Knocker
The Knockers are spirits of Cornwall’s tin mines. They live in the mines but they work them, too: they are divine miners. Their name derives from the sound they make as they work. Their location can be identified by the sounds.
Knockers may be mischievous, playing tricks on human miners. They are temperamental and can be dangerous but are sometimes very friendly and helpful. Knockers have been known to rescue miners in trouble.
The Knockers are understood to be the ghosts of pre-Christian people who once inhabited Cornwall and worked the mines:
• They may be the ghosts of a long-lost pre-Celtic tribe. They were kind, generous, ethical people and so when they died, they were too good to be sent to Hell. However, as Pagans, there was no room for them in Heaven and so they were left to haunt tin mines.
• They may be the ghosts of Jews who may or may not have once formed small communities in Cornwall, serving in the international tin trade, possibly in the company of Joseph of Arimathea who is credited with bringing the Grail to Britain.
• They may be the ghosts of Jews sent to labour as slaves in Cornwall’s tin mines by the Romans following the destruction of Judea.
Knockers are nocturnal, working the mines all night long although they will appear during the day, too. They are associated with rich lodes and so human miners pay close attention to noises indicating the Knockers’ location.
Knockers are highly opinionated. Whether they manifest helpfully or harmfully depends largely on whether miners humour their whims:
• The Knockers do not like whistling. It really gets on their nerves. Miners take care not to whistle in or even near mines.
• Knockers never work on Christian or Jewish holidays, especially not on Easter, Christmas Day and All Saints Day. Many miners traditionally avoided working at these times, too, so as not to offend them.
• Knockers loathe the sign of the cross; miners avoid marking anything with a + or x.
• It is considered an antagonistic sign of poor manners to enter a tin mine for the first time without asking permission from the Knockers.
ORIGIN:
Cornwall
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Knockers dwell in the mines; the only people they have contact with are those who join them there. Knockers are only reported leaving mines to visit miners.
MANIFESTATION:
Knockers are described as little men about the size of toddlers; they dress in miner’s clothes.
OFFERINGS:
Knockers expect food offerings, especially from those who have benefited from them. A portion of whatever you’re eating is sufficient. Offerings are left in mines. Traditionally, they were also left tallow with which to craft candles. Modern Knockers might appreciate flashlights or similar light sources.
SEE ALSO:
- Dwarves
- Kobold
- Tommy knockers
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.