Classification: Ethereal Entities

Temporal Range: 19th Century

Geographic Range: Fields, meadows and swamps in Germany

Diet: Nothing

Horde: Germanic

Appearing only in the evenings or at nighttime, the Feuermann is impossible to miss. A human skeleton engulfed in flames stands in the middle of fields, meadows, or swamp lands, watching the living from afar.

Tales of the spirit’s origin are unclear, but ultimately, they are doomed to spend eternity in this fiery form as punishment for a crime committed during their lifetime. Some research suggests they may be bound to one place for moving boundary stones while alive, while others believe this fate was reserved for thieves and arsonists. Arson seems like the most logical assumption, but who are we to judge how the beyond punishes the wicked?

A few eyewitness accounts have described the Feuermann as being helpful. It is said to lead people to a glowing pile of gold or even burn away cobwebs in the home. However, there are strict rules for how to behave in its presence. You must not speak in its presence, and under no circumstances should you whistle at it. Whistlers are said to receive a burning slap to the face—a frankly understandable reaction, considering our own thoughts on people who whistle. (Wolf-whistlers and cat-callers, your time is up.)

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