Buzz
The term 'little people' broadly describes mythical beings resembling miniature humans. These entities are particularly prominent in European folklore, encompassing creatures like fairies, goblins, gremlins, dwarves, imps, pixies, and gnomes.
These beings differ in appearance and size, with some being benevolent, others malevolent, and some a mix of both. Despite their diversity, they share common traits: they are smaller than humans, elusive, and often possess magical abilities. While Europe is rich in such myths, similar tales of 'little people' exist in cultures across the globe.
10. Patupaiarehe
The Maori of New Zealand hold beliefs in the Patupaiarehe, also known as Turehu or Pakepakeha, fairy-like beings inhabiting the depths of forests and mountains. They possess very pale skin (despite the blue depiction on the New Zealand postage stamp) and either red or light blond hair. While most tales describe them as very small, some accounts suggest they can be human-sized or even giant.
These elusive beings are seldom seen, as they avoid light and only appear during twilight. When encountering humans, they might play enchanting flute melodies, casting spells on them. They are said to consort with beautiful women, leading some to believe that redheads are their descendants. Men who encounter them might face abuse, release, or death. To avoid such encounters, people would use foul-smelling mixtures or cook food, as fire and light repel them. Occasionally, the Patupaiarehe are known to share spells and valuable skills with humans.
The Maori also recount stories of the Ponaturi. These beings resemble the Patupaiarehe but have claws and dwell in the ocean.
9. Nisser And Tomtar
The Norwegian nisse and the Swedish tomte are nearly identical in nature. These solitary beings reside on farms, remaining hidden from farmers while tending to the property and livestock. Typically depicted as small, child-sized men wearing red hats and tattered clothes, they dedicate themselves to maintaining the farm, particularly ensuring the comfort of the horses.
In exchange for their labor, these creatures ask only for respect and a bowl of porridge topped with butter on Christmas Eve. The offering is to be placed in the barn, allowing them to enjoy it undisturbed.
8. Native American ‘Little People’
Numerous Native American tribes have legends about little people, so abundant that they warrant their own dedicated list. For instance, the Mohegans believed in the Makiawisug, small beings dwelling beneath Mohegan Hill in Connecticut. They are benevolent when treated well, prompting the Mohegans to leave them baskets of food. Speaking of them during their active summer months or staring at them was forbidden, as it could result in being frozen or having possessions stolen. In gratitude for the food and respect, the Makiawisug taught the Mohegans corn cultivation, medicinal plant use, and ensured the Earth's fertility.
The Eskasoni people of Canada held beliefs in little people, primarily thought to reside on a hill in Nova Scotia. Children were warned to stay away from the area to avoid being abducted.
The Shoshone tribe spoke of the Nimerigar, little people inhabiting the Rocky Mountains. Known for their hostility, they wielded bows and poisoned arrows to deter intruders.
The Choctaw referred to them as Kwanikosha, feared beings who allegedly kidnapped boys to test and understand their true nature.
The Cherokee tribe recognized three distinct types of little people: the Laurels, the Rocks, and the Dogwoods. Their behavior ranged from benevolent and helpful to entirely malicious.
The Crow tribe named their little people the Nirumbee, believed to dwell in the Pryor Mountains.
7. Ebu Gogo
In Flores, Indonesia, legends speak of the Ebu Gogo. The term 'Ebu' translates to 'grandmother,' and 'Gogo' means 'he who eats everything.' These beings are said to consume anything they can find, eating it raw without cooking. Their diet includes fruits, vegetables, meat, and even human flesh if available. Using pumpkin plates on the island, they would devour those as well if offered by villagers. They occasionally raid crops, mimic human speech, and are known to climb slender trees.
The Ebu Gogo stand about 100 centimeters (3’3″) tall, with long hair, extended arms and fingers, protruding stomachs, and noticeable ears. They move awkwardly, and the women’s breasts are so long that they reportedly throw them over their shoulders while walking. Some theorize these creatures are not entirely mythical but inspired by Homo floresiensis, an extinct species resembling short humans that once inhabited Flores.
