Originating in Scottish folklore, the Bodach is a malicious spirit of the Scottish Highlands, having the form of a shrivelled little old man who lives in the chimney during daytime. He survives quite comfortably in the fumes of the burning peat, and keeps a sharp ear open for troublesome children who make a fuss at bedtime.
When all is dark, the Bodach slithers down the chimney to tweak the naughty child’s nose, ears and toes, pull its eyelids open and look into its terrified eyes to inflict nightmares.
If the child’s behaviour improves then the Bodach will leave them alone, but it is said that if a cunning child drops a pinch of salt on the fire it will keep the Bodach in its lair.