch'', Band 9 Schieflen-Seele, s.v. "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=8GkDVVPEHmsC&pg=PA1649 |2=Schrat}}"</ref>

<ref name="hagen1837">{{cite journal|last=Hagen |first=Friedrich Heinrich von der |author-link=Friedrich Heinrich von der Hagen |title=Heidnischer Aberglaube aus dem Gewissenspiegel des Predigers Martin von Amberg. |journal=Germania |volume=2 |date=1837 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=agZJAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA65 |page=65}}</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Baechtold-knochen">Bächtold-Stäubli, Hanns (1933). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n1823/mode/2up|2=Knochen}}". ''HdA'' '''5''': 6</ref> <ref name="HdA-Geramb-ofen">Geramb, Viktor (1935).{{anchor|CITEREFGeramb1935a}} "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n2591/mode/2up|2=Ofen}}". ''HdA'' '''6''': 1188</ref> <ref name="HdA-Geramb-ofen(steinkloetze)">Geramb, Viktor (1935).{{anchor|CITEREFGeramb1935b}} "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n2595/mode/2up|2=Ofen (Steinklötze, Steinhöhlen)}}". ''HdA'' '''6''': 1199</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Geramb-schluesselloch">Geramb, Viktor (1936). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3039/mode/2up|2=Schlüsselloch}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 1232</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Jungbauer-kleid">Jungbauer, Gustav (1932). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n1789/mode/2up|2=Kleid}}". ''HdA'' '''4''': 1483</ref> <ref name="HdA-Jungbauer-schuh">Jungbauer, Gustav (1936). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3065/mode/2up|2=Schuh}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 1336</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Mengis-rot">Mengis, Carl (1936). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n2931/mode/2up|2=Rot}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 807</ref> <ref name="HdA-Mengis-schwarz">Mengis, Carl (1936). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3089/mode/2up|2=Schwarz}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 1435</ref> <ref name="HdA-Meuli-maske">Meuli, Karl (1933). {{anchor|CITEREFMeuli1933}}"{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n2269/mode/2up |2=Maske, Maskereien}}". ''HdA'' '''5''': 1794</ref>

<ref name="HdA-MuellerBergstroem-haengen">Müller-Bergström (1933). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n1295/mode/2up |2=Hängen}}". ''HdA'' '''3''': 1444, 1446</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Pehl-waldgeister">Pehl, Hans (1941). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3625/mode/2up |2=Waldgeister}}". ''HdA'' '''9''': 60</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp-def">Ranke, Kurt (1927).{{anchor|CITEREFRanke1927}} "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=mwsNAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA281 |2=Alp (Alptraum)}}". ''HdA'', '''1''': 281–282</ref> <ref name="HdA-Ranke-alp">Ranke, Kurt (1927). "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=mwsNAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA283 |2=Alp (Alptraum)}}". ''HdA'', '''1''': 283</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Ranke-schrat">{{harvp|Ranke|1936}} "Schrat, Schrättel (Schraz, Schrätzel)" in ''Handwörterbuch des deutschen Aberglaubens'' (''HdA''), '''7''': 1285</ref>

<ref name="HdA-Riegler-raupe">Riegler, Richard (1936).{{anchor|CITEREFRiegler1936a}} "{{URL|1=https://books.google.com/books?id=upenEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA537 |2=Raupe}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 537</ref> <ref name="HdA-Riegler-schmetterling">Riegler, Richard (1936).{{anchor|CITEREFRiegler1936b}} "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3041/mode/2up|2=Schmetterling}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 1245</ref>

<ref name="HdA-WeiserAaall-hexe">Weiser-Aall, Lily (1931). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n1413/mode/2up |2=Hexe}}". ''HdA'' '''3''': 1917</ref> <ref name="HdA-WeiserAaall-schwelle">Weiser-Aall, Lily (1936). "{{URL|1=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3109/mode/2up |2=Schwelle}}". ''HdA'' '''7''': 1518</ref>

<ref name="hertz1872">{{cite book|last=Hertz |first=Wilhelm |author-link=Wilhelm Hertz |title=Deutsche Sage im Elsaß |location=Stuttgart |publisher=Alfred Kröner |year=1872|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5VdMaVtl9CAC&pg=PA73|page=73}}</ref>

<ref name="jungmann-dict-skřet">{{cite dictionary|last=Jungmann |first=Josef |author-link=Josef Jungmann |entry=SKŘET |title=Slownjk česko-německý |volume=4 S–U |location=Prague |publisher=Knjžecj arcibiskupská tiskárna, Josefa wdowa Fetterlowá |date=1838 |entry-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ht6Y2QgJSK0C&pg=PA119 |pages=119}}</ref>

