Duendes: The Mischievous Spirits of Iberian Folklore
- Dani Resh
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Duendes are small, mischievous tricksters that originate from the Iberian Peninsula and appear throughout Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American folklore.
What makes Duendes so intriguing? For one, they are tiny—only twelve to twenty-four inches tall—and are said to dwell within the walls of homes. The thought of little beings hiding under floorboards or behind walls is wild! Duendes are typically described as old men with green or dark skin, wearing coarse wool clothing and oversized hats. Sometimes, their eyes are said to glow red, a classic feature in supernatural folklore. In Portuguese and Spanish, "Duende Verde" translates into “Green Goblin.” While reading about them, I was reminded of Bruno from Encanto, who also lived in the walls of his family’s home. This makes me wonder whether the writers drew inspiration from Duende folklore.
Duendes are mischievous beings. They’re often blamed for missing items, strange noises in the night, or harmless pranks like knotting horses’ manes and hiding house keys. Sometimes, they might even surprise you by finishing all the chores, leaving you to wake up to a spotless home. Since they are nocturnal, Duendes are most active when you’re trying to sleep, whistling or playing games that can keep you awake.
Duendes seem to have a special connection with children and animals, who are said to see them easily, whereas adults have difficulty spotting them. However, one should be cautious when a Duende is around children. Duende tends to be very protective of children and may develop a strong bond with them—especially children whom the Duende believes are being neglected—thereby prompting them to steal the child or lure the child into the forest.
Interestingly, the term Duende is used to describe a wide range of supernatural entities across different regions. Depending on the region, Duendes are known by different names and exhibit distinct personalities. In Asturias and Cantabria, they’re called Trasgu—domestic goblins who have a hole in their left hand. You can distract a Trasgu by giving it an impossible task, like picking up spilled grain, since it just falls through the hole in its hand.
In Galicia, they’re known as Trasno—nocturnal troublemakers famous for breaking dishes and moving furniture. In Catalonia, Duendes become Follet, creatures associated with air and wind, said to be incredibly fast. Legend has it that if you manage to grab a hair from a Follet’s beard, you’ll be blessed with great luck and power.
In Mexico and the American Southwest, Duendes are described a bit differently. They’re said to live in the walls of homes, especially children’s bedrooms, and are known for clipping the fingernails and toenails of unkempt children at night. Occasionally, they’ve even been blamed for accidentally clipping off a toe or finger—yikes!
What can you do if a Duende is wreaking havoc in your home?
Leaving out a bowl of milk or honey can sometimes transform a mischievous Duende into a household protector. If you try moving homes to escape a Duende, beware—they’ve been known to hide in household items, like a cooking pot, and follow you to your new dwelling. Giving a Duende an impossible task, such as filling a sieve with water, might frustrate them enough to drive them away from your home.
Although Duendes are often seen as mischievous troublemakers, the word “Duende” has also evolved to capture the mysterious power artists channel when performing or creating. When a singer or flamenco dancer is said to have Duende, it means they possess a raw, passionate energy that goes beyond technical skill—an almost magical connection with their art. Leaving me with the impression that the power of Duende is not something to take lightly—it is celebrated and held in high esteem. So if I were to find one of these guys taking up residence in my home, I think I may welcome its magic and artistic energy. As long as it wasn’t keeping me up all night.
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