Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 19th Century

Geographic Range: Germany

Diet: Blood, but only on occasion

Horde: Germanic

The Aufhocker is a German goblin who does not care for the old adage “look before you leap.” Its name literally means “leap upon,” and you are most likely to find it clinging to the back of a drunkard, ne'er-do-well, traveler, or old woman. Small and grotesque in its goblin form, it can shapeshift into the appearance of a young woman or a corpse, depending on who it has decided to torment.

Primarily targeting drunks and criminals, the creature launches itself at its victim and latches onto their back. From there, it refuses to let go until the person eventually dies of exhaustion. The Aufhocker delivers its form of justice by becoming a heavy burden, forcing wrongdoers to carry it until they collapse.

However, it is not always a vengeful vigilante. The Aufhocker has also been reported to leap upon lone travelers and old women, clinging to them until it gets bored. At that point, it jumps off and leaves them be, but the damage is usually already done. Many survivors report chronic back pain, neck stiffness, and an emotional burden they cannot shake. Admittedly, in some cases, it is hard to determine how much of that was caused by the Aufhocker, but it is probably a good time to book an appointment with a chiropractor.

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