Supernatural lore: What is devil’s shoestring?

In Supernatural Season 3, Episode 15, Dean realized Bela had made a demon deal because of the devil’s shoestring over her door. It was the first time we’d heard of this, so what exactly is the real and Supernatural lore?

We finally learned everything about Bela’s life and demon deal. In Supernatural Season 3, Episode 15, Dean spotted the devil’s shoestring over the top of her hotel door. This was the first time we’d seen this to ward off hellhounds? Here’s a look at the Supernatural lore and how it connects to real lore.

Devil’s shoestring is a real plant, by the way. In fact, it’s the name given to viburnum types throughout North America.

Supernatural lore: warding off hellhounds

More from Supernatural

• Jensen Ackles and The Winchesters cast kick off #SaveTheWinchesters campaign
• Will The Winchesters be saved? (Can Supernatural fans save the prequel?)
• Did The Winchesters get renewed? (Is The Winchesters season 2 happening?)
• Is a new episode of The Winchesters on tonight? (March 14, 2023)
• The Winchesters Season1 finale explained: Did it connect to Supernatural?

In the show, Bela used the devil’s shoestring over the top of her door to keep hellhounds out. Of course, this wouldn’t be a permanent fix, but it would be enough to help her kill the Winchesters to get out of her contract.

That’s not the only use it has in the show. In Supernatural Season 6, the devil’s shoestring was used in a summoning ritual for Veritas.

Watch your favorite shows on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

Real lore to “trip up” the devil

In real lore, devil’s shoestring gets its name because of its long vines. They literally help to “trip up” the devil, a little like shoestrings trip up walkers–that’s if they’re not like Sam and have lost their shoes!

It’s often placed on the ground close to the front door on placed on the door lintel. The idea is that it stops the devil from getting it. This connects to the show, as hellhounds are used to claim souls and are considered the devil’s dogs.

According to Mystic Echoes, the types of viburnum are used in witchcraft and spells. They can be used for hexes, spells, and luck. Witches work with the plants, initially giving them life and then working with the plants’ spirits in return. Devil’s shoestring can certainly be used to “hobble” and trip up enemies (not just the devil), but it can also be used protection from bad luck.

What did you learn about devil’s shoestring? Do you wish it was used again in Supernatural in the original way? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW. Like SPN Hunters on Facebook for more Supernatural lore and legends explained.