Coblynau and Bwca
Coblynau
activity in Wales. So, it is not
surprising that there are mining faeries
in Welsh tradition. The Coblynau, similar
to the Knockers of Germany, may be heard "knocking"--
their picks and axes uncovering wealthy ore deposits.
It is believed that their presence is
a good omen, since the location of their
mining usually precedes the discovery of ore there.
They are said to dress in red,
"like British soldiers", with red handkerchiefs
spotted with yellow wound about their heads.
They are almost as big as ordinary men, but
have the unmistakable appearance of dwarves.
And they have been known to gather in fields and dance wildly,
somewhat in the manner of Morris-dancers.
Bwca
the Welsh are no different.
The Bwca are the brownies of Wales,
but they have somewhat nastier tempers than their cousins elswhere.
Typically, they appear as tiny, shaggy-looking
men with wrinkled brown skin. They stand approximately
twenty-five inches tall, and are usually naked.
Sometimes, they will be clothed, however, all in brown tatters.
They like to adopt houses to look after, not unlike most brownies.
Coming out at night, they will finish small chores
and look after the cattle.
However, their nasty tempers have been earned because
they are prone to tantrums if their work
is criticized or if they are not paid properly,
with a small bowl of cream or good milk and a honey cake.
If one leaves them clothes, they will find this offensive
as well, and may either throw a fit or simply leave.
They despise tattle-tales and people with long noses,
and will plague lazy servants.
