Mora

The Mora is a malevolent spirit or demon from Balkan folklore, often associated with nightmares and sleep paralysis. Described as a dark, shadowy figure, the Mora is believed to sit on a sleeper’s chest during the night, causing frightening dreams, suffocation, or a feeling of heavy pressure. This creature is similar to the “mare” or “night hag” found in various European folk traditions.

In some tales, the Mora is depicted as a female entity, sometimes with long hair and a ghostly appearance, who preys on people’s vitality by disturbing their sleep. It symbolizes the mysterious and terrifying experiences that occur during troubled or restless nights, reflecting cultural attempts to explain sleep disorders before modern science. Protective rituals, charms, or prayers were often used to ward off the Mora and ensure peaceful rest. The Mora’s presence in Balkan folklore highlights the region’s rich tradition of supernatural beings connected to human fears and the unknown forces of the night.