Heinzelmann (sometimes called Luring) was a kobold in the mythology of northern Germany. He was described as a household spirit of ambivalent nature, similar to Puck (Robin Goodfellow).[1] Like Puck, he would provide good luck and perform household tasks, but would become malicious if not appeased.[1]
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Heinzelmann's myth says that he started haunting the castle Hudemühlen in 1584 after being cast from the forest of Bohemia.[1] At first he was shy, later he was conversing and jesting openly with all inhabitants of the house, including the master.[1] He sang verses, the most repeated one said that evil luck would take his place if he was ever chased out.[1]
Heinzelmann usually took the form of a congenial child in red velvet. In one tale he showed his true form to a maid, who lost consciousness; it was that of a small child, around four years of age, stabbed and slashed with two swords.
Heinzelmann is an important character in the novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman.