Domovoy

The Domovoy is the protective spirit of the household in Slavic folklore. Every home has a Domovoy — a small, hairy, bearded man who lives behind the stove or under the threshold. He protects the family and their animals, helps with chores, and brings good fortune to households that treat him well. Families would leave offerings of bread, milk, or porridge for their Domovoy to keep him happy. An angry Domovoy, however, can cause milk to sour, animals to sicken, and objects to break. When a family moved to a new home, they would invite their Domovoy to come with them by carrying coals from the old hearth to the new one.