List of creatures from The Spiderwick Chronicles

This is a list of creatures from The Spiderwick Chronicles as recorded in the published version of Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. The human characters in the books refer to the creatures as "fairies" or "fey" and mostly see them as dangerous and fearful. Faeries are portrayed as living in our world alongside humans, though hiding their identity through invisibility and trickery.

Around the House and Yard

From helpful Brownies to troublesome Boggarts, mysterious Changelings to thieving Pixies, fiery Salamanders to baffling Stray Sod, the Faeries that are closest to Humans in proximity are not always the friendliest.

Brownies (Family: Homunculidae)

These kindly and dependable creatures (also called Lobs, Hobs or, if female, Silkies) attach themselves to Human households, where they help with chores and protect the well-being of people living on "their" land.

Fiercely loyal, Brownies will defend a home and its surrounding estate from burglars and Goblins. They live somewhere on the land they protect, perhaps in an abandoned barn, an unused closet or within the walls. Despite their love of cleanliness, Brownies are rather shabby in appearance, often going shoeless or wholly unclothed. Even so, they expect no payment other than scraps of food and a bowl of milk left out at night; in fact, further gifts are likely to induce adverse effects.

Shuffling sounds at night can be a sign of a Brownie; the careful observer May Be able to spy one at work if he or she can sneak up quietly enough. Even if not actually seen, the Brownie may disappear in the middle of completing a task, leaving proof in the form of half-finished mopping or partially washed dishes.

Unusual organization of items is also common in houses with Brownies. A Brownie may alphabetize books by the middle initial of the author's names or file records by the titles of favorite songs.

Industrious themselves, even the gentlest of Brownies hates laziness in others. If taken advantage of, or otherwise ill-used, the Brownie may become a Boggart. (Compare to Boggart, Leprechaun and Knocker)

Example Species

  • Common House Brownie, Custos domesticus

Boggarts (Family: Homunculidae)

Abuse of a Brownie, either through neglect of chores, a failure to leave out food or deliberate insult, will turn it into a Boggart.

Also known as Bogans or Bogies, Boggarts delight in tormenting those they once protected and will cause milk to sour, doors to slam, dogs to go lame and other mischief.

Boggarts particularly like to steal food and to hide household items like keys and socks. More common than Brownies, Boggarts reside in many houses and workplaces. This may be the result of decades of improper treatment of Brownies, which were once far more prevalent.

As loyal as Brownies, Boggarts are almost impossible to get rid of. Many families have fled from a house tormented by a Boggart only to find the Boggart fleeing with them.

Boggarts are sometimes confused with Poltergeists because both terrorize households. And as both GeneRally remain unseen, it can be hard to tell the difference. Listen carefully after something goes awry; if muffled laughter is heard, a Boggart is the likely culprit. (Compare to Brownie and Hobgoblin)

Example Species

  • Common House Boggart, Custos domesticus

Changelings (Family: Circulifestidae)

Changelings are Creatures from the Invisible World that have taken on the form of a Human, usually a child, while that person is carried to live among the Faeries. Elves and Pixies are most commonly the culprits, either leaving behind one of their own to grow up among mortals or leaving behind a piece of wood enchanted to look like the mortal that was stolen. Sometimes the Changeling will fake its own death or mysteriously disappear in order to rejoin its own family (now one member larger with the addition of a Human brother or sister).

There are various methods of protecting a child from being stolen: leaving open iron scissors where the child sleeps (dangerous and not recommended), placing a key on the child's blankets, turning the father's trousers inside-out and hanging them over the cradle or stringing bundles of rowan and garlic along the sides of the infant's bed. Despite the abundance of methods, however, few are employed today.

Changelings often have distinct characteristics that set them apart from their children. They may have a tail, a hunched back or a withered appearance, even if very young. They may also develop a grayish or greenish tone to their skin. A Changeling will also eat differently from a regular child. Although they can consume enormous quantities, some are very picky and occasionally refuse to eat anything but uncooked vegetables or flowers. Their hair and nails grow long quite quickly, adding to the strangeness of the Changeling's overall appearance. Perhaps the unnaturally swift growth is due to the difficulties with aligning a Human body to a Faerie passage of time.

The Fey Folk cry and laugh at inappropriate times and say unexpected and strange things. A person that speaks entirely in SingSong or riddles is probably a Changeling.

Changelings have been known to try to lure their Human "family" into the hands of their Faerie family. Beware if asked to go on a moonlit walk through the woods with a family member that has been behaving strangely.

To win back your stolen family member, you should catch the Changeling and return it to the Faerie mound where it came from. If this proves impossible, you can threaten the Changeling with iron, which has the same effect on Changelings as it does on all Creatures of the Invisible World. Although in some of the old stories the Changeling is thrown on a fire or burned with a hot poker, it is unlikely that such an action would go unpunished.

