Creature of the Week: Lavellan

In this week’s Creature of the Week we are looking at a creature native of Scottish folklore known as a Lavellan. The Lavellan is a mammal cryptid creature found in Northern Scottish folk tales, particularly in the Caithness region. The creature itself has a number of different names including:

Làbh-allan
La-mhalan
La-bhallan

and is deemed lethal to humans.

Description

Lavellan cryptid is rodent like in appearance, similar to that of a shrew and much larger than a rat. It is regarded as being:

Small
Furry
Has bright eyes
Runs very fast

it’s said they like to live in deep pools of water within rivers.

The Lavellan are regarded as a poisonous creature, being able to injure from 100 feet away using their noxious breath which is deemed lethal to humans. However, tales do give examples of how one may be cured of its poison. Two methods are detailed on how this can be achieved.

First, if you were to preserve a Lavellan’s skin, dipping it in water, this water can be drank and heal the affected person(s).

The second method is to boil a Lavellan’s head and drink the water.

Overall folklorists believe the idea of a Lavellan was constructed as a way to demonise water shrews as their saliva is slightly toxic to humans.

Creature of the Week: Finfolk

Today’s British folklore creature is that of the Finfolk, who come from Orkney. Orkney is a set of islands off the coast of Scotland and the Finfolk or Finnfolk have featured in folklore here going back many, many years.

In general, the Finfolk are shapeshifting sea creatures who travel to the Orkney shores during the Spring/Summer months in order to abduct a human spouse. There are both Finmen and Finwomen who live in one of two places, either in Finfolkaheem (an underwater kingdom) or Hildaland (a paradise island).

Finmen Description

Finmen are described as being thin and tall with a stern face and possessing magical powers. Finmen are very territorial and have been known to cause havoc to fishing boats and ships when they come to near or in ones domain. They are also described as being a crafty creature with a weakness for silver.

Finwife Description

Finwife are depicted as being a beautiful, radiant being with long hair and look like a mermaid, some sources state she has the voice of a siren. She comes to shore to find a husband, if she succeeds in her aims, he will be taken to live in either Finfolkaheem or Hildaland. However if she fails in her mission, she is then expected to marry a Finman who makes her go ashore and work, often as a healer or spinner, where she sends him all her silver earnings. Some descriptions list Finwomen in this situation as having a shapeshifting cat, that delivers messages back to Finfolkaheem.

Method of Abduction

In order to abduct an unsuspecting human they approach (in water) cautiously until they are at a distance where they can leap out and grab their victim. Finmen have an additional tactic, appearing as a fisherman in a boat – I guess to blend in and look less suspicious.

In the event a person is abducted you would live out the rest of your life doing ‘domestic’ duties for your Finman or Finwoman. But there is a chance of escape! For Finfolk have a weakness for silver, so if you are being abducted by a Finfolk throw a silver coin away from you for the Finfolk cannot resist and will go and get it leaving you time to escape (note this is for Finfolk and not other forms of abduction – but I hope you knew that).

If you have any creature suggestions please do let me know.

Creature of the Week: Puck

In today’s ‘Creature of the Week’ I am looking at a mediaeval English folklore being known as Puck.

Puck can also go by the name Robin Goodfellow and anyone who has watched The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina will recognise the name.

A Puck is a mischievous domestic, nature spirit often described as a demon or fairy. They like to pull pranks, whether by misleading travellers, turning your milk sour or frightening unsuspecting women.

But if you’re lucky enough they will help around the house with minor housework, sewing or even butter-churning to name a few. A word of caution though, their work can be undone in the blink of an eye if you displease them. So it is best to leave them some treats, they really like milk.

Puck’s are lonely creatures and look to male friends.

They feature in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream as the fairy King Oberon. There are similar creatures in Ireland known as a Pooka or Púca, and in Wales as the Pwcca.

Creature of the Week: A Brag

In today’s ‘Creature of the Week‘ I’m looking into a being known as a Brag.

If this is your first time joining, then welcome, every Wednesday I bring forth a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them.

Brag’s are found throughout Northumberland and Durham in England. They are mainly described as a shapeshifting Goblin.

