Our native supernatural creatures revival

Monsters from Greek/Roman mythology are generally well known. Celtic and Scandinavian legends are less popular, but their characters still appear in contemporary culture. What about our (Slavic) monsters?

(picture by great Alfons Mucha)

Demonology of Eastern Europe is also rich, but still waits to be discovered. In my opinion it has its own specific. Generally Slavic monsters derive from people who died in exceptional way. Most of them is not completely evil. Usually they have rather capricious personality - even dangerous sometimes help people. Also they have some special (almost nice) methods of killing - many creatures tickle, stroke or caress their victim to death.

Wiły are good example of this behavior. Before they became demons, they had been young and pretty girls. They loved to dance boys to death or to make them crazy. Still, they could help them to marry a proper girl or tell their future.

So, be cautious boys!

Other weird creatures were dziwożonas. Usually people imagined them as ugly very long-haired women with hairy bodies. Their breasts were so long, that they could sling them upon their shoulders or even use them for washing clothes. Dziwożonas were very dangerous for pregnant women and little babies. They could steal baby's shadow, make pregnant vomit or even swap newborn babies to their own. Luckily, dziwożonas had some feelings - to get your baby back, you had to abandon their children. If dziwożona hears baby crying, she will come to take care of it and will bring your boy or girl.

There are also male demons. If (by chance) you're going to commit a suicide, you have a chance to become a płanetnik. Płanetnik's job is taking care of clouds - if he's in good mood, he can help farmers bringing rain when needed. Otherwise, he can destroy all crops.

Water creatures were usually more wicked. If you are at water and meet a luring beautiful naked girl in time of new moon, don't come closer! It might be rusałka who can tackle you to death. Moreover, some utopiecs may wait hidden nearby. They are very smart and have many ways to attract people. If you really want to have bath in a lake, please do it after St. John's Night. Saint John baptisms all the waters and that make utopiecs less aggressive.

Although all these creatures are less popular then heroes of western mythologies, many people try to restore their memory. Slavic pagan habits are fascinating and we can watch them or even participate during some cultural events, for example Festival on Wolin Island or Midsummer Night. Moreover, Slavic legends which inspired our national bards are now present in music (like in Żywiołak's song above) or in cinema (especially Czech and Russian). There is even a computer game "Słowianie" which uses Slavic mythology.

Questions:
1. People's fascination of paganism increases nowadays and it doesn't concern only Central Europe. What could be reason of this social phenomenon?

2. What do you think about death caused by tackling or caress? Is it possible at all? Could it be pleasant?