I thought that Halloween is a great time to introduce my favorite Serbian monster ‒ karakondžula. I dare you to pronounce it! The karakondžula is an ugly, squat, goblin-like creature that roams the forests. It comes near human settlements to torment drunkards, gamblers, and adulterers. So think again before indulging in that extra glass or infidelity! The karakondžula jumps on their backs and forces them to carry it through forests, scratching them the whole while to make them run faster. When roosters announce the dawn, it releases its victim and runs away.
Since I moved from Belgrade to the countryside, I have met quite a few people who claimed to know someone who had a merry encounter with the karakondžula. All of them couldn’t get out of bed for three months after that incident. And their hair turned completely white during that nocturnal run through the forest.
In Serbian tradition, the Twelve Days of Christmas were called the unbaptized days because all kinds of demons are more active than usual. That is why people avoided going outside in the evening during those days.
Book recommendation for Halloween:
Black Friday Halloween Special ‒ The Saga of the Chosen Historian
Seymour is a high-school history teacher who decides to sue God on Halloween. Soon, Eve, Lilith, Red Riding Hood, and the giants join him… Crazy, hilarious parody that will make you laugh so much that your stomach will hurt!
Photos: My sister’s funny comic with a karakondžula. A baby karakondžula was on the playground when she spotted a drunken guy and decided to make his Mummy karakondžula proud. At the end of the experience, the guy promised never to drink again and only listen to his good, beautiful wife. But the wifie is angry and doesn’t want to cook for him anymore…
Eli Gilic blog 