Lutin

A lutin is a French name for a hobgoblin common in French folklore and fairy tales. The lutin is either male or female; a female is called a lutine. The lutin is comparable to house spirits such as brownies, and to elves, fairies, gnomes, imps, leprechauns, pixies, and sprites. The lutin has a trickster nature. It can choose to be invisible. In some tales, it becomes invisible by donning a red cap with two feathers.

French immigrants to Quebec, Canada, spread lutin lore there. Lutins are fond of taking animal forms, especially pets and common animals such as rabbits, and also especially white animals. Lutins can control the weather and be either good or bad. Good lutins will perform personal services, while bad lutins will cause domestic upsets, misplace objects, and make messes. Salt spilled on the ground or floor will prevent lutins from crossing it.

See also : Sinistrari, Lodovico Maria.

The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – Copyright © 2009 by Visionary Living, Inc.

Lutins are French house spirits, described as resembling goblins or imps. They’re tricky and a bit temperamental but not malevolent, evil or harmful. If they like the people in whose house they live, they will serve as guardians. If angered, they play tricks: they’ll hide your shoes, mismatch your shoes, tie the laces together or hide pebbles in them. They’ll blunt knives and scissors. They can make themselves invisible but you may hear them giggling at your discomfiture.

Lutin refers to the male of this spirit species. Females are known as Lutines.

Lutin can be charmed and bribed into becoming guardians. Be very nice and polite to them and leave food offerings for them in the kitchen after dark. They’ll have a bit of whatever you’re having except that they dislike salt. Salt placed strategically around a house keeps Lutins away. In exchange for kindness, affection and regular offerings, however the Lutin will guard children, animals, house and land. They will perform household chores at night while the family sleeps.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Luition (Old French)

ORIGIN:

French

MANIFESTATION:

They may resemble small people or manifest as domestic animals, especially horses and white cats.

ATTRIBUTES:

Lutins own hats which provide invisibility, typically a red hat with feathers

COLOURS:

Red, white

SEE ALSO:

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.

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