Rarášek takes many forms in legends. He may be a tiny dwarf with a red cap, a black boy with glowing eyes, or a flying creature of fire. He helps some people find good fortune, while bringing sickness or misfortune upon others; regional variants overlap with sprites, imps and other household demons.
Where it appears
Various parts of Bohemia and Moravia.
What the old legends say
People were not supposed to accept Rarášek’s service, gifts or promises of quick wealth without careful thought. When he caused harm, folk tradition turned to prayer, the cross and blessed objects. With harmless household variants, the rule was instead not to insult or provoke the spirit needlessly.
SOURCES OF THE STORY
Sources of the original atlas Tajemná místa · page 38
This legend preserves a folk tale. Its motifs do not constitute evidence of supernatural events.