Occasionally a Changeling will grow up with a mortal family and his or her odd characteristics will diminish, until even the Faerie forgets that it is not a Human. (Compare to Pixie and Elf)

Example Species

  • Elven Changeling, Hamadryas nemorivagans

Pixies (Family: Pusillipraedonidae)

Tricksy By Nature, Pixies particularly delight in tormenting Humans. For this reason, they can be found living in suburban and rural areas, and sometimes even in the parks of cities, any greensward, basically, where people are frequent.

Ranging between 2 feet and the height of a Human child, Pixies (also known as Piskies) make their homes in the hollows of logs, lean-tos formed by felled trees, and in gardens. Unlike Boggarts and Brownies, Pixies never live inside houses, preferring to dwell outdoors. They sometimes can be spotted alone but are more commonly found in groups of three to five. Their desire is to dwell in groups place them in the trooping category within the Invisible World.

Due to their prankish nature, Pixies are unremarkable in coloring. Their clothing is usually natural in tone, all the better for hiding themselves as they wait for someone to fall into their next trap.

Like many Faeries, Pixies dislike rude, greedy and cruel people and often single them out to be the victims of their pranks. Pixies are particularly known for knotting hair, leading people astray and pinching skin black and blue. Pixies also have a fondness for stealing horses.

An excellent sign of Pixie presence is small items going missing. Of particular interest to Pixies are thimbles, pincushions, toothpicks, eating utensils, paper clips and straight pins. If you are lucky enough to discover a Pixie's lair, you will be surprised at the array of things they've "borrowed".

If a Dog barks for no reason while staring at an empty spot along a fence or a Cat chases something unseen in a garden, it is very likely that the yard in question is infested with Pixies. There is, however, a way to be sure. Simply take a clod of grassy dirt and turn it grass-side down. If, when you return later on, it has been flipped back, there are definitely Pixies in the area. (Compare to Brownies, Boggarts and Stray Sod)

Example Species

  • Field Piskie, Hamadryas campensis

Salamanders (Family: Flammieuntidae)

The Salamander is a tiny, deceptively agreeable Creature resembling its amphibious namesake. It can withstand extreme heat and when threatened, the Salamander will ignite, creating a white-hot flame around its body. Regardless, its skin is cool no matter how hot the temperature around it.

The Fire Salamander can be found in damp places or in woodpiles, although it has also been spotted near volcanoes. It gives off the odor of sulfur and is believed to secrete poison so terrible that it burns whatever it touches.

Salamanders are sought by alchemists because they are an integral component for turning lead into gold. They are also sought for their pelts, since the skins can be used to make flame-retardant gloves. Although swift, a Salamander can be caught with tongs and kept in an iron box.

Example Species

  • Fire Salamander, Salamander flammulaticus

Stray Sod (Family: Herbiformidae)

The Stray Sod is a troublesome Creature whose entire purpose seems to be leading travelers astray. These Faeries wander AbOUT in open fields and grassy areas and can occur in large numbers. Many consider the Stray Sod to be a subspecies of the Pixie. Others suppose that Stray Sod are not Pixies at all but are created by Magic. If this is so, it is unclear if Stray Sod are aware of their effect on Humans.

If a Human inadvertently steps on a Stray Sod, that person loses all sense of direction. The disorientation takes effect the instant a foot is placed on the Creature's back and lasts for hours. Victims have been known to wander around their own neighborhood with no hope of finding their way. Landmarks appear missing or in the wrong places, roads look unfamiliar and everything is strange. People have even become lost in their own front yards.

Eventually the effect wears off; however, the spell can be broken immediately by turning clothing inside out or by carrying a piece of bread in a pocket.

Example Species

  • Wandering Clump, Caespes ridiculous
  • Stray Sod, Caespes aberrans
  • Stray Tuft, Caespes insignificans

In Fields and Forests

From Elves inside their hollow hills to Leprechauns working with their needles, from vicious Manticores to Cockatrices hunting for prey, from Treefolk bending with the wind to Sprites buzzing through the air and Unicorns running through vast tracts of woodland, the fantastical Creatures of the fields and forests are as varied and fascinating as nature itself.

Cockatrices (Family: Serpentigentidae)

The Cockatrice can cause death with a single glance. Reports indicate that anything catching sight of the lethal Bird's eyes is turned instantly to stone. But just as deadly is their poisonous saliva, which can fell even an Elephant.

