R is for Redcap
Hello!
Today’s fantasy creature takes us to the border region between England and Scotland, an area associated for centuries with conflict and warfare. Redcaps (sometimes referred to as Powries, Dunters, Redcombs or Bloody Caps) are often found in ancient ruins and abandoned castles especially those associated with conflict and bloodshed.
A Redcap or Red Cap, is a malevolent, vengeful being, goblin or spirit, that looks like a short, old man with long, sharp teeth, fingers like talons, and eyes that gleam with a fiendish light. The most distinctive feature, however, is the blood-soaked red cap that a Redcap wears.
Redcaps are known to ambush lone travellers and those foolish enough to wander into their territory, offering no mercy to their victims. They soak their caps in the blood of their victims, hence the name Redcap. According to legend, Redcaps must continue to kill in order to keep their caps red as they will lose their strength if their caps dry out. This grisly detail makes them one of the most feared creatures of the British Isles.
Despite their fearsome reputation, Redcaps are not invincible. Some tales mention that Redcaps are bound by certain rules—such as being unable to enter a house uninvited. They can also be driven away by the sight of the Christian cross or by prayers.
Another curious aspect of Redcaps is their apparent vulnerability to iron, a substance traditionally believed to repel evil spirits and faeries. Iron weapons, tools or charms could fend off a Redcap, providing a rare chance for survival in an encounter with these deadly creatures.
So, the next time you find yourself exploring an ancient ruin or wandering the misty moors of the British Isles, be wary. For in the shadows, a Redcap might be waiting, eager to add another stain to its bloody cap.
References: https://clan.com/blog/folklore-friday-the-red-cap; https://mythicalcreatures.info/red-cap-mythical-creatures/
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