Tradition / Region: Polish Mythology
Alternative names: Owinnik
Category: Cat
The Myth
The Gumiennik appears as a small old man with long hair, a beard, and a mustache. It can bark like a dog and has the ability to transform into a cat.
The Gumiennik dwells in the threshing floor or barn, where it guards stored grain from fire, thieves, and pests. Although protective by nature, it is easily offended. Ignoring the spirit, threshing grain during strong winds, or working on holidays could anger it. When enraged, the Gumiennik would spoil the stored grain or set it ablaze.
To ensure its goodwill, people offered the Gumiennik the first dish of the year prepared from the harvested grain.
Sources
“Gumiennik.” Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia (Polish Wikipedia). Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumiennik