Tradition: Swiss Mythology, German Mythology
Alternative Names: Herwisch
Category: Flame
The Myth
The Herwisch is a mysterious supernatural being resembling a will-o’-the-wisp, known in the folklore of Switzerland and Germany. It inhabits marshes and other waterlogged landscapes, emerging at night with a lantern-like light. By illuminating the darkness, the Herwisch lures unsuspecting travellers away from safe paths and into treacherous waters, where they may stumble, become trapped, or struggle helplessly in the marsh.
The Herwisch is not always content merely to mislead travellers. Those who mock or anger it risk provoking its more frightening nature. In such cases, the creature chases its offender and flaps its wings directly into their face, terrifying them with its sudden pursuit. Its combination of deceptive lights and aggressive behaviour makes the Herwisch a dangerous presence in the darkness, particularly for people crossing isolated wetlands at night.
Sources
“Swiss folklore.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 11, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_folklore