They are found to transform into horses or donkey’s letting unsuspecting humans rude them, then after a while, throw off the person into a pond and they run off laughing. Thus giving them quite a mischievous quality.

They are harmless but do like to play tricks on humans, who don’t tend to find their games funny.

One example of a Brag is the ‘Picktree Brag‘.

Stories state that Brag’s could take many forms, including appearing as:

A calf wearing a white handkerchief around the neck.
A naked headless man.
Or as 4 men holding a white sheet.

As you can see, they are quite imaginative creatures.

Creature of the Week: Bluecap

Welcome to another Creature of the Week, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland) and talk about them.

This week let me introduce the ‘Bluecap‘ and no it’s not like a Redcap (see part 2 of Creature of the Week for details).

A Bluecap is a fairy like creature, although some say one is a Goblin. They are found mainly along the Anglo-Scottish boarder, where they live in mines.

Bluecap’s work alongside miners, appearing to them as a small blue flame and are deemed hard workers so much so they expect to paid. But don’t think about fobbing one off as they won’t accept anything less than what they’re owed.

As long as you treat one well, they will lead you to rich mineral deposits.

They do have an element similar to that of Knockers/Tommyknockers, in that a Bluecap can forewarn disaster such as cave-ins and so can warn the miners, keeping them safe.

Creature of the Week: Redcap

Welcome to part 2 of Creature of the Week, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore and talk about them.

This week let me introduce you to a ‘Redcap‘.

What is a Redcap you might ask, and the answer is it is a type of Goblin. But not just any type of Goblin.

Redcap’s are malevolent creatures who are known to kill.

They feature in folklore along the Anglo-Scottish boarder. In some stories their name changes, they’re also known as Redcomb’s or Bloody Cap but are always described in the same way. They are depicted as a short old man, with long teeth, red eyes and shoulder length wild-looking hair. They are well built with long thin fingers, long thin nails like hooked claws and carry a pike. But most importantly they wear a red cap.

It’s not just any red coloured cap though, the cap is red as it has been soaked in the blood of their victims.

Redcap’s live in ruined castles, particularly those that have seen their fair share of evil tyrannous deeds and the boarder lands have seen plenty of that. It’s said that if you seek shelter in their abode he will throw stones at you, which usually results in your death and will then proceed to soak his hat in your blood.

While Redcap’s seem to be unaffected by human strength you can rid one using scripture or holding a crucifix, the Redcap will then vanish in flames leaving behind a tooth.

Top 5 Most Haunted Places: Ireland

Hi gang, today I’m counting down the Top 5 Most Haunted places in Ireland. So let’s get started!

5. Kilmainham Goal

Built in 1796, Kilmainham Goal can be found in Dublin and is the largest unoccupied prison in Ireland.

The prison itself was in use between 1796-1924 during which time the majority of inmates died on the premises, with men, women and children, often 5 at a time crammed into a single cell. The most notable deaths on site were those responsible for the 1916 Easter Rising where 15 conspirators were executed by firing squad.

Former governors and workmen conducting repairs in the jail have reported witnessing:

Lights turning on and off
Hearing footsteps
Loud bangs
Disembodied voices
Feelings of being touched
Feeling powerful strong winds

Adding to this, visitors also have reported feeling like they’re being watched when no one else is around.

Going further, psychics who visit have reportedly mentioned an evil presence confined to the Chapel’s balcony.

4. Leap Castle

Thousands of visitors come from around the world each year to visit Leap Castle. This medieval castle is located in Coolderry, County Offaly.

There are varied accounts as to when this castle was built but it’s believed that it occured between the 13th to late 15th centuries, with some experts stating the construction was probably close to 1250.

There are a number of paranormal tales within this castle, which seem to have begun occuring after the death of Mulrooney O’Carrol in 1532. After his death a family struggle broke out turning brother against brother. One of these brothers was a priest and it is said that while he was delivering mass in the castle’s Chapel the other brother plunged a sword into his heart at the alter.

One of the O’Carrol’s (I’m unsure who) is said to have rapped a young girl leading her to become pregnant, after having the baby it was killed leading to the girl committing suicide in the castle. This young girl is believed to be The Red Lady, who is seen holding a dagger in a menacing way leading people to wo der if she is seeking revenge.

