In eastern Bohemian tradition, a prašivec was believed to develop from an old snake that grew wings after many years. It flies at night, glows and trails sparks from its body. Superstition linked it directly to fires: wherever a prašivec headed, a blaze would soon break out.
Where it appears
Eastern Bohemia, especially the Chrudim area and around Týnec nad Labem.
What the old legends say
One was not to pursue a prašivec or follow its light. Because it was associated with fires, it was wise to keep away from the apparition and protect the house from open flames. The sign of the cross also appears in legends as a general protection against an evil apparition.
SOURCES OF THE STORY
Sources of the original atlas Tajemná místa · page 37
This legend preserves a folk tale. Its motifs do not constitute evidence of supernatural events.