Also known as a Basilisk, a Cockatrice has the head and feet of a Cockerel and the tail of a Serpent. The Cockatrice is believed to be to product of a 7-year-old Cockerel's egg, laid during a full moon and then hatched for 9 years by a Serpent or a Toad.

There are a few ways to protect oneself from a Cockatrice. One is to carry something reflective (Like a mirror) and turn the Creature's gaze back on it. Another is keep either a Weasel or Cockerel nearby. The Weasel is said to be the mortal enemy of the Cockatrice, but the crowing of the Cockerel is even more effective, causing the Cockatrice to have fatal fits and to thrash itself to death.

Example Species

  • European Cockatrice, Basiliscus europeanus
  • False Cockatrice, (Scientific Name Unknown)

Elves (Family: Circulifestidae)

Elves are capricious by nature, and few rules govern their long lives. They are fond of circular dances, feasting, singing and gaming and are most likely to be spotted when engaged in one of these activities. Sometimes, for amusement, Elves will lure Humans into dancing with them o tasting some of their food. In both cases, the Humans will lose all track of time and be trapped unless rescued.

If one hears music coming from seemingly uninhabited woods or from underneath hills, chances are the area is inhabited by Elves. Elven music is thought to be the source of many great human compositions, but hearing it can also bring on madness.

When walking through the woods, one should pay special attention to hills that are ringed with thorns or are close to streams. Walking around such a hill, one might notice places where the ground is sunken. Travelers should beware these hollow hills, as they are likely to be the dwelling places of Elves.

Elves are governed by regional monarchies where the queen has greater authority than the king. Each "court" is said to be either Unseelie (if composed primarily of malevolent Elves) or Seelie (if composed primarily of benevolent Elves).

The monarchs lead mounted parades on May Eve, Midsummer Eve and November Eve. Although people do sometimes see these trooping Elves, more often the only evidence is a strong wind that sweeps past and disappears.

Example Species

  • Wood Elf, Dryas nemorivagans

Leprechauns (Family: Ingeniosidae)

Leprechauns (also sometimes called Clurichauns) are the diligent craftspeople of Faeries, tirelessly toiling at leatherworking and cobbling. They spend most of their time in their forest workplaces, although they do sometimes winter the cellars of Human homes, particularly ones where food is stored. Many people have entered their basements in the spring to find shelves filled only with empty cans and bottles because of a Leprechaun.

Although known for their INCredible shoemaking skills, Leprechauns have a variety of other talents, including tailoring clothing, building homes and fashioning tools. They can forge horseshoes and will sometimes shob unusual beasts, such as Goats and the occasional cat. They may also ride these animals as though they were steeds.

Leprechauns are known for possessing gold they earn through their craft and must often employ a host of tricks to keep from being cheated, matching wits with their would-be robbers. One way Leprechauns dupe thieves is by revealing the location of their treasure and then making sure it cannot be found again. If a thief marks the location by [...] a notch on a tree, he or she will return to find a similar notch on every tree in the forest. If a person digs a hole, they will find holes dug for miles around. And even if a Leprechaun's treasure is obtained, if it is out of sight for a moment, it is likely to lose its luster. Gold may turn into leaves and gems might become dull pebbles in a thief's pocket. Leprechauns, like other Faeries, never forget when they have been wronged.

Example Species

  • Old-World Leprechaun, Jutor vetus

Manticores (Family: Bestiadae)

Originally documented in Persia, the feared, man-eating Manticore, or Manticora, has been sighted in places as varied as the jungles of Brazil and Indonesia and, more rarely, the forests of North America and Europe. With the body of a Lion and a tail of poisonous spines that some reports indicate can be shot like arrows, a Manticore is a lethal predator. It eats its victims whole, using its triple rows of teeth, and leaves no bones behind.

A Manticore's face is said to resemble a Human's and travelers through marshes have reported mistaking a Manticore for a bearded man from a distance.

Manticores have a melodious call, like the lower notes on a flute blown together with a trumpet. Despite the beauty of the sound, most Animals know to flee when they hear it. Humans would do well to follow their lead.

Example Species

  • Manticore, Mantigor mantigor

Sprites (Family: Cordimundidae)

Dazzling in color and about the size of large insect, Sprites have glistening membranous wings. In fact, they are often confused with exotic Insects or flowers at first glance.

Considered by many to be the most common type of Faerie, they live in deep woods and make their homes high in the branches of trees. They particularly love to live in forests inhabited by Treefolk other Fey. If Sprites are spotted, you can be sure you are in an area with a high concentration of Faerie activity.

Sprites travel in swarms and can bite if provoked. At night their bodies give off a faint glow that can have them mistaken for Fireflies, which, along with other flying Insects and small birds, they are fond of riding.

