Alp: German Sleep Paralysis Demon

"Nachtmahr" ("Night-mare"), by Johann Heinrich Füssli (1802), depicts an Alp sitting on the chest of a sleeping woman. Image: Wikipedia

The Alp of German folklore is a nefarious entity that haunts the nightmares and drains the life force of its unsuspecting victims.

What is the Alp?

In the vast realm of German folklore, the "Alp" emerges as one of the most nightmarish creatures to haunt the sleep of mortals. Also known as the "Mara" or "Nachtmahr," the Alp is a malevolent supernatural entity that preys on unsuspecting victims during the twilight hours. Described as a shapeshifter, the Alp has the ability to instil fear and anxiety, often leaving its victims in a state of sleep paralysis.

Physically, the Alp is depicted as a humanoid creature with a haggard appearance. Standing at the height of an average adult, its thin, elongated body is adorned in tattered black clothing, blending seamlessly with the darkness of the night.

Its pale skin complements its long, unkempt hair which cascades down to its shoulders. The Alp's face is the stuff of nightmares, featuring a menacing grin revealing razor-sharp teeth, complemented by sunken, piercing eyes that exude malevolence.

The Alp possesses the iniquitous ability to enter the dreams of its victims, exploiting their subconscious fears and deepest anxieties. Unlike other supernatural beings, the Alp does not feed on the dreams themselves but rather derives pleasure from watching its victims suffer. Once within a dream, the Alp ruthlessly torments its prey, invading their thoughts with horrifying visions and manipulating their surroundings, amplifying their worst nightmares to unbearable levels.

Yet, the most horrifying aspect of encountering an Alp lies in the paralysis it imposes on its victims. Known as "Alpdruck" or "elf pressure," sleep paralysis induced by the Alp is exceptionally distressing. The victim awakens to find themselves trapped, unable to move, speak, or even scream for help, while an overwhelming sense of impending doom closes in on them. They often observe the Alp perched dangerously close, suffocating them with a disturbing sensation of pressure on their chest, making breathing seemingly impossible.

Strangely, the Alp always seems to be wearing a hat. The hat is called a Tarnkappe, which translates as ’cap of concealment’. The hat can still be seen even if the Alp changes its shape. If the Alp loses the hat, it will reward anyone who returns it. The Alp also has an "evil eye" that can make people sick or unlucky. If you remove or harm the evil eye, the Alp will stop wanting to harm you.

The Alp and the Hat Man

The German Alp bears a striking resemblance to the Hat Man. The Hatman is an entity that has been reported across different cultures and has gained significant attention online. This entity, as its name suggests, is usually seen wearing a hat, commonly described as a Fedora or a wide-brimmed hat. It is often described as a tall figure with red, glowing eyes, emanating an aura of malevolence.

Like the Alp, the Hatman is often seen while in a state of sleep paralysis. Recreational Benadryl users often report seeing the Hatman during their trips.

Despite their cultural differences, the German Alp and the Hatman share some similarities that can send shivers down one's spine. Both entities have the ability to induce fear, creating an intense feeling of dread and discomfort for their victims. They often choose to manifest in the darkness of night, adding an element of helplessness and vulnerability to their encounters. Witnesses commonly report a paralyzing sensation and a sense of being watched or controlled by these entities. These shared characteristics contribute to the fear and notoriety both the Alp and the Hatman have garnered over time.

Could it be that the Hatman and the german Alp are one and the same?

How to Ward off the Alp

Extra History covers the legend of the Alp

If you want to keep the Alp away from you, there are a few simple actions you can take. First and foremost, it's important to keep a tidy and organized sleeping area. The Alp is said to be attracted to chaos and messiness, so keeping your bedroom clean and clutter-free may help deter it.

Another way to ward off the Alp is by placing a broom or a besom beneath your pillow. According to the old wives tales, the Alp fears brooms and will stay away from them. This simple action might create a sense of protection and peace while you sleep.

Some Germans recommend with a bowl of salt, specifically rock salt, near your bed. This is because the Alp is said to have an aversion to salt and may be repelled by its presence. Placing the bowl of salt near your bedside may create a protective barrier, preventing the Alp from disturbing your sleep.

Some folklore suggests that you can avoid the Alp by sleeping on your stomach. It is believed that the creature struggles to torment those lying in this position. So, if you find yourself bothered by the Alp, try changing your sleep position to see if it makes a difference.

Have you ever had an encounter with the Alp or any other sleep paralysis demon? Tell us about it in the comments!

If you enjoyed learning about the Alp you might also be interested in other sleep paralysis demons such as the boo hag or the hat man.