The chesme of Turkey is a vampiric fountain spirit that looks like a cat. However, it has the shape-shifting ability to appear as a corpse surrounded by mice. Its name, chesme, is quite appropriate as it translates to mean “fountain cat.” Sitting on a rock near a source of water, the vampire sings a siren like song that lures men to it. When one answers the call and appears, the chesme will attack and try to drown him by draining him of his life-energy (see ENERGY VAMPIRE).

PRONUNCIATION:

Chezm

SOURCES:

• Byrne, Unbearable Saki, 32;
• Leland, Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling, 166;
• Spence, Encyclopedia of Occultism, 160

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology Written by :Theresa Bane ©2010 Theresa Bane. All rights reserved