Hinzelmann

[
Hudemühlen Castle.] Hinzelmann (sometimes called Luring) was a kobold in the mythology of northern Germany. According to legend, he was a household spirit of ambivalent nature, similar to Puck or Robin Goodfellow, who could provide good luck and perform household tasks, but become malicious if not appeased.

Hinzelmann, it was said, usually took the form of a child in red velvet (when he took any form whatsoever), but his true form (as he once showed a maid, who instantly passed out) was that of a small child, around four years of age, stabbed and slashed with two swords. Hinzelmann was best known for haunting the castle Hudemühlen, after being discovered in 1584. Legends hold that he haunted it for four years, at first shyly, later conversing and jesting openly with all inhabitants of the house (including the master).

Pop culture

Hinzelmann is a critical character in the novel "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman.

External links

* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm087.htm Hinzelmann] , "Sacred Texts" website