Petals and blooms missing from healthy plants may be due to Sprites plucking them for clothing. Sprites can also cause Plants to bloom in the middle of winter and are the nurturers of the strange fruits that Faeries delight in.

In forests with Sprites, you may find the hollowed-out acorns they use as cups, dandelion-tuft mattresses and hats made from folded leaves. (Compare to Will-o’-the-Wisps)

Example Species

  • Ala florida
  • Orchis regalis
  • Puella dumetae
  • Calx diabolicus
  • Pinna papilionis
  • Magnificent Sprite, Corium ala'''
  • Scarabaeus imitator
  • Gryllus barbatus
  • Surculigens
  • Orchis communis
  • Desultor agilis
  • Petasus floridus

Treefolk (Family: Hamadryadidae)

Although all trees are magical and many are scared to Faeries, only a few trees are sentient. These are treemen and treewomen. Treefolk can take on a humanoid shape and move a short distance from their tree, or, in extreme cases, uproot the entire tree and use the roots as a shuffling form of locomotion. In their humanoid form, Treefolk are often described as resembling their tree, so that an Apple treewoman might have green hair and brownish skin while an Elder treeman might have eyes as purply black as berries.

Obvious expression on a tree, composed of knotholes and strange permutations of the bark, is a sign that the tree may contain a spirit. Also check around prominent trees for roots that are above the ground. Lastly look for loose dirt and overturned Moss.

Treefolk are likely to grow at the center of a Faerie ring, to be a lone tree on a hillside or the oldest tree in a grove, to grow beside a welling spring, or to be one of two intertwined trees. Treefolk will die if they are cut down, although some linger on as spirits to haunt those that caused their demise.

Oak, Ash, Single Thorn and female Holly Treefolk are thought to be protective. Oak trees are particularly sacred to Faeries and have the greatest likelihood of sentience. Of the protective Treefolk, the most powerful is the Mountain Ash, also known as Rowan. It may be considered so protective because of its red berries, which the female Holly shares. Treefolk of these types are the most likely to be friendly in nature.

The Holly treeman, by contrast, is considered malevolent. Also considered dangerous are Hawthorn Treefolk that occur in groups of three or more. Although Elder Trees are thought to be protective, their Treefolk behave ambivalently. Elder Treefolk are quite common. If blood-like sap seeps from their wood when it is cut, it is thought to be very proof of their sentience.

Hazel Treefolk are thought to be very wise and can impart wisdom to those that eat their nuts. Even eating the flesh of an Animal that has eaten Hazel nuts from a sentient tree is enough to gain wisdom. Likewise, Apple Treefolk are thought to give power and youth to those who eat their apples. Sleeping under an Apple Tree is dangerous business, however as one risks being carried away by Faeries.

Example Species

  • Maple Hamadryad, Hamadryas aceris

Unicorns (Family: Monoceratidae)

Revered for centuries as one of the most magical of all Creatures, the Unicorn is perhaps best known for its healing qualities]. The touch of a Unicorn will cure disease and purify liquids. For this reason, Unicorns were hunted and slain. Cups, plates and utensils that could render poison harmless were carved from Unicorn horns. Shoes and belts of Unicorn hide cured fevers, and the ground-up liver of a Unicorn was believed to cure a myriad of illnesses.

Named for the single, twisting horn on their brows, Unicorns have slender, Deer-like bodies, long necks and tails that end in a puff of fur. Unicorns are solitary Creatures, each one staking out a large tract of land and meeting only for the purpose of mating.

Despite their beneficent nature, Unicorns are formidable when concerned. They are exceedingly fast and their horns are very sharp, making them a match for lions and even Dragons.

Example Species

  • Unicorn, Unicornatus cristatus

In Lakes, Streams and the Sea

From Trolls and Kelpies in their freshwater lairs to Nixies in their streams and Merfolk and Sea Serpents in the vast ocean, water Faeries can be as fierce as the current and are often just as dangerous.

Kelpies (Family: Equidae)

A ghastly water spirit that assumes the form of a grayish black Horse, the Kelpie drowns then devours anyone who attempts to ride it.

It is often spotted wandering along the shores of rivers or lakes, appearing to be a lost Pony. It can be identified by its constantly dripping mane and by its skin, which is like a Seal's but cold to the touch.

The Kelpie can be heard wailing before a storm and can cause water to rise high enough to flood.

If you manage to brindle a Kelpie, it can be forced to do your bidding, but woe betides you should it slip its harness. (Compare to Phooka)

Example Species

  • Lake Kelpie, Equus carnivorous

Merfolk (Family: Sirenidae)

Although stunningly gorgeous as they are dangerous, Merfolk live in loosely structured kingdoms deep in the sea, but occasionally their natural curiosity causes them to near the shore.

