Drekavac, (literally "the screamer" or "the screecher"[1]), also called drekalo, krekavac, zdrekavac or zrikavac, is a mythical creature in South Slavic mythology. The name is derived from the verb "drečati" ("to screech").
In South Slavic mythology and folk tales this creature has been variously described:
A modern description of a supposed drekavac describes it as a canine creature similar to a dog[3] or some kind of bird.[4]
The drekavac was originally thought to have come from the souls of sinful men, or from children who died unbaptised.[2]
It was popularly believed to be visible only at night, especially during the twelve days of Christmas (called unbaptised days in Serbo-Croatian) and in early spring, when other demons and mythical creatures were believed to be more active.[2] When assuming the form of a child, it predicts someone's death, while in its animal form, it predicts cattle disease.[2] The drekavac is believed to avoid dogs and bright light.[2] Also, it is believed that if the shadow of drekavac falls upon some person then that person will turn sick and die.[2]
Although the creature is mostly used in cautionary tales for children, there are also some adults who still believe in its existence. According to the guide of a reporter of Duga magazine, numerous villagers on the mountain of Zlatibor report seeing it, and many inhabitants claim to have heard it.[5]
Some modern sightings happened:
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