How to Create a Demon Helper—or a Russian Peasant Homunculus
It is said that when the wind blows, and a hen’s tail fans upward, something strange may occur. In old folk belief, the devil—who often rides the whirlwind—might descend upon the hen and impregnate her. From this act, a peculiar egg is laid: tiny, unnatural, and known among villagers as a snosok.
The master of the house takes this snosok, tucks it under his arm, and carries it for nine days. At the end of this period, a small imp hatches from the egg. Because it was incubated by a human, the little devil becomes a devoted servant—an invisible house spirit who protects the home and serves the one who gave it life.
In the Vinnytsia region, people believed that every wealthy peasant owed his fortune to such a handmade house demon. These small creatures were considered secret companions of prosperity, guarding the homestead from misfortune.
The photos accompanying this tale were taken in the ghost village of Bolshaya Poga.
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