Although usually seen at night out on their jetties or even sometimes on the soft sand of the beaches, they have been spotted in daylight, resting on rocky outcroppings. They have also been found trapped in tidal pools when the sea changes.

Merfolk are at their most helpless out of water. Even though their dual-function lungs can breathe air, their silvery scales dry out with overexposure to the sun.

Although Merfolk are very beautiful, it is not safe to approach them. Land people and sea people have been at odds since earliest recorded memory. With pollution increasing and more aquatic species hunted to extinction, Merfolk are even less likely to consider a land-dweller as a potential friend.

Merfolk differ widely in coloration, sharing the distinctive characteristics of Fish of their region. Male Merfolk, known as mermen, are rare and solitary Creatures except during the mating season. They can easily be distinguished from the mermaids by their larger size.

As with any culture, Merfolk leave behind a significant amount of artifacts that can be found around their habitats. Small piles of discarded Shellfish may well be evidence of a Merperson coming ashore to dine. Sea People are unused to cooking, so there will be no sign of a fire and there may be some sharp object nearby that was used to pry the food open.

You may come upon sheets of seaweed drying along the shoreline. Merfolk weave a crude kind of fabric from it, called seaweed cloth, that is used for garments, rope and even baskets.

Merfolk tools are made from bone, discarded land glass, or the sharp teeth of Sharks, but never iron. These tools are often bound at one end with Eel skin.

You may find seashells or pieces of Coral with small holes in them. These are from necklaces Merpeople wear around their necks and sometimes loop along their tails.

The evidence of Merfolk is especially strong if the shell is not native to your beaches. Merfolk have been known to travel great distances and often lose or discard things along the way.

Example Species

  • Pacific Sea-Maid, Siren pacificus
  • Atlantic Sea King, Siren atlanticus
  • Caribbean Mermaid, Siren caribbaeanus

Nixies (Family: Naiadidae)

Guardians of freshwater pools and streams, Nixies (also called Naiads and Nixes) are bound to the body of water in which they dwell.

They are most commonly spotted alone and can be identified by the liquid continuously streaming from their hair and clothes as well as the greenish sheen of their skin. Nixies are amphibious and, unlike mermaids, they have long legs rather than a tail.

Nixies love music and dancing. Look for instruments made from reeds, especially pipes, near the banks of streams. Unlike their Merfolk cousins, they are very curious about land-dwellers. They are bound to their body of water and, much like Treefolk may only venture a little way from their trees, can only venture a short distance from their pools. Therefore, they rely on other Faeries to bring them information.

Occasionally Nixies will lure a Human into their pools, but they are usually more interested in company than in drowning their visitor. (Compare to Treefolk)

Example Species

  • Freshwater Nixie, Nympha nymphae

Sea Serpents (Family: Serpentimaridae)

These scourges of the high seas are powerful and massive constrictors with flat heads, and bodies that coil around Whales and ships, crushing their ribs. Unlike land Snakes; however, Sea Serpents have many rows of long, sharp teeth. In the Deep sea, they have been reported as growing to the length of a suspension bridge and are capable of creating maelstroms with the lashing of their tails and freak waves (sometimes called rogue waves or, ironically, monster waves) by surfacing close to a boat.

In shallower water, Sea Serpents may curl up and wait for prey. After coiling around an Animal's legs, they will drag their victims out to sea. In deeper water, Sea Serpents usually swim in an undulating manner, like an Eel, but certain species swim with their bodies vertical to the surface, distinguishing themselves as much smaller Fish. This method allows them to dart up easily and swallow prey whole.

Crushed pieces of boats washed ashore are possible signs of a Sea Serpent. Look also for hooked teeth too large for a Shark, or a long shed skin in the shape of a tube.

Example Species

  • North Atlantic Sea Serpent, Serpens marinus

Trolls (Family: Nocturnidae)

Trolls are afflicted with a ravenous and never-ending hunger that leads them to devour whole flocks of livestock. In particular they have a taste for Sheep, but they will eat whatever they can catch.

Trolls can survive extreme weather conditions and therefore tend to settle as far as possible from Human settlements. Nocturnal by necessity since sunlight will turn them instantly to stone, Trolls are more common to the far north, where it is dark for months at a time.

Water Trolls live primarily in or near freshwater and usually make their home in a makeshift nest of rushes and mud along the banks of a bog or deep river. Bridges are also good places to build beneath as they provide shade even in the winter months.

As soon as a Troll moves into a new lake or river, it begins evacuating stones and debris to keep the channels deep enough for it to move about easily. Greater depths allow it safety from the sun, as Trolls are able to hold their breath for hours on end.

