Also called Spriggan.
The tale
Spriggans are ugly, bad-tempered fairies of west Cornwall, guarding the treasure buried under cairns, cromlechs and the old hill castles. They could swell to giant size, and some said they were the ghosts of the old giants. They were blamed for storms that wrecked crops, for robberies, and for stealing children.
When they are met
- at ancient stones and hill forts
- at night
Staying on their good side
- never dig for treasure at old sites
- leave the stones undisturbed
- show respect when visiting
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Visit Cornish ancient sites respectfully and take nothing away.
- Remember that such places are protected by law as well as by legend.
What their tales teach
- the tales teach respect for ancient sites
- the cost of greed
Symbols
- cairns and cromlechs
- the hill-top castle
- the storm
Sources
- Hunt, Popular Romances of the West of England
- Bottrell, Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall
More Celtic folklore
- The Banshee The keening woman of the fairy mound
- Selkies The seal folk who come ashore
- The Púca The shape-shifter of November
- The Aos Sí The people of the fairy mounds
- The Kelpie The water horse of the lochs
- The Tylwyth Teg The Fair Family of Wales
- Leprechaun The solitary fairy shoemaker
- Clurichaun The fairy of the wine cellar