The bauchan (Scottish: bòcan[1] English: bauchan, buckawn or bogan[2]) is a type of domestic hobgoblin in Scottish folklore. It is often mischievous and sometimes dangerous, but is also very helpful when the need arises.[2]
Folklore
[edit]John Francis Campbell in his Popular Tales of the West Highlands tells the story of Callum Mor MacIntosh whose farm in Lochaber was haunted by a bauchan. The relationship between Callum and the bauchan was noted as being contradictory in nature. While the bauchan was belligerent and combative, he often provided assistance in various farm-related tasks. When Callum emigrated to New York City the bauchan went with him and helped him clear his new plot of land. In this tale the bauchan is a shapeshifter and is able to transform into a goat.[2][3]
Fiction
[edit]The character "Buckeye" is a bauchan in the fantasy novel The Haunted Wizard (1999) by Christopher Stasheff.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ James MacKillop. "bòcan." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved May 11, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com: "Bòcan – Dictionary definition of bòcan | Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary". Archived from the original on 2011-09-12. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
- ^ a b c Briggs, Katharine (1976). An Encyclopedia of Fairies. Pantheon Books. p. 19. ISBN 0394409183.
- ^ Campbell, John Francis (1896). Popular tales of the West Highlands: orally collected, Volume 2. Vol. II. Edmonston and Douglas.
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