Redcap

Redcap One of the most malignant and vampire-like goblins of the folklore of the border counties between England and Scotland. redcap lives in various old and ruined castles and peel towers, where he takes delight in wreaking evil upon unwitting visitors. He keeps his cap dyed red from human blood.

One description of redcap is as follows: “. . . a short thickset old man, with long prominent teeth, skinny fingers armed with talons like eagles, large eyes of a fiery red color, hair streaming down his shoulders, iron boots, a pikestaff in his left hand, and a red cap on his head.”

If one encountered redcap, it was useless to try to resist him by brute human strength. He could be repelled, however, by making the sign of the cross or reciting Biblical scripture.

Lord Soulis of Hermitage Castle reputedly had a redcap as a Familiar. In European lore, redcaps have a milder nature and are more like the helpful household brownies, who clean and do chores.

See Mother Redcap; red.

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca – written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – Copyright © 1989, 1999, 2008 by Visionary Living, Inc.