Though they appear brutish, Trolls can communicate in the local tongue and are skilled at word games. There are reports of Trolls carrying off captives for reasons other than hunger. One northern species, Bauer's Troll, has even been recorded as deceiving Humans into believing it can live in accord with them. People would do well to recall that Trolls are malicious opportunists always on the lookout for their next meal.

Example Species

  • River Troll, Vorax flumineus
  • Bauer's Troll, Vorax baurensis

In the Hills and Mountains

From Giants as large as hills to Dwarves that reside beneath them, from Goblins and Hobgoblins scavenging the land for food to knockers deep in mines and Ogres in their abandoned estates, the Faeries of the hills and forests are as old as the bones of the Earth.

Dwarves (Family: Brevihominidae)

Dwarves are a diminutive race of Faeries that live in mountains and deep forests. Since they are primarily subterranean by nature, most avoid bright light (including sunlight), and some are even nocturnal.

Young Dwarves have a harsh, stone-like appearance that supports the theory they are carved from rock rather than born. As Dwarves become older, their skin becomes finer and more polished, sometimes resembling marble. Dwarves can shift form to become a Tree stump or stone, but if you look closely, you may be able to see their features in the wood or rock.

While the Elves appear to behave like the aristocracy of Faerie, idling away their days, Dwarves are hard workers with strength far greater than their size. Like Elves, however, they value bravery and loyalty and will punish those that ridicule or trick them.

Mountain climbers will sometimes find rings or other odd items along ledges or in shallow caves. They may also occasionally hear the clanging of these eternal laborers.

Master craftsmen, Dwarves can forge any metal and make fine weapons that will never lose their sharpness. Because they lead very long lives, the death of other, less enduring things is a continuous source of sadness and many of their creations are an attempt to improve on nature.

Example Species

  • Northern Quarry Dwarf, Fossor borealis

Giants (Family: Gigantidae)

These lumbering brutes hibernate for most of their adult lives, sleeping for so long that their backs become densely forested. That, coupled with the fact that they can grow as large as hills and are often indistinguishable from the landscape, means it's entirely possible for a person to walk across the back of a sleeping Giant and not even know it.

Highly territorial, Giants seldom form attachments. Although normally placid, they can turn quite violent of roused. When Giants take over new terrain, they will raze it to the ground, creating forest fires as a means of staking their claim. Giant territory is marked by unusual land formations: lakes in the shapes of footprints, trees knocked over without apparent cause, hills made entirely of dung and boulders strewn where they were hurled in sport or fury.

Example Species

  • Eastern Hill Giant, Gigas orientalis
  • Mountain Giant, Gigas ouraenus

Goblins (Family: Adentidae)

Malicious and grotesque, a single Goblin is a nuisance, but in large numbers they can be quite dangerous. Goblins travel in roving bands that scavenge for food and hunt smaller prey. They make their homes in rocky outcroppings, caves, or even in ditches along the sides of roads.

Their pranks run from distasteful to depraved. The rare Goblin that is mischievous but good-natured is known as a Hobgoblin.

Most Goblin species are born without teeth. They must find substitutes, either the teeth of other Animals, or sharp objects like glass, rocks or metals other than iron.

There are many signs to look for if you suspect Goblin Folk are in the vicinity. Cats, Dogs and other small domesticated Animals going missing is a tell-tale sign, as Goblins will capture and eat them. Nightmares, especially of being chased, are another indication. For some reason, Goblins have this effect on Humans.

Certain types of Goblin species haunt battlefields where many soldiers have fallen. They soak their hats in the blood of the slain and in that of their own victims. Appropriately, they are called Redcaps.

Example Species

  • Common Ground Goblin, Diabolus vulgaris
  • Greater Bull Goblin, Diabolus invidiosus
  • Spitting Hog Goblin, (Scientific Name Unknown)

Hobgoblins (Family: Amicidiabolidae)

Similar to Goblins in appearance, Hobgoblins, or Hobs as they are sometimes called, are a less malicious and more mischievous type of Faerie.

Friendly and sometimes even helpful, Hobgoblins still have a penchant for pranks that can range from annoying to infuriating. They are most fond of stealing trinkets and food, but they also enjoy tripping people and otherwise amusing havoc.

Like Goblins, Hobgoblins are scavengers, but unlike Goblins, they are solitary in nature and are never spotted in large numbers. It is unclear if they are a wholly different species from Goblins or merely the same species with a remarkably different disposition.

The mischievous Puck from William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, identified himself as a Hobgoblin.

