The story of the phooka

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by xFx_Delta_xFx, Dec 21, 2014.

  1. "Pooka" redirects here. For other uses, see Pooka (disambiguation).

    The púca (Irish for spirit/ghost), pooka, phouka, phooka, phooca, puca or púka,is primarily a creature of Irish folklore. [1] Considered to be bringers both of good and bad fortune, they could either help or hinder rural and marine communities. The creatures were said to be shape changers which could take the appearance of black horses, goats and rabbits.

    The púca has counterparts throughout the Celtic cultures of Northwest Europe. For instance, in Welsh mythology it is named the pwca and in Cornish the Bucca. [2] In the Channel Islands, the pouque were said to be fairies who lived near ancient stones; in Channel Island French a cromlech is referred to as a pouquelée or pouquelay(e); poulpiquet and polpegan are corresponding terms in Brittany. [3][4]

    The pooka may be regarded as being either menacing or beneficent. Fairy mythologist Thomas Keightley said "notions respecting it are very vague," and in a brief description gives an account collected by Croker from a boy living near Killarney that "old people used to say that the Pookas were very numerous...long ago..., were wicked-minded, black-looking, bad things...that would come in the form of wild colts, with chains hanging about them." and that did much to harm unwary travellers. [6] Also, children were warned not to eat overripe blackberries, because this was a sign that the pooka has befouled them.

    In contrast,the phouka is represented as being helpful to farmers by Lady Wilde,who relates the following tale. A farmer's son named Phadraig one day noticed the invisible presence of the phouka brushing by, and called out to him, offering a coat. The phouka appeared in the guise of a young bull, and told him to come to the old mill at night. From that time onward, the phoukas came secretly at night and performed all the work of milling the sacks of corn into flour. Phadraig fell asleep the first time, but later concealed himself in a chest to catch sight of them, and later made a present of a fine silk suit. This unexpectedly caused the phoukas to go off to "see a little of the world" and cease their work. But by then the farmer's wealth allowed him to retire and give his son an education. Later, at Phadraic's wedding, the phouka left a gift of a golden cup filled with drink that evidently ensured their happiness. [7][8]

    There are stories of some phooka being blood-thirsty and vampire-like creatures. Other stories even say some are man eating beings, hunting down, killing, and eating their victims.

    According to legend, the púca is a deft shapeshifter,capable of assuming a variety of terrifying or pleasing forms, and may appear as a horse, rabbit, goat, goblin,or dog. No matter what shape the púca takes, its fur is almost always dark. It most commonly takes the form of a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and luminescent golden eyes. [9] (The Manx glashtyn also takes on human form, but he usually betrays his horse's ears and is analogous to the each uisce [10] )

    If a human is enticed onto a púca's back, it has been known to give them a wild ride; however, unlike a kelpie, which will take its rider and dive into the nearest stream or lake to drown and devour him/her, the púca will do its rider no real harm. Pooka are also known as great chefs, but only operate in their own Village. However according to some folklorists the only man ever to ride the púca was Brian Boru,High King of Ireland, by using a special bridle incorporating three hairs of the púca's tail. [5] The púca has the power of human speech, and has been known to give advice and lead people away from harm. Though the púca enjoys confusing and often terrifying humans, it is considered to be benevolent.
     
  2. Hope all enjoy ;).
     
  3. Is this a copy and paste from wiki?! I can even see the annotations
     
  4. That's what I was thinking :lol:

    What gives OP?
     
  5. Lmao yeah this Is copy and pasted. In the very first sentence, it references to click on phooka or something like that, just context clues will show that this is copied. Make your own information op.
     
  6. The text color was really nice and easy to read
     
  7. Even if it is copy pasted op is making a point. That's all there is to it.
     
  8. Is yo name a bypass
     
  9. Why would it be larry?
     
  10. You can be mine phooka 
     
  11. Hilarious bro, I actually laughed out loud. Too funny