Spunkie

A spunkie is in Scottish lore, a Goblin or trickster ghost similar to the Kelpie. The spunkie, which resides in the Scottish Lowlands, is a solitary evil spirit. He takes special pleasure in tricking travellers who have lost their way. He uses a light to lure his victims, intending to make them think it is a light in a window. The hapless traveller follows the light, which appears to be nearby. However, the light actually recedes until the spunkie has succeeded in making the traveller fall over a precipice or into a morass.

SEE ALSO:

• Ignis Fatuus;
• Jack-o’-Lantern

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley  – September 1, 2007

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