May 20 2008
The Pooka
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The Phooka (old Irish), (also Pooka, Puka, Phouka, Púka, Pwca in Welsh, Bucca in Cornish, pouque in Dgernesiais, also Glashtyn, Gruagach) is a creature of Celtic origin, notably in Ireland and Wales. It is one of the myriad of faery folk, and, like many faery folk, is both respected and feared by those who believe in it. |
Description
According to legend, the phooka is an adroit shape changer, capable of assuming a variety of terrifying forms. It may appear as a horse, rabbit, goat, goblin, or dog. No matter what form the phooka takes, its fur is almost always dark. (its name is a cognate of the early Irish ‘poc’, ‘a male goat’, but it most commonly takes the form of a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and glowing yellow eyes.
According to legend, the phooka is an adroit shape changer, capable of assuming a variety of terrifying forms. It may appear as a horse, rabbit, goat, goblin, or dog. No matter what form the phooka takes, its fur is almost always dark. (its name is a cognate of the early Irish ‘poc’, ‘a male goat’, but it most commonly takes the form of a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and glowing yellow eyes.
Encountering a Phooka
If a human is enticed onto a phooka’s back it has been known to give them a wild ride. But unlike a kelpie, which will take its rider and dive into the nearest river or lake to drown and devour him, the phooka will do the unfortunate rider no real harm. The Púca has the power of human speech, and has been known to give advice and lead people away from danger. Though the phooka enjoys confusing and often terrifying humans, it is considered to be benevolent.
Agricultural Traditions
Certain agricultural traditions surround the Púca. It is a creature associated with Samhain, the third Pagan (Celtic, Wiccan) Harvest Festival, when the last of the crops is brought in. Anything remaining in the fields is considered “puka,” or fairy-blasted, and hence inedible. In some locales, reapers leave a small share of the crop, the “púca’s share,” to placate the hungry creature. Nonetheless, November Day is the Púca’s day, and the one day of the year when it can be expected to behave civilly.
Modern Encounters
In the classic Mary Chase play Harvey, the title character Harvey is a pooka, in the form of a very tall humanoid white rabbit. Interestingly enough, the actual play was based on a true encounter with a phooka, but it has been adapted several times to fit a comedic setting instead. However, there is a humorous scene in which Mr. Wilson, the asylum orderly, reads the definition of pooka in the encyclopedia: “Pooka. From old Celtic mythology. A fairy spirit in animal form. Always very large. The pooka appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one at his own caprice. A benign but mischievous creature. Very fond of rum-pots, crackpots, and how are you, Mr. Wilson?” This provides the notion that Harvey is real–and of course, the definition is highly accurate.
Certain agricultural traditions surround the Púca. It is a creature associated with Samhain, the third Pagan (Celtic, Wiccan) Harvest Festival, when the last of the crops is brought in. Anything remaining in the fields is considered “puka,” or fairy-blasted, and hence inedible. In some locales, reapers leave a small share of the crop, the “púca’s share,” to placate the hungry creature. Nonetheless, November Day is the Púca’s day, and the one day of the year when it can be expected to behave civilly.
Modern Encounters
In the classic Mary Chase play Harvey, the title character Harvey is a pooka, in the form of a very tall humanoid white rabbit. Interestingly enough, the actual play was based on a true encounter with a phooka, but it has been adapted several times to fit a comedic setting instead. However, there is a humorous scene in which Mr. Wilson, the asylum orderly, reads the definition of pooka in the encyclopedia: “Pooka. From old Celtic mythology. A fairy spirit in animal form. Always very large. The pooka appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one at his own caprice. A benign but mischievous creature. Very fond of rum-pots, crackpots, and how are you, Mr. Wilson?” This provides the notion that Harvey is real–and of course, the definition is highly accurate.
This article is posted with Kind permission from Ethenielle Teirelenia. Visit her wonderful blog at
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[...] The PookaThe Phooka (old Irish), (also Pooka, Puka, Phouka, Púka, Pwca in Welsh, Bucca in Cornish, pouque in Dgernesiais, also Glashtyn, Gruagach) is a creature of Celtic origin, notably in Ireland and Wales. It is one of the myriad of faery …Celtic Myth Podshow Latest News Feed - http://celticmythpodshow.com/blog [...]
[...] The PookaThe Phooka (old Irish), (also Pooka, Puka, Phouka, Púka, Pwca in Welsh, Bucca in Cornish, pouque in Dgernesiais, also Glashtyn, Gruagach) is a creature of Celtic origin, notably in Ireland and Wales. It is one of the myriad of faery …Celtic Myth Podshow Latest News Feed - http://celticmythpodshow.com/blog [...]