Kukudh facts for kids

The Kukudh (Albanian definite form: Kukudhi) is an undead creature in Albanian mythology.

Etymology

Undetermined. Most probably a derivative of Albanian kuku ("mourn, lament."), as its synonym kukuvriq suggests. Alternatively from Greek κούκουδον ("core"), related to κουκούδι ("lump, bubo, plague"). In Tosk and Gheg folklore, the Kukudh is associated with nightmares and death, connecting it to the nocturnal bird, the owl, and the cuckoo (Albanian: qyqe), which are considered to be bad omens; messengers of bad news.

Appearance

The Kukudh is a revenant, a miser's poor soul that haunts his house after his death. For this reason, people feared the house of a miser and would avoid staying overnight there. Only a brave boy may defeat the creature and bring eternal peace to its damned soul, being appointed heir in reward.

In and around Tomorr, there is a legend that a lugat, a vampire-like being in Albanian mythology, who is not burned in due time will become a Kukudh.

In some areas, the Kukudh appears as a stocky and short-legged man with a goat's tail. Because he brings mayhem, an evil man is also commonly referred to as a Kukudh.

The Kukudh and Karkanxholl (etymologically related to Kallikantzaros Greek: καλικάντζαρος, also known as the Karkançoli) are also undead "gypsy" creatures, who go around in January, laden with chains and effusing a deadly breath, known notably among Calabrian Albanians. According to another version, the Karkançoli is vested with iron clothes, which is why chainmail armor is known as këmish karkançoli in Albanian.

In Southern Albania the Kukudh is a blind female demon of sickness, carrying the plague. "Kukudh" is also the name of a sickness like cholera, but worse.