Pukwudgie: North American Folklore

Many people that hail from Massachusetts and other parts of the Northeastern U.S. will already be familiar with the legendary, and at times lethal, Pukwudgies of North American Folklore.

Legends of the Pukwudgies are some of the oldest mythological tales of the continent, with origins linking back to the Delaware and Wampanoag native cultures. Pukwudgie is loosely translated as "little wild man of the woods that vanishes". These creatures are said to be humanoid, anywhere from 4 to 5 feet tall. Although they have many features of humans, they are equipped with a canine like nose and large ears and hands. The troll-like Pukwudgies lurk in the woods of New England. If annoyed, they can lash out and attack, but sometimes they just prefer to cause panic and mischief.

Pukwudgies are gifted with many different magical powers and abilities. A few being the ability to appear and disappear at will, the ability to create fire, and the ability to use disorientation and magic to lure victims to their death. They also have the ability to shapeshift into a walking porcupine or a cougar. Their preferred weapons are poison arrows and blunt, short knives.

For those that follow J.K. Rowling’s ever-unfolding world of witchcraft, you may be aware that the North American school, Ilvermorny, has a house named after this mischievous imp.