Many times, children and pets are blamed for this Creature's pranks and practical jokes. (Compare to Pixies)

Example Species

  • Common Hob, Diabolus praestigiator

Knockers (Family: Cavernahabentidae)

Also known as Kobolds, these enigmatic Creatures most commonly live in mines, mimicking the sounds of miners by tapping against the rock walls. It is said that they do their own mining at night when all the Humans have departed, but since they do not appear to craft metal, it is unclear what they are seeking under the ground.

Knockers are valued because they will warn miners of impending disaster (like collapses) by pounding on the walls. Sometimes the pounding sounds like it's coming from all directions alluding to a large number of Creatures, but this may merely be a trick of the acoustics.

Knockers cannot abide whistling and swearing. They will cause small showers of stones to fall on anyone performing these actions or in other ways disrespecting them.

Outside of mines, Knockers can be found in wells, caves and sometimes even in basements. (Compare to Brownies)

Example Species

  • Deep Cavern Knocker, Amicus auritus

Ogres (Family: Stultibrutidae)

Ogres often trade on their strength, despite having better than average intelligence. They live as scavengers, bullying Humans and other Faeries into giving up their food, land, and wealth. Luckily, Ogres are both vain and lazy, attributes that often lead to their downfall.

Descended from Giants, Ogres are quite large in their natural form. They have the ability to shape-shift into Creatures both smaller and larger than themselves, but they then share the strengths and limitations of each. In order to shift into another form, the Ogre must have previously seen the Creature it wishes to become and it can only remain in that guise for a limited duration. In the fable Puss in Boots, written in the 18th century, the clever Puss outsmarts one nasty, conniving Ogre by convincing him to turn into a Mouse.

Ogres are solitary Creatures and it would be highly unusual to see more than one in the same place. Abandoned mansions, factories, hospitals and other massive, isolate buildings may house Ogres. They find such places more to scale for their size.

Example Species

  • Perrault's Ogre, Horrifer perraultanus

In the Sky

From poisonous Dragons to fierce Griffins and the glorious Phoenix, the fantastical Creatures of the sky soar through a realm barely glimpsed by humankind.

Dragons (Family: Draconidae)

Formidable predators, Dragons (also known as Wyrms and Drakes) are missive in size with fearsome teeth, deadly breath, vicious claws and hides like stone. Dragons generally make their home in caves and mountains, far from humankind, but they come close to people, their huge appetite is generally a source of conflict.

Dragons are fond of penned livestock; in particular they love to scrape the udders of female Cattle and drink the milk. Milk accelerates the rate of a Dragon's growth to an alarming degree. Their diet also includes large Mammals and even big Fish such as Sharks. Occasionally, if driven by hunger, they will eat Humans as well and have been known to lay siege to whole villages.

The last recorded Dragon slaying was in the eighteenth century by the knight Sir Garrot. At that time, there were particular incubators that people used to determine if Dragons were in the vicinity. These signs are useful to keep in mind.

They include a thick, poisonous vapor in the air and water that stings the throats of those who drink it or burns the skin of those who bathe with it. Dragons exude poison and this poison seeps into everything they touch.

Like a Snake, the Dragon reproduces through laying vast quantities of eggs few of which will hatch. Even fewer offspring live to adulthood. Dragons are solitary Creatures and it is unusual to encounter more than two adults together. Baby Dragons can be small enough to sit in the palm of a Human hand.

Dragons spend a great deal of their lives sleeping. Like great Cats, they can appear lazy when not hunting. When moving with a purpose, however, Dragons are swift, both on the ground and in the air.

Common the world over but especially throughout Asia and Europe, some Dragons are known for their great wisdom, but reports of their guile are far more common.

Example Species

  • Old-World Wyrm, Draco antiquissimus
  • Long-Tailed Wyvern, Draco alatus
  • Chinese Dragon, (Scientific Name Unknown)
  • Draco aethiopicus

Griffins (Family: Mixtidae)

The regal Griffin (also spelled Gryphon) is thought to be the offspring of an Eagle (king of the air) and a Lion (king of all Beasts). Its plumage ranges from cream to deep brown, yet some specimens have feathers with a deep, dark bluish sheen.

While man Griffins migrated to Europe from the Middle East in the 13th century, most remain desert-dwelling. They roost in high places and are only likely to be spotted when they fly in search of food. Their bones are more commonly discovered, although they are often mistaken for the bones of Dinosaurs.

The adult Griffin is about the size of a Lion but far stronger. Despite their formidable natural advantages, Griffins are very rare. Unlike less fantastical hybrids like Mules, however, they can reproduce. Their eggs are said to be made of agate.

Griffins are resistant to the poison of Dragons and very hostile to Horses. For this reason, the offspring of a Griffin and a Horse (the Hippogriff) is considered to be a symbol of the enduring power of love.

