Tremella Mesenterica - Witches Butter
- Swedish folklore includes tales of witchcraft where a substance known as "butter of the witches" is produced by creatures called "Carriers" after they steal food. These stories describe how the devil provides witches with a creature resembling a cat, known as a Carrier, and a white bird about the size of a raven. These animals can be sent to gather various foods, such as butter, cheese, milk, bacon, and seeds, which they bring back to the witches. The witches can keep what the bird collects, but the Carrier's haul is reserved for the devil and taken to Blockula, where he doles out portions as he sees fit. Sometimes, the Carriers consume so much that they regurgitate along the way, leaving behind a yellow substance near cabbage gardens, referred to as the "butter of the witches."
- In Eastern European folklore, finding "witches' butter" fungi on your door frame was seen as an indication of a spell on your home and family. To dispel the curse, people would pierce the fungus and drain its juices.
- Some cultures believed this fungi was used by witches to anoint their broomsticks or concoct magical potions.
- Irish folklore also features a connection between witches and dairy products, particularly butter. Stories often involve witches stealing butter, and it was believed that cows, especially red ones, were linked to fairies and had magical properties. Tales include witches or fairies transforming into hares to steal milk from cows. On May Day, giving away any milk or butter was considered unlucky, as it was thought that disguised witches would steal all the butter during the summer.