| One of the most malignant and vampire-like goblins of folklore of the borders of the border counties between England and Scotland. Redcap lives in various old and ruined castles and peel towers, where he takes delight in wreaking evil upon unwitting visitors. He keeps his cap dyed red from human blood. One description of Redcap is as follows"...a short thickest old man, with long prominent teeth, skinny fingers armed with talons like eagles,large eyes of firey red color, hair streaming down his shoulders, iron boots, a pikestaff inn his left hand, and a red cap on his head."If one encounters Redcap, it is useless to try to resist him by brute human strenght. He could be repelled,however, by making the sign of the cross or reciting Biblical scripture. Lord Solis of Hermitage Castle reputedly had a Redcap as a familiar. In European lore,Redcaps have a milder nature and are more like the helpful household brownies, who clean and do chores.Witches and Witchcraft,pp.277-278. |
