LUTIN
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:
- Kikimora
- Kobold
- Lantukh
- Witchcraft Glossary
- Witchcraft
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.