<ref name="KaerntnerBurgenkunde">{{cite book|editor1-last=Kohla |editor1-first=Franz Xaver |editor1-link= |editor2-last=Metnitz |editor2-first=Gustaf Adolf von |editor2-link= |editor3-last=Moro |editor3-first=Gotbert |editor3-link=:de:Gotbert Moro |title=Kärntner Burgenkunde: Kärntnens Burgen, Schlösser, Ansitze und wehrhafte Stätten |edition=2 |location=|publisher=Geschichtsverein für Kärnten |year=1973 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6I8hAAAAMAAJ&q=Ratenstein |page=280}}</ref>

<ref name="kelemina1930">{{cite book|last=Kelemina |first=Jakob |author-link=:sl:Jakob Kelemina |title=Bajke in pripovedke slovenskega |trans-title=Fairy tales and tales of the Slovenian people with a mythological introductionljudstva z mitološkim uvodom |place=Bilje |publisher=Studio Ro, Založništvo Humar |date=1997 |orig-date=1930|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5_MSAQAAIAAJ&q=schratelzopf |page=312|isbn=9789616097116}}</ref>

<ref name="kmietowicz1982">{{cite book|last=Kmietowicz |first=Frank A. |author-link= |title=Slavic Mythical Beliefs |place=Windsor, Ontario |publisher=F. Kmietowicz |date=1982 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uBkRAQAAIAAJ&q=škratec |pages=198–199 |isbn=}}</ref>

<ref name="koehler1867">{{cite book|last=Köhler |first=Joseph August Ernst |author-link=:de:Ernst Köhler (Volkskundler) |chapter=XIII. Sagen §56. Schretzelein |title=Volksbrauch, Aberglauben, Sagen und andre alte Ueberlieferungen im Voigtlande: Mit Berücks. d. Orlagau's u. d. Pleißnerlandes. Ein Beitr. z. Kulturgeschichte d. Voigtländer |location=Leipzig |publisher=Fleischer |year=1867|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GW4AAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA479 |page=479}}</ref>

<ref name="kolberg1882">{{cite book|last=Kolberg |first=Oskar |author-link=Oskar Kolberg |chapter=Skrzat. Smok. |title=Lud: Jego zwyczaje, sposob zycia, mowa, podania, przyslowia, obrzedy, gusla, zabawy, piesni, muzyka i tance |volume=15 |location=Kraków |publisher=Drukarni Universytetu Jagiellońskiego |year=1882 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PewZifhi0vkC&pg=PA25 |pages=25–27}}</ref>

<ref name="luetolf1862">{{cite book|last=Lütolf |first=Alois |author-link=Aloys Lütolf |title=Sagen, Bräuche, Legenden aus den fünf Orten Lucern, Uri, Schwiz, Unterwalden und Zug |location=Lucern |publisher=Schiffmann |year=1862 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dgg_AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA60 |page=60}}</ref>

<ref name="meier1852">{{cite book|last=Meier |first=Ernst Heinrich |author-link=Ernst Heinrich Meier |chapter=No. 193) Das Schrettele |title=Deutsche sagen, sitten und gebräuche aus Schwaben |location=Stuttgart |publisher=J. B. Metzler |year= 1852|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t1sKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA171 |pages=171–173}}</ref>

<ref name="mone1839">{{cite book|last=Mone |first=Franz Joseph |author-link=Franz Mone |chapter=Kunst und Alterthum III. Beiträge zur Kenntniß des teutschen Heidenthums |title=Anzeiger für Kunde des deutschen Mittelalters |volume=2 |number=1 |location= |publisher=F. Campe |year=1839|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDYUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA277 |page=277}}</ref>

<ref name="moszynski1967">{{citation|last=Moszyński |first=Kazimierz |author-link=:pl:Kazimierz Moszyński (etnograf) |title=Kultura ludowa Słowian |volume=8 |location=Karlsruhe |publisher=Ksia̜źka i Wiedza |year=1967 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I9AYAAAAYAAJ&q=kratt+skrzat |page=670}}</ref>

<ref name="newman2018">{{cite book|last=Newman |first=Coree |author-link= |chapter=Chapter 4. The Good, the Bad, and the Unholy: Ambivalent Angels in the Middle Ages |editor-last=Ostling |editor-first=Michael |editor-link=Michael Ostling |title=Fairies, Demons, and Nature Spirits: 'Small Gods' at the Margins of Christendom |location=London |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2018 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TA5ADwAAQBAJ&pg=PA111|pages=109–111|isbn=978-1-137-58520-2}}</ref>

