Hinzelmann

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Hinzelmann (sometimes called Luring) was a kobold, especially notable for a specific historical account, hailing from northern Germany. According to legend, he was a household spirit of ambivalent nature, similar to Robin Goodfellow, who could provide good luck and perform household tasks, but become malicious if not appeased.

Hinzelmann was said often to take the form of a child in red velvet, if he had to take any form whatsoever, but his true form (as he showed to a maid once, who instantly passed out) was that of a small child, around four years of age, stabbed and slashed with two swords. Hinzelmann was best known for haunting the castle Hudemühlen, after being discovered in 1584. He haunted it for two years, at first shyly, but then he started conversing and jesting openly with all inhabitants of the house (including the master).

[edit] References

Hinzelmann is portrayed as a wizened old man, a critical character, in American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

[edit] External links

• Hinzelmann, Sacred Texts website