There is also a creature known as ‘It’. ‘It’ is said to be a creature about the size of a sheep with a horrific decaying face. When ‘It’ appears you can smell sulphur and decaying flesh. The arrival of ‘It’ is said to be due to when a former resident of the castle, Mildred Darby, dabbled in the occult awakening an elemental within the castle.

Other spirits include:

Shadows wandering the castle
A burly mab pushing a barrel upstairs
Two young girls called Emily and Charlotte

The current owner, Sean Ryon, frequently states all the spirits are harmless.

3. Malahide Castle

Located in Dublin and built in 1185, Malahide Castle is argued as having a minimum of 5 ghosts haunting the castle.

The most well known ghost is that of Sir Walter Hussey, Lord Galtrim, who was killed in battle on his wedding day. He is seen wondering the castle at night, groaning in pain while clutching a spear wound in his side. He is said to be heartbroken as his bride-to-be married his rival immediately after his death.

Another resident ghost, is Puck the Court Jester. It’s said he fell in love with Lady Eleanora Fitzgerald (who was detained in the castle for inciting a rebellion). Puck was found dead one snowy night after being stabbed in the heart while still wearing his costume. It’s said prior to his death, he swore to haunt the castle until a master ruled who married a bride from the ‘common people’.He is frequently sited in photos taken inside the castle.

Other ghosts include:

Lady Plunkett – she is seen in her wedding dress chasing her husband, the Lord Justice, through the castle
Miles Corbet – he was a previous owner of the castle who hung himself in the castle grounds

2. The Hellfire Club

Founded in 1735 by Richard Parsons, the 1st Earl of Rosse and the 1st Grand Master of the Irish Freemassons. He gained a reputation as a sorcerer dabbling in black magic using ancient Dionysian scrolls. He wrote a book called Dionysus Rising and started the 2nd Sect of Dionysus to celebrate the joys of Bacchus and Venus, drinking and sex. All of this became known as The Hellfire Club.

The Hellfire Club can be found in the Dublin mountains, built upon an Ancient Stone Age burial site. A location which has seen both animal and human sacrifices. It’s said that the Lords and Noblemen that gathered here, held rituals to summon demons and even Satan himself!

Reports exist that black cats were captured and caged, then roasted. They believed that 4 days later, the Devil would appear to grant their wishes.

Today this site is a popular walking destination which apparently still smells of Brimstone (I’ve never been so I don’t know) to this day.

Visitors report:

Feeling an oppressive atmosphere
Seeing demonic manifestations
See a female spirit

Rumours are that this female spirit is that of a servant girl who was murdered and possibly even eaten by members of the club.

Loftus Hall

Found at Hook Head, County Wexford. Loftus Hall is said to be the Most Haunted House in Ireland.

While it is now an abandoned building, the story of Loftus Hall remains a compelling tale.

The story goes that on one stormy night, Sir Charles Tottingham was hosting a card game at the Hall when a stranger knocked at the door.

The stranger was soaked through and seeking shelter from the storm. The man was ushered in and invited to join the game.

During the game a lady called Anne dropped her cards, she bent down to pick them up but while doing so noticed the man had bloody cloven hooves instead of feet.

It became clear that the man they welcomed in that night was no man, he was in fact the Devil.

Upon this realisation the man transformed into his true form and shot through the roof. Anne was driven mad after this event and was confined to the Tapestry Room where she stayed until she died.

To this day the Hall is said to be haunted by both Anne and the Devil himself.

What are your thoughts on this list? Do you think other places should have made the list? Have you visited any and had your own experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Creature of the Week: Hob

Welcome to my creature of the week series, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them.

The first creature I’m going to talk about is a ‘Hob’.

In general a Hob is a small household spirit. They’re described as small, hairy and wise men, who can be kind but also mischievous.

They mainly feature in folklore around the border regions of England and Scotland, but have been known to appear as far down as the Midlands.

When they’re kind, they will help out on farms and have even helped heal the sick, which is noted in Tales of the Hobthurst. This Hob lived near to Runswick Bay in a hobhole and he is said to cure Whooping Cough.

They prefer to work at night and come and go as they please.

But a word of caution…..if you give a Hob clothing they will leave.

