ABieresel[1] ("beer donkey"; sg., pl.; English mythological literature also offers the corrupted forms Biersal, Bieresal, and Bierasal not found in German literature) is a type of kobold (house spirit) of German folklore.[2]
According to Carol Rose, in her book Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia, biersal are sprites stemming from the Germanic mythology of the Saxony region and surviving into modern times in German folklore.[3] This household spirit abides in breweries and in the bierkeller (i.e. beer cellar) of inns and pubs. In these establishments, the Biersal will gladly clean bottles, steins, casks and kegs that have been used in return for payment in the form of his own portion of beer. When not properly remunerated, however, they resort to mischief and vandalism by stealing or hiding tools and causing equipment malfunctions.[4]
The entry Bieresel from the Handwörterbuch des deutschen Aberglaubens (Concise Dictionary of German Superstition) offers a threefold description. Generally, the Bieresel is described as a spook with the appearance of a three- or four-legged donkey (hence its name).[1]