Ekerken

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Ekerken (squirrel) is, according to Von Zauberer, Hexen und Erholden by J. Vallick, a helpful goblin who helps out on a farm in the Duchy of Cleves .

His duties include both feeding the horses and punishing negligent journeymen. At night, however, it lies with the maids to pluck their “secret and hidden hair”, but since it is mostly invisible, you can usually only see a small hand. The Brothers Grimm said of him: “In the village of Elten, half a mile from Emmerich in the Duchy of Kleve, there was a spirit that the common people used to call Ekerken. He jumped about on the highway, teasing and tormenting travelers in every way. Some he hit, others he threw from their horses, others he swept carts and wagons on top. But you saw nothing of him with your eyes but a human hand. "

Due to the later witch trials , the Ekerken is referred to as an incubus of serfs, which is probably due to its nocturnal habits and it is said that it can only be driven out if the woman in question is burned as a witch .

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