Lussi

In the final day of The 12 days of Frightmass, allow me to introduce Lussi from Norwegian and Swedish folklore.

In the past Lussi was described as a hideous demon, she was evil and possessed magical powers spreading mayhem where ever she went.

Her initial story described her as being similar to other beings I’ve mentioned in this series, including Frau Percha and Krampus. Stories about her stated that on the Night before St Lucia’s Day (13th December) also known as Lussi’s Night, a night when evil spirits and demons were said to walk the Earth, adults would spend the night warding off the evil beings while the children had to be good. If the children didn’t behave then Lussi would destroy property, livestock and even kidnap the children. She was known on occasion to kill. In some stories she only kills children who are not in bed.

There was a tradition known as Lussevaka where households would stay up all night in order to protect both the home and their families.

It is customary to this day to hide brooms on Christmas Eve as a way to ensure you prevent evil spirits from joining St Lucia’s proccession on Lussinatta.

In more modern years (beginning in the 18th and 19th Centuries) Lussi is depicted as the opposite. On St Lucia’s Day in both Norway and Sweden a local girl is selected to be St Lucia. She is dressed in a white gown with a red sash and is given a wreath of candles to wear on her head. She then parades through the town followed by a procession of girls all dressed in white, each of whom hold a candle and sing songs dedicated to St Lucia.

Lussi moved away from evil to a kind being, one was is believed in Tyrol to have joined St Nicholas to give gifts. St Nicholas gave to boys, while Lussi gives to girls.

The Tomten

We’re nearly at the end of The 12 Days of Frightmass, but there are two more folklore beings to introduce so in day 11 here is The Tomten.

The Tomten stem from Scandinavian folklore and are listed in a lot of literature. They are around 3 foot tall, with long white beards often resembling a garden gnome. They wear a red cap and traditional farmers clothing, these were a woollen tunic, a belt, knee breeches and stockings. In some folklore stories their appearance is slightly different, some tales list them as shape shifters being able to take the form of a man, others as a cyclops or are even invisible (with humans only getting a slight glimpse of them). In modern day Denmark they no longer have beards wearing grey and red woollen clothes, along with a red cap. In Norway, they are said to have four fingers, pointed ears and have eyes that reflect similar to those of a cat.

The Tomten also go by a number of names such as:

Nisse – Tomte – Tomtenisse – Tomttu

To make it easier to distinish old tales from modern ones different names are applied, for example in modern tales they are referred to as Tomar/Tontarna but in older tales they go by Tomten.

In general they are small creatures who pack a big temper.

They spend their lives looking after farms, in particular a farms livestock, but they are easily offended by rudeness (e.g. by workers swearing or not treating animals well) or by a disregard for tradition (e.g. changes in the way a farm works). If a Tomten were to be offended they could either do small pranks like hitting you, or worse they would kill livestock.

A Tomten’s favourite food is said to be porridge with butter in the middle which farmers are supposed to leave out as a payment for their help and assistance on the farm.

In fact the Tomten like porridge so much that their are stories illustrating their more temperamental side when something happens to their meal. Here are two examples:

One day a Norwegian maid ate a Tomten’s porridge leaving the Tomten angry. In his anger, he beats up the maid leaving her almost dead.
One day a farmer left out porridge for the Tomten, when the Tomten went to eat his meal he noticed that there was no butter in the middle filling the Tomten with rage. In this rage, the Tomten went outside and killed one of the farmers’ cow’s. This act left the Tomten hungry and so he went back inside and ate the porridge. On eating the porridge he found that the butter was there, but rather than being in the middle it was underneath the porridge filling the Tomten with grief for what he did. The Tomten left to try and find a cow identical to the one he killed, when he found one he swopped the cows over.

The stories and descriptions so far do not relate to Christmas, so you might ask why I have mentioned them. Well the answer is quite simple.

Since the 1840s they have been depicted as gift givers.

They can be seen on Christmas Eve, accompanied by the Yule Goat, knocking on doors to give out presents. In keeping with some of the more traditional older stories, you are expected to leave out porridge with a little butter for them (similar to that of carrots, milk and mince pies for Santa).

This transition began to see Tomten stories and drawings describing them more like Santa in appearance, they now appear on Christmas cards with increased commercialisation.