<ref name="petzold2007">{{cite book|last=Petzoldt |first=Leander |author-link=:de:Leander Petzoldt |title=Deutsche Volkssagen |location=Wiesbaden |publisher=Marix Verlag |year=2007 |url= |pages=64– |isbn=978-3-86539-138-4}}</ref>

<ref name="Pohanka2013">{{cite book|last=Pohanka |first=Reinhard |author-link=:de:Reinhard Pohanka|title=Tatzelwurm und Donauweibchen: Österreichs Naturgeister und Sagengestalten |location=Vienna |publisher=Amalthea Signum Verlag |year=2013 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N8l3DwAAQBAJ&q=schrat |pages=69– |isbn=978-3-85002-823-3}}</ref>

<ref name="polivka1918">{{cite journal|last=Polívka |first=Georg |author-link=Jiří Polívka (linguist) |others=Johannes Bolte |title=Die Entstehung eines dienstbaren Kobolds aus einme Ei |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde |volume=18 |date=1918 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GYKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA42 |pages=41–56}}</ref>

<ref name="rochholz1856a-vol1">{{cite book|editor-last=Rochholz |editor-first=Ernst Ludwig |editor-link=:de:Ernst Ludwig Rochholz |chapter=V. Zwergensagen |title=Schweizersagen aus dem Aargau |volume=1 |location=Aarau |publisher=H. R. Sauerländer |date=1856a |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3EA2AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA378 |page=378}}</ref>

<ref name="rochholz1856b-vol2">{{cite book|editor-last=Rochholz |editor-first=Ernst Ludwig |editor-link=:de:Ernst Ludwig Rochholz |chapter=377. Der Wanzenschneider in Obermumpf |title=Schweizersagen aus dem Aargau |volume=2 |location=Aarau |publisher=H. R. Sauerländer |date=1856b |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?pg=RA1-PA152 |page=152}}</ref>

<ref name="schoenwerth1858">{{cite book|last=Schönwerth |first=Franz Xaver |author-link=:de:Franz Xaver Schönwerth |chapter=11tes Buch. Erde. §16. Razen / §17. Sagen |title=Aus der Oberpfalz: Sitten und Sagen |location=Augsburg |publisher=Rieger |date=1858 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7vyzczby3IMC&pg=PA291 |pages=291–293; 293–304}}</ref>

<ref name="simrock1855">{{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Simrock|1855}}|last=Simrock |first=Karl Joseph |author-link=Karl Joseph Simrock |title=Handbuch der deutschen Mythologie: mit Einschluss der nordischen |edition=6 |location= |publisher=A. Marcus |year=1887 |orig-year=1855 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kKYqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA439 |page=439}}</ref>

<ref name="stoeber1852">{{cite book|last=Stöber |first=August |author-link=August Stöber |chapter=75. Das Schrätzmännel |title=Sagen des Elsasses: zum ersten Male getreu nach der Volksüberlieferung, den Chroniken und anderen gedruckten und handschriftlichen Quellen |location=St. Gallen |publisher=Scheitlin & Zollikofer |year=1852 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vr1oAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA92 |page=92}}</ref> <ref name="stoeber1859">{{cite book|last=Stöber |first=August |author-link=August Stöber |title=Elsässisches Volksbüchlein: Kinderwelt und Volksleben, in Liedern, Sprüchen, Räthseln, Spielen, Märchen, Schwänken, Sprichwörtern, u.s.w |edition=2 |location=Mülhausen |publisher=J. P. Risler |year=1859 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FsKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA112 |page=112}}</ref>

<ref name="stoll1909">{{cite journal|last=Stoll |first=Otto |author-link=Otto Stoll |title= Zur Kenntnis des Zauberglaubens, der Volksmagie und Volksmedizin in der Schweiz |journal=Jahresbericht der Geographisch-ethnographischen Gesellschaft |volume=9 |date=1909 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qBEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA160 |page=160}} alt [https://www.e-periodica.ch/digbib/view?pid=ghl-001:1908:9::51#175 e-view]</ref>

<ref name="thorpe1851">{{cite book|last=Thorpe |first=Benjamin |author-link=Benjamin Thorpe |title=Northern Mythology, Comparing the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands |volume=II |location=London |publisher=Edward Lumley |year=1851 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-lAAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA94 |pages=94–96}}</ref>

<ref name="walz1900">{{cite journal|last=Walz|first=John A. |author-link= |title=The Origin of the Word 'Räzel' in Goethe's Dichtung und Wahrheit |journal=Modern Language Notes |volume=159 |number=7 |date=November 1900 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F6TsbMlt1TkC&pg=PA409 |pages=409–410}}</ref>

