Kaukas- Baltic SpiritSpirit"The Underground Folk"
Also known as: Kaukai, Kaukis, and Cauci
Description
Small earth spirits of Old Prussian and Lithuanian folklore who guarded the treasures buried in the ground: veins of metal, hoards of amber, forgotten riches. A household that treated its Kaukas with respect might find unexpected coins and good fortune. One that angered it suffered spoiled food and persistent bad luck.
Mythology & Lore
The Underground Folk
The Kaukai were small, bearded men dressed in earthy browns who moved through passages beneath the ground too narrow for humans to follow. They knew where riches lay hidden in the earth: veins of precious metal, deposits of amber, ancient hoards buried and forgotten. A person who left offerings and approached with respect might be led to treasure. A person who dug greedily or took without giving found nothing, or worse.
Mannhardt and Greimas both connect the Kaukai to the deeper chthonic powers of Baltic religion. They served the earth and what lay beneath it.
The Household Kaukas
A Kaukas might take up residence in a human home. The household left food out at night and spoke respectfully of the presence in the walls. In return came unexpected coins and successful harvests.
But the Kaukas's favor required constant upkeep. Neglect was enough to lose it, even without active offense. When a household Kaukas turned sour, objects went missing and milk spoiled. Living with one of the underground folk meant tending the relationship every day, same as tending the fire.