Syöjätär, 'the Devouress', is a demonic female being especially prominent in the Karelian charm and tale tradition. In the widely recorded origin-charm of the snake her spittle, drifting on the waters, is warmed by the sun and quickened into the first serpent, making her the mythic mother of snakes and vermin. In Karelian wonder tales she plays the recurrent ogress role: she bewitches maidens into ducks or reindeer, substitutes her own daughter as the hero's bride, and devours or attempts to devour her victims. She is thus one of the few named, fully individuated evil beings of the tradition.