Shtriga

Shtriga
Powers and Abilities	Can extend its life by feeding on the spiritus vitae (life force) of others. Invulnerable except when feeding on a victim.
Vulnerabilities	Consecrated iron rounds while feeding.
Appearance	Humanoid with wizened features and long, tapered fingers. Can appear human.
Episode(s)	1.18 Something Wicked

Shtriga According to Albanian folklore, a shtriga was a vampire-like witch who was said to suck the blood of infant children while they slept, and then turn into a flying insect. – Pad of Definitions (1.18 Something Wicked), Official Website

History

The shtriga - miswritten striga - is described as an Albanian witch, but with legends about them going back to ancient Rome. It feeds on the spiritus vitae, or life essence, of others - mainly from children. This leaves the children comatose and with a weakened immune system, which leaves them vulnerable to illnesses like pneumonia that can kill them. It tends to work their way through the siblings in a family. Shtriga are very difficult to kill, as they can only be harmed while in a vulnerable position (feeding), and when shot with consecrated iron rounds. If not exposed and unaware of impending danger, the rounds will have no affect on it. Once a shtriga is killed, all those currently affected by it will return to full health.

Characteristics

Powers and Abilities

• Can feed on the life force (spiritus vitae) of others to extend its life.
• Superhuman strength and speed
• They can shapeshift into human form.

Weaknesses

• Can only be hurt while feeding, using consecrated iron rounds are used to kill them.

Episodes

Shtriga handprint on window ledge.

1.18 Something Wicked

Sam cannot find any lore on what kills them, but Dean says John found out they were vulnerable when feeding to being shot with consecrated wrought iron, buckshots, or rounds. Sixteen or seventeen years ago, John Winchester was hunting one in Fort Douglas, Wisconsin. While he was out, Dean left Sam alone briefly and the shtriga attacked Sam. John took the boys to stay with Pastor Jim, but when he returned he couldn't track the shtriga. Dean blames himself for it escaping, and all the deaths its caused since.

The shtriga after being shot dead.

Sam researches the shtriga's appearances back from Fort Douglas to:

"... Ogdenville. Before that, North Haverbrook and Brockway. Every fifteen to twenty years, it hits a new town. Dean, this thing is just gettin’ started in Fitchburg. In all these other places, it goes on for months—dozens of kids, before the shtriga finally moves on. Kids just languish in comas, and then they die."

Finally, he tracks the shtriga back to Black River Falls in the 1890s. While Sam had thought it would be disguised as a feeble old woman, this one is disguised as Dr. Hydeker - who is working at the hospital in Fitchburg, but is also seen in the 1890s photo. Dean suggests using Michael, the brother of the shtriga's most recent victim, as bait to trap the shtriga. Michael at first refuses, but later decides to do it, even though Dean can't guarantee that his little brother, Asher, will get better when the shtriga is dead. Dean and Sam set up a CCTV system to observe Michael in bed, as they need to wait until the shtriga starts feeding before they attack. The shtriga attacks Michael and the boys storm in, only killing the monster when it tries to feed on Sam.

After the shtriga is killed, Asher and the other children still in the hospital recover.

Trivia

• Jeannie Epper portrayed the Shtriga.