Mavka – is a type of female spirit in Ukrainian mythology. She is a long-haired (usually green-haired) figure, sometimes naked, who may be dangerous to young men. The spirits known by this term represented the souls of girls who had died unnatural tragic or premature deaths, particularly unchristened babies. Mavkas often appeared in the form of beautiful young girls who enticed and lured young men into the woods, where they "tickled" them to death. Mavkas had no reflection in water, did not cast shadows, and had "no back", meaning that their insides could be seen. In some accounts, they were also said to help farmers by looking after cattle and driving out wild animals.