The Spunkie

views updated

The Spunkie

A goblin similar to the Scottish kelpie. He was popularly believed to be an agent of Satan, and travelers who had lost their way were his special prey. Supposedly, he attracted his victim by means of a light, that looked like a reflection on a window not far away, but as the victim proceeded toward the light, it receded. However, the victim still followed the gleam until the spunkie lured him over a precipice or into a morass.

Sources:

Arrowsmith, Nancy, and George Moose. A Field Guide to the Little People. New York: Wallaby, 1977.

More From encyclopedia.com