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Domovoi

Domovoi was the spirit of the house. His name derived from the word 'dom' which means 'house'. The Slav peasants preferred not to call him by name but chose to simply call him 'grandfather', 'master of the house', 'him' or 'himself'.

Domovoi wasn't often seen but could be heard quite a lot. He was described as having a human shape, but covered in fur. Some even saw him with a tail and horns. Some said that he was an animal like a cat or a dog, or even some hay.

The Domovoi became so attached to his home that the peasant had to lure him into his new home after building his 'izba'. This was done by placing a slice of bread under the stove. The Domovoi enjoyed loving near the stove or at the front door. His wife, named Domovikha or Domania loved living in the cellar.

The Domovoi warned the owners of the house of bad things coming their way. The Slavs could hear him weeping before a death of a family member. He also used to warn the wife that her husband would beat her by pulling on her hair.

The Domovoi only appeared when the Slavs started living as families. Before, there was simply a spirit for the entire village named Rod or Chur.