#hobthrush

Today’s folktale is based in Elsdon, in Northumberland (England) and will be familiar to Harry Potter fans. It’s the tale of the Hobthrush, also known as a house sprite, a household fairy, in Scotland a brownie (brùnaidh), and a whole host of other names. They’re said to exist all over the British Isles and beyond.

This particular Hobthrush lived in Elsdon in a farm near Elsdon Castle (which was built by Robert de Umfraville in 1076 and is the site for many folktales). In the farm lived an elderly farmer and his wife who were, it being spring, extraordinarily busy with their duties. One day the farmer’s wife woke up feeling overwhelmed at the tasks ahead, and was thrilled to discover all the household jobs were done. The floor was swept clean, the windows were gleaming, the fire was lit, and the dishes were done. She knew at once it was the Hobthrush, and she and her husband were very grateful. They also knew that like all the “little folk” the Hobthrush would not want to be seen, so they were sure not to try and spy on him, so they simply left him some milk and an oatcake as thanks.

One night, however, the farmer’s wife returned home late and she did catch a glimpse of the Hobthrush busily working hard. She noticed his clothes were torn and raggy, so, as thanks, she made him a new outfit with the best fabrics she could find. The next night she laid the new clothes out, but the next morning she woke up to find all the tasks still weren’t done. Then she saw the Hobthrush in his new outfit was singing as he ran from the farm, 

New cap, new shirt,

This brownie will clean no more dirt!

He ran out of the house never to be seen again, and once again the farmer’s wife was left with all the cleaning.

[Sources: Alice B. Woodward, Northumberland Folk Tales by Malcolm Green]