Muma Padurii

In Romanian folklore, Muma Pădurii (Mother of the Forest) is an ugly and mischievous or mad old woman living in the forest (in the heart of virgin forests, in a hut/cabin, or an old tree). She is the opposite of fairies. She is also the protector of the animals and plants, brewing potions and helping injured animals. She cures the forest if it is dying and she keeps unwanted trespassers away by driving them mad and scaring them.

She can be associated with witches, but she is a neutral "creature", harming only those who harm the forest.

Muma Pădurii is a spirit of the forest in a very ugly and old woman's body. Sometimes she has the ability to change her shape. She lives in a dark, dreadful, hidden little house.

She is thought to attack children and because of this a large variety of spells are used against her.

She is also present in the folklore of Slavic peoples under the name Baba Yaga.