Aufhocker is a shapeshifter in German folklore that takes on various forms. The name Aufhocker means “leap upon” and is described in German legend as having an unidentifiable shape because it takes on shapes such as a goblin, a beautiful woman, a dead man, or various animals. Some believe the Aufhocker is a vampiric creature that rises up on its hind legs before attacking lone travelers at night, either ripping out their throats or leaping upon them and staying put until the person suffocates from its weight.
The Aufhocker is especially active at crossroads and is said to be a giant black dog. The humans had to carry him, frequently as far as to the wall of the churchyard or to the place where the body was buried. The aufhocker (also called “huckop” or “huckupp”) became ever more heavy, and the victim would finally break down. The word Aufhocker comes from the verb hocken (to crouch/squat/sit) and together with the word auf (here: on top of something), Aufhocker gets the meaning of “somebody who gets on somebody/something and sits/squats on top of it”.
Origins and Etymology
Historical Context
The Aufhocker is a shapeshifting creature in German folklore that is said to have originated in the Middle Ages. During this time, there was a widespread belief in the existence of supernatural beings that could take on various forms and shapes. The Aufhocker was one such creature that was feared by many. It was believed to be a malevolent spirit that could take on the form of a goblin, a beautiful woman, a dead man, or various animals.
Linguistic Roots
The word “Aufhocker” is derived from the German language and literally means “leap upon”. It is a compound word consisting of the words “auf” and “hocker”. The word “auf” means “upon” or “on”, while “hocker” means “stool” or “seat”. The word “aufhocker” is used to describe the way in which the creature attacks its victims. It is said to leap upon them and strangle them or push them down.
In German folklore, the Aufhocker is often associated with the Black Dog, which is a symbol of death and misfortune. The creature is said to haunt lonely roads and dark forests, waiting for unsuspecting travelers to cross its path. Its origins and true nature remain shrouded in mystery, but its legend continues to fascinate and terrify people to this day.
Folklore and Mythology
Regional Tales
The Aufhocker, also known as the Huckup, is a shapeshifter in German folklore. It is described as having an unidentifiable shape because it takes on shapes such as a goblin, a beautiful woman, a dead man, or various animals. According to legend, the name Aufhocker means “leap upon.” In regional tales, the Aufhocker is said to be a huge and black vampiric dog which walks upon its hind legs and singles out those who travel alone at night, typically attacking them at a crossroads and ripping out the throat of its victim.
Symbolism and Interpretation
The Aufhocker has been blended with vampirism, lycanthropy and hell-hound mythology throughout the ages. According to myth, the Aufhocker cannot be killed. However, it is said that they can be driven off by prayer, church bells, dawn or profuse swearing. In modern times, the Aufhocker has been used as a symbol of fear and terror. It represents the unknown and the unexplainable, and it is often associated with death and darkness. The Aufhocker can also be interpreted as a warning against traveling alone at night, as it is said to attack those who do so.
Cultural Significance
Influence on Arts
The Aufhocker has been a popular subject in German folklore for centuries. Its shapeshifting abilities and unpredictable nature have made it a fascinating creature to depict in various forms of art. From literature to music, the Aufhocker has been used as an inspiration for many artists.
One of the most notable works of art inspired by the Aufhocker is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem “Der Erlkönig.” The poem tells the story of a father and son riding through the forest when they are confronted by the Erlkönig, a creature similar to the Aufhocker. The poem has been adapted into music by composers such as Franz Schubert and Carl Loewe.
Modern References
The Aufhocker may be an ancient creature, but it has not been forgotten in modern times. In fact, it has been referenced in popular culture in various ways. One example is the German metal band Rammstein, who have a song titled “Auf dem Rücken” (On the Back), which references the Aufhocker.
The Aufhocker has also been featured in video games, such as “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and “Bloodborne.” In both games, the creature is depicted as a dangerous shapeshifter that attacks unsuspecting travelers.
Overall, the Aufhocker’s cultural significance lies in its ability to inspire artists and entertain audiences. Its shapeshifting abilities and unpredictable nature have made it a fascinating creature to depict in various forms of art and media.
Comparative Mythology
Aufhocker is a shapeshifter in German folklore that takes on different shapes such as a goblin, a beautiful woman, a dead man, or various animals. Comparative mythologists have studied the similarities between the myth of Aufhocker and other creatures in different cultures.
Similar Creatures in Other Cultures
In Norse mythology, there is a creature called the Draugr, which is also a shapeshifter that can take on the form of a dead person or an animal. It is said to haunt graveyards and is associated with death and decay.
In Slavic mythology, there is a creature called the Vampir that is similar to Aufhocker. It is a blood-sucking creature that can take on the form of a wolf or a bat. It is said to prey on travelers and is associated with darkness and evil.
In Japanese mythology, there is a creature called the Kappa that is similar to Aufhocker. It is a water creature that can take on the form of a human or a turtle. It is said to be mischievous and can cause harm to humans.
Overall, the myth of Aufhocker is similar to other shapeshifting creatures in different cultures. These creatures are associated with darkness, death, and evil, and are often depicted as preying on humans.
Scientific Perspectives
Aufhocker, a rare phenomenon observed in certain types of thunderstorms, has been the subject of scientific investigation for many years. Scientists have used the scientific method to study the phenomenon and understand its underlying causes.
One perspective on Aufhocker is that it is caused by the interaction of updrafts and downdrafts within a thunderstorm. This perspective suggests that the updrafts and downdrafts create a vertical wind shear that causes the formation of the Aufhocker.
Another perspective is that the formation of Aufhocker is related to the presence of ice particles in the thunderstorm. This perspective suggests that the ice particles can cause a separation of charge within the storm, leading to the formation of the Aufhocker.
Scientific perspectives on Aufhocker continue to evolve as researchers gather more data and conduct more experiments. While there is still much to learn about this phenomenon, the scientific community remains dedicated to understanding it and its potential impact on weather patterns and human safety.
Overall, the study of Aufhocker demonstrates the power of the scientific method to investigate and understand complex natural phenomena. Through careful observation, experimentation, and analysis, scientists are able to uncover new insights into the world around us.
Reports and Sightings
Aufhocker, also known as the “hitchhiker,” is a creature of German folklore that is said to attach itself to unsuspecting travelers. Reports of sightings of Aufhocker have been around for centuries, with many people claiming to have encountered the creature.
According to legend, Aufhocker is a small, hairy creature that appears to be a cross between a monkey and a human. It is said to have long arms and legs, sharp claws, and a mischievous grin on its face. The creature is said to be able to cling to the back of a traveler without being noticed, and will only reveal itself when the traveler has reached their destination.
Sightings of Aufhocker have been reported throughout Germany and other parts of Europe, with many people claiming to have seen the creature in the woods or on the side of the road. Some have even reported being attacked by the creature, although these reports are rare.
Despite the many reports of sightings of Aufhocker, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of the creature. Some believe that the stories of Aufhocker are simply a product of the human imagination, while others believe that the creature is real and simply very good at hiding itself.
While the truth about Aufhocker may never be known, the legend of the hitchhiking creature continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.