puca
1
9.9
A spirit from Irish stories that can change shape and cause trouble
- noun
- /ˈpuːkə/
- Literature
:
puca
- Legend says that a puca can appear as a horse or goat to scare people away from its territory.
- puca and faeries
- puca power
Examples
-
You've got the Puca from Celtic mythology.
-
In Irish folklore, a puca is known for causing mischief and can change its shape.
-
The puca is a mischievous spirit that often enjoys playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A mischievous spirit from Irish stories that often appears as an animal
is more about changing form and causing playful trouble
1
9.9
A small mischievous spirit that plays tricks on people at night
is the living Irish trickster spirit rather than an archaic name
1
7.4
A fairy who wants to harm people or cause trouble
is a shape changing trickster from Irish tales not merely a harmful being
9.9
A mischievous spirit from Celtic stories that appears as an animal and plays tricks
is specific to Irish folklore and often changes shape to cause trouble
Surface Forms
Etymology
Puca comes from the Irish word púca, which means a 'mischievous spirit' that can change shape. It is like the English character Puck, a trick-making creature, so puca today means a shape-changing, trouble-making being in Irish stories.