Inguma

The Inguma is a malevolent spirit or demon featured in the folklore of the Basque Country, specifically in the regions surrounding Navarre and Gipuzkoa. It is believed to cause nightmares, primarily targeting children and adolescents. The Inguma is described as suffocating its victims in their sleep, inducing a feeling of intense pressure on the chest, akin to sleep paralysis.

The Inguma's appearance is often ambiguous and varies in different accounts. It's generally portrayed as a shadowy figure, a large, dark presence, or sometimes taking on a more concrete form. Its method of attack is consistent: entering the victim's room at night and weighing down upon them, causing terror and difficulty breathing.

Traditionally, protection against the Inguma involves placing certain objects under the pillow, such as blessed medals, crosses, or specific herbs thought to possess protective properties. Prayers and religious rituals are also commonly used to ward off the spirit. The belief in the Inguma reflects a cultural understanding of nightmares as being caused by supernatural forces rather than purely psychological or physiological factors. While modern explanations attribute nightmares to stress, diet, or sleep disorders, the Inguma continues to hold a place in Basque folklore, representing a traditional explanation for a disturbing and frightening experience. The figure can be seen as a manifestation of anxieties surrounding sleep and vulnerability.