Eater of Souls

The Eater of Souls is the name of a mythological creature present in the Vulcan and Romulan cultures. The belief in these demons arose during the ancient days of Vulcan (planet) before the age of Surak and the Sundering. The 'demon' was said to devour the souls of those Vulcan's that were out during the midday heat. Among the Romulans, the creature is referenced to scare children in order for them to behave. The demon did not have as much of an impact on Romulan society as it did on Vulcan due to the fact that Romulus did not have a desert environment as the Vulcan homeworld. Despite this, it was known for poorer Romulan families to purchase protective amulets that was said to ward away the Eater of Souls.

(TOS novel: Vulcan's Soul Exodus)