Shtriga
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
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In 1.18 Something Wicked (episode), the Shtriga - miswritten Striga - is described as an Albanian witch, but with legends about them going back to ancient Rome They feed of spiritus vitae, or life essence, mainly from children. This leaves the children with a weakened immune system which leaves them vulnerable to illnesses like pneumonia which can kill them. They work their way through the siblings in a family.
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 irons, 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 Striga attacked. 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 the deaths since.
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 Doctor Hydecker - who is working at the hospital in Fitchburg, but is also seen in the 1890s photo.
Dean suggests using Michael as bait to trap the shtriga. Michael at first refuses, but later decides to do it, even though Dean can't guarantee Asher will get better. 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 recover.
