The origin of beliefs in domestic spirits is lost in the mists of time. It is known, for example, that in ancient Rome the penates were worshiped, spirits in charge of the custody of the home who were invoked and offered sacrifices.
In general, these little geniuses are entities linked to nature or the magical world, capable of both granting favors and causing all kinds of discomfort. Thus, in legends it is common for domestic spirits to appear performing household chores or helping with childbirth, but also disturbing the sleep of humans, hiding objects and causing accidents. In the stories where they are mentioned, it is often indicated that, in general, they remain calm if they are shown respect and given something in exchange for their services.
In Slavic countries , it was claimed that the Donovoi , hairy little creatures that lived near the fire, looked after the house and children, but also caused problems for the neighbors. Similarly, Baltic mythology cites the aitvaras , rooster-like beings with fiery tails who bring gold and food to the family. The problem is that they often steal them from the neighbors.
The kobolds , a few sprites from German folklore , also like fireplaces. They find things and keep pests at bay, but if they are not fed, they can gag the house. The brownies, typical of Scotland and England , do various tasks in exchange for honey and porridge, but they are proud, and can leave the house if they think that what they receive is some kind of payment. The bean tighe, from Irish folklore , take care of housework and take care of children and pets. They only ask for a plate of strawberries.
In different areas of Spain, there are also domestic spirits . In Asturleonian folklore, for example, some goblins are mentioned, recognizable by the hole in their left hand. If they are happy, they help around the house, but they are usually very naughty, and they prefer to make a fuss at night, and hide and break things.
Anthropologists often agree that these traditions are related to ancestor worship . Edward Burnett Tylor (1832-1917), one of the fathers of social anthropology, argued that it was a remnant of the early stages of cultural development, in which communities gave any unknown phenomenon an animistic explanation.
Image: Raimond Spekking via Wikimedia / CC
