Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology (2024)

English folklore

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brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms. He would ride for the midwife, and in Cornwall he caused swarming bees to settle quickly. Cream or bread and milk might be left for him, but other gifts offended him. If one made him a suit of clothes, he would put it on and then vanish, never to return.

The boggart of Yorkshire and the bogle of Scotland are hostile, mischievous brownies indistinguishable from poltergeists. See also puck.

Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology (2024)

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Brownie | English Folklore, Supernatural, Mythology? ›

brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin

hobgoblin
Other characters that have assumed the Hobgoblin mantle over the years include criminals Lefty Donovan and Jason Macendale, Roderick's twin brother Daniel Kingsley, Spider-Man 2211's daughter Robin Borne, Ben Urich's nephew Phil Urich, and Kingsley's butler Claude.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hobgoblin_(comics)
believed to inhabit houses and barns.

What is the myth of the Brownies? ›

Mythology states that brownies were small, goblin-type creatures who slept during the day and came out to help with housework during the night. Brownies were seen to be sensitive creatures who didn't like to be bound to a house.

What folklore creature is a brownie? ›

Brownies originated as domestic tutelary spirits, very similar to the Lares of ancient Roman tradition. Descriptions of brownies vary regionally, but they are usually described as ugly, brown-skinned, and covered in hair. In the oldest stories, they are usually human-sized or larger.

Are elves called Brownies? ›

The small, wrinkled, brown elves specific to Scotland. Brownies are usually gentle household elves with large eyes and ears who hide during the day and do not often interact with humans. They come out at night when everyone is sleeping to perform chores, like tidying up.

Are Brownies faeries? ›

Typically, we think of Brownies as fairies who like to share our homes doing household chores when the human occupants go to bed - like the penates in Roman mythology.

What is a brownie supernatural? ›

brownie, in English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms.

What is the Norse mythology of brownies? ›

A Brownie or broonie in Scots, also known as urisk/ùruisg in Scottish Gaelic, is a legendary household spirit or fairy popular in folklore around Scotland and England (especially the north, though more commonly hobs have this role). They may also be called brùnaidh or gruagach depending on the region.

What is the forbidden brownie? ›

It doesn't get much more decadent than this! Indulge in Forbidden Chocolate ® ice cream with brownie chunks, signature hot fudge, Swiss Chocolate, and sprinkles.

What is the lore of Brownie the Elf? ›

There is a long, off-and-on history of Brownie the Elf. Per ESPN, Brownies were elves in British lore that date back at least to 1522, with its first published reference being to a "small, hairy ... creature that lives in houses and farms with people," John T. Kruse, author and blogger British fairy lore, said.

What is the difference between a brownie and a hobgoblin? ›

While brownies are more peaceful creatures, hobgoblins are more fond of practical jokes. They also seem to be able to shapeshift, as seen in one of Puck's monologues in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Robin Goodfellow is perhaps the most mischievous and most infamous of all his kind, but many are less antagonizing.

Who is Brownie the Elf? ›

DEBUT OF BROWNIE THE ELF

The character made its debut in the team's first season in the old All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946. Owner Arthur McBride named the team after its coach, Paul Brown, but needed a mascot to market it. The name Brownie comes from Scottish folklore.

Is a cosmic brownie a brownie? ›

I remember cosmic brownies being one of my FAVORITE Little Debbie treats, next to star crunch and oatmeal cream pies. But cosmic brownies are a pre-packaged brownie with a really dense and fudgy brownie topped with a soft and creamy chocolate icing.

What's a female elf called? ›

Luthien was called both an elf-maid and elf-maiden. ... In Tolkien's levish lexicon, Ellon means "elf-man", and Elleth "elf-woman.

What are the creatures called brownies? ›

What is a brownie? A mythical creature and friendly household spirit from English and Scottish folklore, the brownie is said to be a short, small creature either dressed in rags or no clothes at all. These adorable illustrations are from The Brownies: Their Book by Palmer Cox.

How many types of fae are there? ›

Wirt Sikes formally divided Welsh fairies, or Tylwyth Teg, into five general types: the Ellyllon (elves), the Bwbachod (household spirits similar to brownies and hobgoblins), the Coblynau (spirits of the mines), the Gwragedd Annwn (lake maidens), and the Gwyllion (mountain spirits resembling hags).

What does the name brownie mean? ›

English: nickname for someone with brown eyes from Middle English brun broun 'brown' + eie 'eye' (Old English brūn + ēage). This form of the surname is most common in Aberdeenshire. Similar surnames: Browne, Brownlie, Brown, Bronte, Brownlee, Brodie, Bowie, Browning.

What is the theory of brownies? ›

Theories and Myths of the Brownie Origins

There are a few theories surrounding the actual origins of the famous brownie, it's been said that they originated from Boston, a woman was baking a chocolate cake and forgot to add a vital ingredient; the baking powder. So, her chocolate cake didn't rise.

What is the story brownies about? ›

A Girl Scouts troop of fourth-grade Black girls swears revenge on a white troop accused of calling them the n-word. They soon learn that the situation is more complicated than they believed. Laurel, or "Snot", is stuck on a fourth-grade Girl Scouts camping trip with girls she does not like.

What is a historical fact about brownies? ›

The first known brownie recipe appeared in a cookbook published in 1896. It featured a simple combination of butter, sugar, chocolate, eggs, and flour. Over time, variations of the recipe emerged, with some adding nuts, frosting, or even cream cheese swirls. Each variation brought its own twist to the classic brownie.

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