Douen

If you never encountered a strange child who tried to lure you into the forest when you were a child, then you were probably baptised or christened at a young age. Good for you.

Douens are the spirits of young children who died before being baptised or christened.  As a result, they roam around communities and befriend other little children who have never undergone those particular Christian ritual ceremonies as well with the intent to kidnap them.

Perhaps because young minds are more open, the doomed youngsters apparently disregard the douen’s nudity and unquestioningly play with their new friend. Maybe the douen’s characteristic wide-brimmed hat makes the otherwise naked child seem more trustworthy, but who can remember how youths think.

Little kids aren’t bothered by the absence of clothing, but surely their friend’s wrong-sided feet might be a clue that something is amiss. Alas, no. Douens are aware that children are unobservant and can be taken advantage of by otherworldly beings. They are also, like lyrebirds, prodigious mimickers of sounds. They imitate parents’ voices to lure the child off into the wild, never to be seen or heard from again.

So make sure and prepare your heathen offspring for their inevitable encounter with this creature.