I’ve always been intrigued with Redcaps but I had no idea that they are vicious creatures who are full of bloodlust. I thought they were just crabby goblins, similar to Kreacher, the house-elf who served the Black family in Harry Potter. But man, was I wrong. These guys are far more evil and murderous than any miserable house-elf in the wizarding world. Redcaps are malevolent beings that thrive on anguish and terror.
Their character stems from the historical conflict between England and Scotland. They are known to inhabit the border region between the two countries and continue to be a part of the area's folklore. Some legends even refer to them as Border Goblins and claim they were born from the bloodshed of the conflict.
One particularly disturbing aspect of the folklore surrounding these creatures is that they always wear a red cap. The vivid color of the caps comes from being soaked in blood. If the blood dries out, the Redcap will die, which is why they need to kill often in order to frequently dip their caps in fresh blood.
They are usually described as short old men with long teeth and red eyes. Their fingers have sharp talons, and they wear heavy iron boots. Surprisingly, these metal boots don’t hinder their speed; they are fast and difficult to outrun. Redcaps are also known to carry a pikestaff in their left hand, which they use to hunt wandering travelers.
They are the keepers of abandoned castles and battlegrounds. Known defenses against a Redcap include reading a Bible verse or holding up a cross when you encounter one; hopefully, this will cause them to spontaneously combust and leave behind a large tooth. The only exception to the Redcap's ruthlessness is its Dutch counterpart, the Kaboutermannekin. Unlike their Scottish and English relatives, Kaboutermannekins are dressed in red from head to toe and are considered very helpful, even assisting with household tasks. At night, they light invisible fires to keep the homes they inhabit warm.
So, if you ever encounter one, let's hope it’s a Dutch version. Otherwise, if you plan to explore a castle ruin on the border of England and Scotland, be sure to stay alert and carry a cross or a Bible. Otherwise, the blood flowing through your veins might end up being used to make a cap just a bit redder.
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