Žaltys

Žaltys is a household spirit that guards the home in the Lithuanian mythology. It is the sacred animal of the sun goddess Saule that symbolizes fertility. With a belief that it would bring good harvest and wealth, people keep it as a pet near their stove. When found in the field, people befriend the Žaltys by giving him milk. Misfortune befalls on the household of those who kill žaltys.

References

• Doniger, Wendy (2006). "Žaltys". Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions. Encyclopaedia Britannica. p. 1160.
• Kiškienė, Elena (2008-05-09). "Uteniškių keiksmai". Šiaurės Atėnai (892).
• Conway, D. J. (2001). Magickal, Mystical Creatures (2nd ed.). Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 128.