Draugr

 

 

ORIGIN

From Norse mythology and a subset of Germanic mythology.

 

FIRST SIGHTED/RECORDED

Said to be first recorded in the 8^{th century.}

 

APPEARANCE

They have an unbearable stench of decay. They tend to be a blue or maroon hue. Are dressed in clothes of the Viking era. Tend to have long beards and hair (both usually white). They are large in size and quite heavy. They are extremely ugly and very decayed. Usually full of scars (these were probably battle wounds).

 

GENDER

Male

 

ALSO KNOWN AS

Draug, Draugur (Icelandic), Draugen (Norwegian, Swedish & Danish meaning "The Draug"), Aptrganga ("Afturgongur" in Modern Icelandic), Dreag (Gaelic)

 

REPELLED BY

In some tales, they can only be wrestled back into the grave. Iron can injure them but it is not enough to stop them. A pair of iron scissors would be placed on the chest of the recently deceased. The preferred way is to cut off their head, burn the body and dump the ashes into the sea. Their big toes would be tied together or have a needle through each of the soles, this stopped them from walking. A corpse door can also be used to keep them at rest. Fire is said to be quite effective as well.

 

MAGICAL POWERS/SKILLS

They possess superhuman strength, being able to increase their size and weight at will. They can also shape shift (usually into seals, cats grey bulls and horses), control the weather and see into the future. They are also able to enter the dreams of the living. Curses are also their favourite thing to do, causing sickness and disease.

 

HISTORY/ABOUT

Their name originally meant "ghost" but they are now seen more as animated corpses of the dead. The graves of important men were known to contain a good amount of wealth so they would guard their graves vehemently. They are undead Vikings who have retained some amount of intelligence. They delight in the suffering that they cause. They can rise from their graves as wisps of smoke, even being able to go through solid rock. Animals feeding near their grave may be driven mad by their influence. They slay their victims through various methods, such as crushing them, devouring them, drinking their blood or even driving them insane. They are more active at night time but they are not immune to the sunlight. They also haunt their families. They are immune to weapons, unless wielded by a man considered a hero. They are motivated by jealousy and greed. This is what causes them to viciously attack people. There are said to be 2 types, a sea Draugr and a land one.

 

CAN BE FOUND

They are believed to live in the graves of the dead. In a tomb that is more like a home to them.

 

TALES

Glamr is one of the best known in the whole world. He is found in the Grettis Saga. Thorolf of the Eyrbygga Saga was considered a Draugr. A shepherd is also killed by a Draugr and becomes one after in this saga. Thrain was a shape shifter in the Hromundar Saga "Griepssonar". The tale of Aran and Asmund is one about 2 sword brothers, one of whom dies and the other watches over him for 3 days. There is a legend in the Trondelag that tells the tale of a quarrel between 2 types of Draugr over a corpse on the beach.

 

ANY SIGHTINGS?

In 1911, a farmer disturbed a grave mound and a Draugr appeared and warned the farmer that if he took another shovelful, then there would be 6 cattle deaths and 6 deaths in his household. The Draugr was never seen again but the proclamation came true.

 

SIMILAR CREATURES

Zombies, Haugbui,