Kostomakh

Lore

According to myths, they rise from their graves and wander at night, mainly in the places of their burial or nearby areas. Their appearance is often associated with curses, tragedies, or bad omens.

In folklore tales, encountering a Kostomakh was considered extremely dangerous and foreshadowed misfortune. They could bring diseases, failures in farming and personal life, or even death. Their existence was also linked to violations of traditional moral and religious norms, such as disrespect for ancestors or improper treatment of the deceased.

It was believed that Kostomakhs could be especially active at certain times of the year—for example, during holidays dedicated to the remembrance of the dead. In some regions, people believed they could be appeased by performing a special ritual of reburial with all the proper ceremonies.

To protect themselves from these creatures, various magical and religious methods were used. One such practice involved conducting funeral rites correctly and reading prayers.