Buggane
In Manx mythology, a Buggane was a huge ogre-like creature, native to the Isle of Man.
Bugganes were said to be covered in black hair, with claws, tusks and a large red mouth. As they were known to tunnel underground, they might be said to resemble a giant mole, though they were intelligent and spoke to people on occasion.
A Buggane always had a particular home such as an old ruin, forest or waterfall, where it would remain unless disturbed somehow.
Bugganes were magical creatures, and were known to be unable to cross water or stand on hallowed ground. They were occasionally called upon by the fairies to punish people that had offended them.
The most famous story involving a Buggane relates that one repeatedly tore the roof off St. Trinian's church on the Isle of Man. Another story tells of a woman's narrow escape after a Buggane is sent by the fairies to punish her for baking after sunset.
Variations
As is the case with many medieval creatures, there is more than one description of a Buggane.
Another variation of the Buggane was said to have been a water spirit, one that resided by waterfalls and streams on the Isle of Man. They were shape-shifters, most often seen in the form of a horse or a cow, but who could also take on the appearance of humans. However, a Buggane in human disguise could easily be spotted, as they often had long teeth, nails and hair.
In Welsh folklore, the Term "Bwgan" is used to describe a ghost or poltergeist.
In Popular Culture
In The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney, a buggane features prominently in the seventh book, Rise of the Huntress. It can take on two forms, that of a bull and that of a hairy, burrowing man, and drains people souls to store in a large underground cache.
