The world of sailors is full of myths and legends populated with supernatural beings: Kraken, Leviathan, Macoui, Vlétifâeuros¦ The ocean is full of creatures. However, there are stories that feature more friendly characters than others. So, even if it means being haunted, it is better to be haunted by a klabautermann.
A character from Germanic mythology
In Germanic folklore, the klabautermann is a being of the Kobolds race, small domestic goblins, specific to ships. Like the Roman lares who protected the home, the klabautermann protects the ship.
Paul Hermann, in his book German Mythology, indicates: "S if the boat is in danger, it warns with a loud noise. If a plank of the hull gives way during a crossing, he holds it up so that water does not enter the boat. If during a storm the mast breaks, he keeps it straight during the whole trip .
A being to be cared for
Considering the services it can render on board, the klabautermann must be well treated. For food, the crew offers him milk. However, it should not be offered clothes or shoes, because this makes it run away. This characteristic is not without reminding the house elves present in Harry Potterâeuros¦
A sometimes fickle mind
Some represent the klabautermann with a coppery complexion and piercing blue eyes. Without a beard, he wears his hair long, tied at the nape of his neck and gathered in a small tarred canvas bag. Others describe him wearing a sailor's raincoat and holding a hammer in his hand.
Paul Hermann states, " If he is in a good mood, he does a lot of work for the sailors during the night. If he is in a bad mood, he throws firewood, knocks against the ship's walls, destroys useful objects, prevents the sailors from working, gives out slaps without making himself visible ."
