Tales of fairies and their magical powers are popular all over Ireland but the most feared of these fairy people is the Pooka. This mischievous fairy comes out at night to create havoc and cause mischief. What makes this even more scary is its ability to change its form and shape. So, you can never be sure if you have come face to face with a Pooka, or not.
The most common form this magical creature takes is that of a yellow-eyed, dark horse with a long mane which blows in the wind. It tramples crops and breaks fences in the countryside as it goes on its nightly rampage.
photo credit: think.com
In the County Down area of Ireland the Pooka commonly takes a different shape. It becomes a deformed little goblin which insists of its share of the crops. At harvest time the reapers leave a little of the crop behind to appease the mischievous fairy. These small bits of uncut crop are known as the Pooka’s share.
In County Laois the Pooka takes the form of a giant, hairy bogeyman type of figure and elsewhere it is a huge eagle, or a black goat with long horns that curl. The site of the Pooka can stop hens from laying and turn a cow’s milk sour.
It is also said that the Pooka can speak in a human voice and that it stops outside the front door of the house where the person it wants lives and calls their name. If they don’t come out, it vandalises the house.
photo credit: think.org
Only one man has ever managed to ride the Pooka in its horse form and he was Brian Boru, King of Ireland. He used a magic bridle made from hairs from its tail to make it submit to his will. The Pooka made two promises to the king. First of all, it promised never to attack an Irishman unless he was drunk, or up to no good. Secondly it swore never to attach Christian people, or damage their property.
Since that bargain was made the Pooka seems to have reverted to its old ways and there are those in Ireland who will tell you how the Pooka has attacked them and damaged their properties.
Is this a true story? You decide!
