The Rarog in Polish mythology or Slavic mythology is a hawk, falcon, or fiery dwarf who turns himself into a whirlwind. The word 'Rarog' seems to be a late bastardization of the name Swarog. In Lusatia and the Urals it was customary to throw a knife into a whirlwind to kill the demon residing in it. Bulgarians, Russians, and Pommeranians still cast themselves face down before a whirlwind to ward off misfortune and illness. Russians would shout "a belt around your neck!" in order to strangle the demon.