Transylvanian Superstitions (1885) by Emily Gerard

Transylvania might well be termed the land of superstition, for nowhere
else does this curious crooked plant of delusion flourish as
persistently and in such bewildering variety. It would almost seem as
though the whole species of demons, pixies, witches, and hobgoblins,
driven from the rest of Europe by the wand of science, had taken refuge
within this mountain rampart, well aware that here they would find
secure lurking-places, whence they might defy their persecutors yet
awhile.

There are many reasons why these fabulous beings should retain an
abnormally firm hold on the soil of these parts; and looking at the
matter closely we find here no less than three separate sources of
superstition.