The Phookas

Phookas

"Phookas (pook-ahs) are the hobgoblins of Ireland. These nasty faeries

delight in working harm to human beings, especially to children and crops.

The phookas lay claim to any crop which is not harvested by Samhain eve,

and to risk cutting a plant after this time is to invite these dangerous faeries

into your life. In spite, for taking what they believe is theirs, they have

been known to kill herd animals, particularly cattle. In Ireland a cow which

has died mysteriously is sometimes said to have "poofed" or "pooked,"

a term derived from belief in phookas.

Phookas, unlike most of the solitary faeries of Ireland, are trooping faeries,

though these particular creatures tend to run in destructive packs. They are

said to be extremely ugly and ill-tempered and to have frequent quarrels

among themselves. They especially love human babies and are always on

the lookout for a newborn which they can steal. In its place they leave a

changeling, or faery baby. One remedy for this is to play garlic or dill weed

in the baby's crib, and not to call the child by his or her truthful name

until it is six months old. When a baby is a helpless newborn, it is

especially vulnerable, therefore many Wittans give their child a craft

name, or true name, which they keep secret until their coming of age."¹

"Land of Origin: Ireland.

Other Origins: Wales & Scandinavia. It is possible that the Phooka was

originally a Nordic faery who was brought to Ireland where it retains

its strongest identification.

Other Names: They are known as Kornbockes in Scandinavia, where they

have the bodies of goats, and Bookhas or Bwcas in Wales, where they have

the bodies of horses or pigs and a more pranksterish nature.

Element: Air.

Appearance & Temperament: Phookas are the Hobgoblins of Ireland.

They have heads resembling human males, but the bodies of horses. They

can fly for limited distances, though they have no wings. Phookas are trooping

faeries who run in destructive packs. They are said to be extremely ugly

and ill-tempered and to have frequent quarrels among themselves. The Irish

Phookas have never been known to enter human homes, but the Welsh

Bookhas have been known to come in through chimneys.

The Kornbockes of Scandinavia and Germany tend to be helpful on occasion

and will actually help in the growing of their favorite grain, corn, for which

they were named. But they are not averse to stealing or spoiling if they

feel the inclination.

Time Most Active: Samhain to Bealtaine, especially at night.

Where to Find Them: Unknown.

How to Contact: CONTACT NOT ADVISED!!

Magickal & Ritual Help: None."º

¹Taken from Witta~An Irish Pagan Tradition (click to purchase)

ºTaken from A Witches Guide to Faery Folk (click to purchase)