(Berchten) Demonic creatures in myth and folktale, especially in Alpine areas. They form the retinue of Frau → Bercht, who sallies forth in deep midwinter. In folk-tale it is claimed that the devil mixes with the eerie throng, in the hope of...

Perchta or Berchta (English: Bertha), also commonly known as Percht and other variations, was once known as a goddess in Southern Germanic paganism in the Alpine countries. Her name means The Shining One. The words peraht, berht and brecht mean bright,...