<ref name="Wuerttemberg-Bd2-1884">{{cite book|editor=Königlichen Staistisch-topographischen Bureau |title=Das Königreich Württemberg: eine Beschriebung von Land, Volk und Staat |volume=2 |location=Stuttgart |publisher=W. Kohlhammer |year=1884 |page=151}}</ref>

<ref name="zapf1874">{{cite book|editor-last=Zapf|editor-first=Ludwig |editor-link= |title=Der Sagenkreis des Fichtelgebirges |location=Hof |publisher=Franz Büching |date=1874 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TAYhFW-gcb4C&pg=PA43 |page=43}}</ref>

<ref name="ZfdMyth4-Lexer1859">{{cite journal|last=Lexer |first=Matthias Lexer|author-link=Matthias Lexer|title=Volksüberlieferungen aus Kaernten und Steiermark |journal=Zeitschrift für Deutsche Mythologie und Sittenkunde |volume=4 |date=1859|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W9Ei7TNyVH0C&pg=RA1-PA298 |pages=298–299}}</ref>

<ref name="ZföVk-02-neubauer">{{cite journal|last=Neubauer |first=Johann |author-link= |title=Die Thiere in Sprache, Brauch und Glauben des Egerlandes |journal=Zeitschrift für österreichische Volkskunde |volume=2 |date=1896 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kM0LtWsi61wC&pg=PA329 |page=329}}</ref>

<ref name="ZfVk04-sartori1894">{{cite journal|last=Sartori |first=Paul |author-link=:de:Paul Sartori |title=Der Schuh im Volksglauben |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde |volume=4 |date=1894 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLNSQAZQRB4C&pg=PA299 |at=p. 299 n2}}</ref>

<ref name="ZfVk07-ilwof1897">{{cite journal|last=Ilwof |first=Franz |author-link=:de:Franz Ilwof |title=Hexenwesen und Aberglauben in Steiermark. Ebedem und jetzt |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde |volume=7 |date=1898 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QP1LAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA446 |page=253}}</ref>

<ref name="ZfVk08-weinhold1898">{{cite journal|last=Weinhold |first=Karl |author-link=Karl Weinhold |title=Aus Steiermark |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde |volume=8 |date=1898 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QP1LAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA446 |pages=446}}</ref>

<ref name="ZfVk23-ebermann1913">{{cite journal|last=Ebermann |first=Oskar |author-link= |title=Zur Aberglaubenliste in Vintlers Pluemen der Tugent |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde |volume=23 |date=1913 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eWUKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA119 |page=119}}</ref> }}

=== Bibliography === {{refbegin}} * {{cite dictionary|ref=|editor1-last=Bächtold-Stäubli |editor1-first=Hanns |editor1-link=:de:Hanns Bächtold-Stäubli |editor2-last=Hoffmann-Krayer |editor2-first=Eduard |editor2-link=Eduard Hoffmann-Krayer |title=Handwörterbuch des Deutschen Aberglaubens |volume= |location=Berlin |publisher=Walter de Gruyter |date=1927–1987 |orig-date=1927–1941 |url= |pages=}} ** Reprint 2000, {{ISBN|978-3-11-016860-0}} ** Band 1 (1927) Aal-Butzemann. ** Band 3 (1931) Freen-Hexenschuss. ** Band 4 (1932) Hieb- und stichfest-Knistern. ** Band 5 (1933) Knoblauch-Matthias. ** Band 6 (1935) Mauer-Pflugbrot ** Band 7 (1936) Pflügen-Signatur. *** {{cite dictionary|last=Ranke |first=Kurt |author-link=Kurt Ranke |entry=Schrat, Schrättel (Schraz, Schrätzel) |editor1-last=Bächtold-Stäubli |editor1-first=Hanns |editor1-link=:de:Hanns Bächtold-Stäubli |editor2-last=Hoffmann-Krayer |editor2-first=Eduard |editor2-link=Eduard Hoffmann-Krayer |title=Handwörterbuch des Deutschen Aberglaubens |volume=Band 7 Pflügen-Signatur |location=Berlin |publisher=Walter de Gruyter |date=1936 |url=https://archive.org/details/handworterbuch-des-deutschen-aberglaubens-vollstandig-band-01-bis-10-berlin-1987/page/n3051/mode/2up |pages=1285–1290}} ** Band 9 (1941) Waage-Zypresse

* {{cite book|editor-last=Graber |editor-first=Georg |editor-link=:de:Georg Graber |title=Sagen aus Kärnten |edition=4 |location=Leipzig |publisher=Dieterich |year=1927 |orig-year=1914 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ShvgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA32 |pages=34–36}}

