duende
A small spirit in Spanish and Latin American stories that is often tricky or protective
- noun
- /dwenˈdeɪ/
- Literature
:
duende
- Children often believe that a duende protects their village from misfortune and brings good luck.
Examples
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Dear Duende,
Blog text (30) -
The artist claimed that her inspiration came from a duende that guided her during the creative process.
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But what has to control the demon of the duende is what I'm concerned with.
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In Spanish folklore, a duende is often depicted as a playful spirit that hides in the shadows.
Synonyms
An animal or spirit thought to protect a person
is a small folklore spirit not tied to a single person
Surface Forms
Etymology
Duende comes from Spanish and was used for a small home 'spirit' or goblin, and one popular story says the word may come from an old phrase meaning 'owner of the house'. So, in folk tales a duende is a little, often mischievous or protective spirit that can live in a house or the forest.