Aporoniec ([ˈpɔrɔɲɛt͡s]; plural porońce) is a hostile and malicious demon from Slavic mythology. They were believed to come into existence from stillborn fetuses, but also from improperly buried remains of children who had died during infancy.[1]
Aporoniec is somewhat similar to a being from Scandinavian folklore, the myling. Porońce were considered to be extremely powerful demons, due to their potential of unrealized life.[2]
Porońce were associated with many taboos regarding pregnant women, such as drawing water from a well, leaving home with an infant, or engaging in sexual intercourse.[2]
A stillborn fetus did not turn into a poroniec if it was buried under the threshold of the house. Instead, it turned into a kłobuk [pl] – a protective house spirit.[2]
