Moroi

Moroi appear in the beliefs of European peoples, especially those from northwestern Europe, and present the same characteristics as the succubus and incubus demons. Like them, it is said that the moroi often sits on the victim's chest while they sleep and sucks their vital energy.
Moroi visiting a sleeping victim, floating above the bed as a dark shadow
Moroaica
In Romanian folklore, moroi can be male or female (moroaica). Their origin is unclear; some say the moroi is the offspring of two strigoi, others that a moroi can be someone (even a child) who died before being baptized. In Romania, there is a belief that moroi can be recognized from birth, as they are thought to be born with a caul (căiță). In fact, it is said that a child born with a caul will try to tear and eat it. If they succeed, they will become a moroi; if they are prevented from eating it, they will not.
As mentioned, the legend of the moroi is found in the folklore of many Western European countries: Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain. In these countries, the moroi goes by the name mare, mara, mahra, etc. In English, for example, the name of the moroi is mare and is part of the word nightmare—because it is said that when it sits on the victim's chest and consumes their energy, it also induces nightmares.
Moroi demons watching a beautiful girl sleeping on a bed
Moroi
Scientists believe that the moroi is likely an imaginary creation resulting from the phenomenon of sleep paralysis.
There is a belief that horses found sweaty and tired in the stable in the morning were ridden by moroi during the night, and in Germany and Sweden, it is believed that moroi are the cause of trees that grow crooked or with intertwined branches.
In Christian countries, it is said that moroi can be driven away by making the sign of the cross on the pillow before sleep or by saying a prayer. There are also superstitions supposed to ward off moroi, one of the most widespread being that it is good to hide a broom behind the door, placed upside down with the handle down.

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