Ajatar

For the black metal musical group, see Ajattara (band).

In Finnish folklore, Ajatar (also spelled Aiatar or Ajattara) is a spirit known as "Devil of the Woods". It is an evil female spirit that manifests as a snake or dragon. Ajatar is said to be the mother of the devil. She spreads disease and pestilence, any that look at her become ill, and she suckles serpents. Ajatar is related to the Lithuanian Aitvaras and the Estonian Äi, Äijo or Äijatar. She is in some ways similar to Babylonian Tiamat, dragon mother of the gods and goddesses.

Reference:

• Rose, Carol. (1996) Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins - An Encylopedia. New York: Norton.