Tradition / Region: Italian Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Flame, Bird
The Myth
Culari are mysterious lights associated with the Ignis fatuus. In Italy, two varieties are said to exist, one on the mountains and one on the plains. They are regarded by the common people as birds whose bellies and other parts shine like fireflies.
The Culari have been reported to remain still as well as move, and sometimes appear fixed on the surface of the water. They may lure people toward marshy places, where they can perish.
Lights or flames appearing on the manes of horses and on people’s hair are also described. These were called HAGGS. They were said to appear when vapours or sweat from the heads of horses or people gathered around the hair and became ignited.
Such lights were also said to appear in moist and clammy places, marshes, churchyards, cloisters, kitchens, valleys, and places where dead bodies were laid. The earth was believed to give off thick, fatty, and clammy fumes from dead bodies, which could become kindled.
Some fires seen at night were believed not to be true fires at all, but lights without substance or heat, described as delusions of the Devil.
Sources
Brand, John. “Observations on Popular Antiquities: Will-o’-the-Wisp.” In Observations on Popular Antiquities: Including the Whole of Mr. Bourne’s Antiquitates Vulgares, edited and enlarged by W. Carew Hazlitt. 1888 edition. Transcription by Inamidst. http://inamidst.com/lights/wisp/brand1777