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Boggart
A malevolent household spirit that causes things to disappear, milk to sour, and dogs to go lame. Once it attaches to a family, it follows them if they move. There is no escape from a boggart.
Ancient - Present
Northern England
500+ witnesses
The Boggart is a malevolent household spirit from Northern English folklore.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Boggart:
- Is a household spirit
- Causes mischief and harm
- Makes things disappear
- Cannot be escaped
- Follows families who flee
Behavior
A Boggart will:
- Sour milk
- Make dogs lame
- Hide objects
- Pull bedclothes off sleepers
- Cause nightmares
- Create bad luck
The Famous Story
The classic tale:
- A family tormented by a boggart
- Decided to move house
- While loading the cart
- The boggart spoke from a churn
- “Aye, we’re flitting today!”
- They stayed, knowing escape was futile
Appearance
Usually invisible, but if seen:
- Small, dark creature
- Hairy and ugly
- Malevolent expression
- Changing forms
- Sometimes just shadow
Living with a Boggart
Tips for coexistence:
- Don’t anger it further
- Leave it small offerings
- Name it (this might calm it)
- Never directly confront it
- Accept your fate
Related Creatures
Similar to:
- Brownies (if they turn bad)
- Poltergeists
- Hobgoblins
- Bwbach (Welsh)
- Various house spirits