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duende

duende

1 9.9
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

  • Dear Duende,

    Blog text (30)
  • The artist claimed that her inspiration came from a duende that guided her during the creative process.

  • But what has to control the demon of the duende is what I'm concerned with.

  • In Spanish folklore, a duende is often depicted as a playful spirit that hides in the shadows.

Synonyms

nagual
vsduende
  • Literature
1 9.9

An animal or spirit thought to protect a person

is a small folklore spirit not tied to a single person

Surface Forms

duende singular
duendes plural

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.