* {{cite book|last=Grimm |first=Jacob |author-link=Jacob Grimm |chapter=XVII. Wichte und Elbe |title=Deutsche Mythologie |edition=4 |volume=1 |location=Göttingen |publisher=W. Swan Sonnenschein & Allen |year=1875 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=85GLFD-dUEoC&pg=PA413 |pages=363–428}} ** {{cite book|last=Grimm |first=Jacob |author-link=Jacob Grimm |chapter=(Anmerkung von) XVII. Wichte und Elbe |title=Deutsche Mythologie |edition=4 |volume=3 |location=Göttingen |publisher=W. Swan Sonnenschein & Allen |year=1878 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VD7aAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA122 |pages=122–149}} ** {{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1883}}|last=Grimm |first=Jacob |author-link=Jacob Grimm |others=Translated by James Steven Stallybrass |chapter=XVII. Wights and Elves §Elves, Dwarves |title=Teutonic Mythology |volume=2 |publisher=W. Swan Sonnenschein & Allen |year=1883 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ektAAAAIAAJ |pages=439–517}} ** {{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Grimm|Stallybrass tr.|1888 }}|last=Grimm |first=Jacob |author-link=Jacob Grimm |author-mask=2 |others=Translated by James Steven Stallybrass |chapter=(Notes to) XVII. Wights and Elves §Elves, Dwarves |title=Teutonic Mythology |volume=4 |publisher=W. Swan Sonnenschein & Allen |year=1888 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uy1LAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1426 |pages=1407–1436}}

* {{cite book|editor-last=Knoop |editor-first=Otto |editor-link=:de:Otto Knoop |title=Sagen und Erzählungen aus der Provinz Posen |location=Posen |publisher=Eigenthum der Gesellschaft |year=1893 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BHgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA111 |pages=}}

* {{cite book|last1=Kõiva |first1=Mare |author1-link=:et:Mare Kõiva |last2=Boganeva |first2=Alena |author2-link=:et:Alena Boganeva |chapter=Beliefs about Flying Serpents in the Belarusian, Estonian and Estonian Russian Tradition |title=Between The Worlds: Magic, Miracles, And Mysticism |place=Sofia |publisher=Paradigma |date=2020 |url=https://www.academia.edu/49499356 |pages=386–401 |issn=2683-0213}} * {{cite journal|last1=Kõiva |first1=Mare |author1-link=:et:Mare Kõiva |last2=Boganeva |first2=Alena |author2-link=:et:Alena Boganeva |title=The Treasure-bearer in East Slavic and Finno-Ugric Contexts |journal=Studia mythologica Slavica |volume=25 |date=2022 |url=https://ojs.zrc-sazu.si/sms/article/view/11174 |pages=79–104 |issn=1408-6271 |doi=10.3986/SMS20222504|doi-access=free }}

* {{cite book|editor-last=Krainz |editor-first=Johann |editor-link=:de:Johann Krainz |title=Mythen und Sagen aus dem steirischen Hochlande |location=Bruck an der Mur |publisher=Carl Jilg |year=1880 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MiAkh6CQoGIC&pg=PA319 |pages=319–325}} * {{cite journal|last=Schlossar |first=Anton |author-link=Anton Schlossar |title=Sagen vom Schratl aus Styermark |journal=Zeitschrift für Volkskunde: In Sage und Mär, Schwank und Streich, Lied, Rätsel, und Sprictwort, Sitte, Brauch und Recht |volume=4 |date=1892 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aRFZKevg3X4C&pg=PA165 |pages=165–170}} * {{cite journal|last=Taylor |first=Archer |author-link=Archer Taylor |title=Schrätel und Wasserbär |journal=Modern Philology |volume=17 |number=6 |date=October 1919 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9I1JAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA305 |pages=305–324|doi=10.1086/387273 |url-access=subscription }} * {{cite book|editor-last=Weinreich |editor-first=Beatrice Silverman |editor-link=|others=Translated by Leonard Wolf |title=Yiddish Folktales |location=New York |publisher=Pantheon Books |year=1997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lo4ZKcfjesEC&pg=PA326 |pages= |isbn=978-0-8052-1090-3}}; [https://books.google.com/books?id=BIQKurXeBdgC&pg=PA326 Schocken Books, 2012 edition] {{ISBN|978-0-3078-2826-2}} {{refend}}

Category:German legendary creatures Category:Jewish legendary creatures Category:Sleep in mythology and folklore Category:Forest spirits Category:Household deities Category:Sprites (folklore) Category:Wild men Category:Kobolds Category:European legendary creatures