Classification: Ethereal Entities

Temporal Range: 19th Century

Geographic Range: Lakes across Eastern Europe

Diet: Small fish and crustaceans

Not to be confused with the more widespread Mermaid (as they do not have a fish tail), the Rusalka is a water spirit. Predominantly female, Rusalki are often associated with the spirits of women who drowned themselves due to unhappy marriages. These spirits now haunt the lake's banks, either until their deaths are avenged or they remain in a constant state of eternal limbo.

Long ago, Rusalki were seen as benevolent spirits who brought water to crops and nurtured growth. However, the Rusalki we know today are vengeful, leading people to water and drowning them if they can. Often seen with their hair flowing loose and free, they are sometimes spotted with a comb made of fish bones. Rusalki are known to use their hair to drown their victims, wrapping it around their feet and dragging them into the abyss. For this reason, it is wise to know your local history before taking a dip.