Púca, The Shapeshifting Irish Fairies Who Wreak Havoc At Night
Public DomainA depiction of the púca from Wirt Sikes’ British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions.
Like many other Irish folklore creatures, the púca — also spelled pooka, pwca, phouka, or puck — is quite unpredictable.
By turns benevolent and malevolent, the púca is a shapeshifter capable of taking the form of various animals, often using these forms to play pranks on unsuspecting humans.
It most often takes the form of horses, goats, cats, dogs, and hares, typically with black hair or fur and fiery eyes. It can also take human form — albeit with certain animal features like tails or furry ears.
Primarily a nocturnal creature, the púca roams the countryside under the cover of darkness. It is known to frequent lonely roads and crossroads, taking delight in startling travelers and leading them astray. Sometimes, the púca will offer a tired or drunk traveler a ride on its back, only to gallop off at breakneck speed, taking them on a terrifying journey before leaving the disoriented rider back where it picked them up.
However, it is also said that a rider can take control of the púca if they wear sharp spurs, either to steer it or to dissuade the creature from kidnapping them.
Other stories show a more kindhearted side to the púca. These creatures will sometimes offer guidance or protection to those who show them respect. Legend says that leaving a small offering of food or drink at a crossroads can appease the púca and ensure safe passage.
The púca, like many other Irish folklore creatures, represents a dualistic ideology. Nature, in whatever form it takes, can be dangerous if mistreated. But those who show respect to the natural world and its creatures are often treated respectfully in turn — a lesson that still rings true to this day.
After reading about these Irish folklore creatures, read about the most terrifying creatures from Native American folklore. Or, learn about 11 other mythical creatures from folklore and legends around the world.
