Tsagan says that before World War II Kalmyk land was abundant with evil spirits of both ‘shulm’ and ‘dogam’ kinds. Some farms were known for their ‘shulm’ spirits that sang and danced at night and knocked on people’s doors and windows. A place called Chimd, for example, was known for its ‘dogam’ spirits. In 1938, after paying a visit to her relatives, Tsagan’s mother was travelling home through Chimd where she came across a big black dog that appeared out of nowhere. Her horse refused to go further. As soon as she got off her horse, the dog disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared. Tsagan’s mother arrived home safe and sound for she had a whip made from the wood of the sacred tyavlgn tree.