André Welz was a burgher of Dottingen whose house was reported to be haunted by a poltergeist in 1689. The spirit manifested as a grey bird, an old ugly woman, and a cat, performing various mischievous acts. Such poltergeist accounts are found in European folklore, especially in connection with cases of unexplained household disturbances.
Welz (André)
Creature Types: Poltergeist
Mythological/Cultural Origins: European, German
Roles/Functions in Lore: Haunted Victim
Literary Sources/Traditions: Local Folklore, Oral Accounts
Historical/Legendary Time Periods: Late Seventeenth Century
Attributes/Powers: Haunting, Shape-shifting
Alignments/Moral Standings: Ambiguous
