In Slavic mythology, the Raróg (Polish pronunciation: [ˈraruk]), sometimes also known as Zhar Ptitsa or Żar Ptak, is a hawk, falcon, or fiery dwarf who turns himself into a whirlwind. The word 'Raróg' seems to be a late bastardization of the name Svarog. 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 Pomeranians would 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.
Raróg is also the Polish name of the Saker Falcon.