Drekavac, (literally "the screamer" or "the screecher"), also called drekalo, krekavac, zdrekavac or zrikavac, is a mythical creature in South Slavic mythology. The name is derived from the verb "drečati" ("to screech"). Description In South Slavic mythology and folk tales this creature has been variously described: In some folk tales it is depicted as an undead man who emerges from his grave by night to haunt the living. In others the revenant is portrayed as unbaptised child which rises from its grave at night to haunt its parents and can also sometimes be heard entreating people passing cemeteries to baptise it and thus end its misery. In Eastern Serbia it has been depicted in the form of a humanoid canine creature that walks on its back legs. In the vicinity of Maglaj it has been depicted in the form of ghosts of soldiers that wander around during night time, scaring people. In the vicinity of Kozarska Dubica it has been depicted as a vampire-like undead man that rises out of the grave during night time, and wanders around scaring people. In the vicinity of Arilje it has been depicted in form of a long-necked long-legged creature with a cat-like head. In Sredačka župa it has been depicted in the form of a one-legged humanoid creature with glowing eyes that wanders around during night time and scares people. In the vicinity of Prijepolje, Lešak and Dragačevo it has been depicted as an apparition that can be seen in form of a dappled foal, dog, cat, or bird. In the vicinity of Gruža it has been depicted in the form of a creature having a dappled, elongated and spindle-thin body with a disproportionately large head. This creature can't fly and it is believed to be the soul of a dead child. A modern description of a supposed drekavac describes it as a canine creature similar to a dog or some kind of bird. Original beliefs The drekavac was originally thought to have come from the souls of sinful men, or from children who died unbaptised. It was popularly believed to be visible only at night, especially during the twelve days of Christmas (called unbaptised days in Serbo-Croatian) and in early spring, when other demons and mythical creatures were believed to be more active. When assuming the form of a child, it predicts someone's death, while in its animal form, it predicts cattle