Example Species

  • North American Griffin, Gryphon americanus
  • Hippogriff, (Scientific Name Unknown)

Phoenixes (Family: Vetustidae)

The Phoenix, sometimes called a Fenix or Firebird, is a majestic, glorious Bird with purple and gold plumage. Custom says that there is only one Phoenix alive at a given time, but the Fowl is so rare that no one has been able to corroborate this notion. They do not require food to sustain themselves, though they have known to eat the gum of a Frankincense tree (Boswellia thurifera).

A Phoenix will live for centuries (500 years, according to one source), whereupon it will build a nest of Cinnamon, Myrrh and Spikenard. There it incinerates itself by reflecting the sun off its plumage to spark fire and fanning the flames with its wings. Nine days later, another phoenix hatches from those same ashes.

Example Species

  • Phoenix, Phoenix phoenix

Outside at Night

From wailing Banshees and gloomy Gargoyles to tricky Phookas and Will-o’-the-Wisps that lead the unwary astray, these Creatures make it obvious why Humans have grown afraid of the dark.

Banshees (Family: Circulifestidae?)

Like Brownies, Banshees are loyal to their households, but rather than help with chores, these eerie and gloomy beings wander the grounds of estates, keening and washing the grave-clothes of those about to die.

Although Banshees are described by some as beautiful and by others as hideous, all agree that there is something terrifying about the sight of one. There are even reports that a few unlucky people who have looked into the face of Banshee died of fright. The song of a Banshee is similarly lovely and unsettling.

Some believe that preventing a Banshee from mourning or refusing to listen to its song will delay death, but this seems unlikely as, in most cases, a Banshee is not the cause of death but merely its herald.

Example Species

  • Banshee, Dryas styx?

Gargoyles (Family: Bestialapidae)

Possibly a species of pygmy domesticated Dragon, Gargoyles actually cannot fly but are extremely agile and able to leap great distances, which may give them the illusion of flight. In fact, their movement is very similar to a Monkey swinging through a jungle canopy. While not aquatic in makeup, they are efficient and excellent swimmers.

Only active at night, the Gargoyle has adapted itself to remaining still for long periods of time so as to better guard the buildings on which it perches. With a stony skin that mimics brick and plaster, Gargoyles are not affixed to building tops, but grip hold of them with incredible strength. Even though there may appear to be many Gargoyles on a rooftop, only one will be a living Creature.

They always look for the highest roots possible, usually on cathedrals, skyscrapers or other tall buildings.

Example Species

  • Spitting Gargoyle, Eulesiahalitans despuens
  • Greater Gargoyle, (Scientific Name Unknown)
  • Dwarf Gargoyle, Eulesiahalitans nanus
  • Long-Necked Gargoyle, Eulesiahalitans longicolleus

Phookas (Family: Praestigiatoridae)

This mischievous and roguish trickster can appear in the form of a Horse, Rabbit, Goat, Dog or sometimes even a Human. But no matter what form the Phooka takes, its fur is almost always dark.

In a Horse form, a Phooka will lure Humans to ride on its back. Unlike the Kelpie, however, the Phooka will not do the rider any real harm but will take the unfortunate person on a wild and terrifying ride.

On occasion the Phooka can be persuaded to advice and has been known to shepherd people away from great danger. For those reasons, despite the Phooka's delight in confounding and terrifying Humans, it is considered more benevolent than malevolent.

It is the Phooka who spoils the Blackberries after the first of November. Anyone who eats one after that date is stealing from the Phooka and likely to be on the receiving end of this Faerie's displeasure or devious sense of humor.

Example Species

  • Black Phooka, Praestigator fuscus

Will-o'-the-Wisps (Family: Falsilucidae)

The luminous Will-o’-the-Wisps are spotted deep in forests, swamps and other desolate places and appear as glowing orbs that move slowly over the landscape. These phantom lights are called by many different names and are even sometimes thought to be a prank of some malicious Faerie. Elves particularly delight in using Will-o’-the-Wisps as a source of illumination and decoration for their revels.

Lost travelers spotting Wisps often believe they are seeing an artificial light and head toward it, causing them to become even more lost. Many have died, lost and alone or fallen prey to some more dangerous Faerie. As with Stray Sod, it is unlikely that the Wisps know that they cause so much havoc for mortals. Even if they did, however, there is little reason to think that they would change.

Example Species

  • Will-o'-the-Wisp, Candentisphaera floccata

Others

  • Sylphs appear in the film version of the stories, replacing the elves. They're portrayed as singing dandelions.
  • In The Wyrm King, it is revealed one of the characters, Sandspur, is a spriggan, being able to physically grow when its never-ending hunger is appeased.

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