6. Leprechaun
The Irish leprechaun is one of the most renowned myths about 'little people.' Descriptions vary, but they are typically 60 to 90 centimeters (2′–3′) tall, with beards and the faces of elderly men. Despite their aged appearance, they possess remarkable energy and agility. They are often depicted wearing stylish coats and hats, though their attire differs across Ireland. All are said to wear high-quality shoes with gleaming buckles. Originally, they were described as wearing red, the color of solitary fairies, but green has since become their signature hue, likely due to its association with Ireland.
Leprechauns are famed for their shoemaking skills. Many tales describe them crafting exquisite shoes at night, often in exchange for gold. They are also skilled musicians, proficient in playing traditional Irish instruments, and are known for their love of festivities. These magical beings can vanish into thin air and conjure images of pots of gold at rainbow ends, tricking gullible humans. If caught, they grant three wishes, but they often ensure at least one backfires as retribution for being captured. Mischievous by nature, they reserve their tricks for those who wrong them. To avoid detection, they conceal themselves and their treasures underground.
5. Woodarjee
The Noongar people of the Australian Aboriginals tell stories of the Woodarjee. These beings resemble Aboriginals but stand only about 30 centimeters (1′) tall. One reported sighting describes them with large, bushy beards and wearing only loincloths. They are often depicted carrying spears and other traditional weapons.
Encounters with the Woodarjee can turn hostile, as they are known to be quite violent. However, any injuries inflicted during such encounters vanish once the human leaves the vicinity.
4. El Duende
The legend of El Duende originated in the Iberian Peninsula and spread to Latin America, the Philippines, and Guam through colonization. Initially depicted as a small man, roughly 90 centimeters (3′) tall, wearing a red hat and animal hide clothing, some regions added unique traits, such as carrying a cane, sporting a large beard, or lacking thumbs.
El Duende is said to reside in a forest cave or within the walls of a child’s bedroom. In darker tales, he is portrayed as malevolent, luring children to his cave where they remain trapped forever. He might also sneak into bedrooms at night, attempting to trim toenails but often cutting off toes instead. These stories were used to frighten children into obedience. In other versions, he is benevolent, guiding lost individuals home or protecting the forest and its creatures from harm.
3. Menehune
The Native Hawaiians have legends of the Menehune, believed to have inhabited the islands long before the Polynesians arrived. These beings were said to be around 60 centimeters (2′) tall, with some as small as 15 centimeters (6 in). Shy and rarely seen, they enjoyed singing, dancing, cliff-diving, and archery. When encountering angry humans, they used enchanted arrows to replace anger with love. Renowned for their craftsmanship and engineering skills, they constructed temples, fish ponds, roads, and more, always working under the cover of darkness.
Some tales claim the Menehune vanished after human settlement, while others believe they remain hidden, causing occasional mischief. Intriguingly, the 1820 census of Kauai officially recorded 65 Menehune as part of the population.
2. Aziza
In West Africa, the Dahomey people recount tales of the Aziza: tiny, fairy-like beings that inhabit forests. Resembling humans but incredibly small, they possess insect-like wings. These benevolent creatures assist hunters and are credited with teaching humanity how to create fire in ancient times.
In gratitude, people would offer fresh food to the Aziza. As humans recognized their value, they sought them out more frequently, prompting the shy creatures to retreat deeper into the forests and avoid interaction.
1. Domovoi
In Slavic folklore, house spirits known as domovoi are described as small, bearded men, sometimes covered in hair. They are said to resemble the homeowner, often with a grey beard, and occasionally with a tail or horns. These spirits reside behind the oven, safeguarding the home, its residents, and their animals. Though invisible, their presence is felt through sounds like footsteps or murmurs.
To appease the domovoi, people would offer milk or bread near the oven. A respected domovoi protects the household, but if angered, it causes trouble—such as exhausting horses or cows by riding them at night, tripping people in the dark, or spoiling milk. When families move, the domovoi accompanies them to ensure their safety.
