Analysis of Puca

Analysis of Puca

  • Submitted By: masior
  • Date Submitted: 12/29/2008 7:37 PM
  • Category: Miscellaneous
  • Words: 932
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 450

I found out that Puca is defined as a mythological fairy or mischievious fairy spirit. Puca is a widespread and known folk-lore character. It is known in alot of different cultures. In the French culture it is known as Pouque, in Irish lands he is known as Phooka. In British folk-lore he might take the shape of a black dog ghost, in Welsh culture he is known as Pwca. Known as Bucca in Cornish, which is a celtic language. The origin of the word can be linked to Celtic culture; it is also linked to a word from the southwesterly UK county of Cornwall, which is Pixies, or Piskies.

According to the legend, Puca is an avid shape changer and can morph into many different things. It's most usual shapes are a horse, rabbit, goblin, goat or a dog. Whatever Puca changes into the hue of the fur is always dark. The most common shape of Puca is a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and glowing yellow eyes. Supposedly, many an adventurer has been enticed to ride Puca when he is a horse. On many accounts none of the riders have been harmed, but they have been given a wild ride. Another mythical creature from Celtic legend is a Kelpie. A Kelpie is a shape-shifting water horse that seems like a lost pony, but when ridden it will take the rider to the closest river, drown and devour them. They can be identified by their dripping black or white fur. They also go by a multitude of names, such as: Nuggle, Shoopiltee, Njogel, Tangi, Cabbyl-Ushtey, Glashtin, Backahasten, Nokken, Nykur, Nennin and Each Uisge.

Puca is richly tied in with agriculture and many celebrations. In the third Pagan Harvest Festival held on Samhain (November), which celebrates the last of the crops being brought in; anything not brought in is deemed inedible. It is deemed inedible because it is considered "fairy-blasted", and a small portion called "Puka's Share" is usually left for the creature. During this festival is when Puca is expected to act in a civil manner. Althought in other cultures Puca is...

Similar Essays