The Pukwudgie

LaDaja White

Instructor Bosstick

ENGL 212

6 March 2023

##### Summary

The Pukwudgie is an interesting little creature with an interesting history. Ranging from about two to three feet, (about knee high) the Pukwudgie is said to have its origin from mainly the Wampanoag tribe. The Native American legend is in the family with monsters of magic, fairies, gnomes, leprechauns, goblins, trolls etc. The name Pukwudgie translates to ‘person of the wilderness’ and it has different spellings. Their intentions differ slightly from tribe to tribe, but they can either shapeshift into dangerous animals, deceive and cause harm to the people it encounters, or help someone in need. They are usually spotted in cities in Massachusetts and Indiana. The first known Pukwudgie was said to have been spotted in 1927 by Paul Startzman when he was ten years old, and he has since written about his encounters and others. You can see the Pukwudgie in adaptations such as the Harry Potter series, children’s stories, television shows and more.

##### History

As stated earlier the first sighting of the Pukwudgie was in 1927 by 10-year-old Paul Startzman. He was alone on a trail in Mound State Park in Indiana then saw a ‘little man’ with yellow hair. He writes about other people’s experiences with the “people of the wilderness” and has a book called The Pukwudgies of Indiana*.* Pukwudgies are also mentioned in an 1855 poem called *The Song Hiawatha* by Henry Longfellow, so they could have been seen before 1927 or it could be a story to tell along with the folklore attached to it. It is also common to spot these creatures around areas of paranormal activity. In folklore, they first appeared in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but have a history dating back to the Wampanoag tribe of Native America. The legend goes that the Pukwudgies were jealous of Maushop, a leader of the Wampanoag tribe, because the Natives loved him more than the little creatures. They became angry with the Natives and started being menacing toward them. In retaliation, Maushop tried to get them under control, but they got angrier, killed Mausop’s sons and later Maushop. This dangerous side of Pukwudgies is more popular today with people's interpretations of them.

Pukwudgie pictured with grey skin holding an arrow
##### Legends

Many people have encountered Pukwudgies and here are a few of their stories. Eloise H., a now elderly woman, at a younger age was alone in the park when she was approached by a group of Pukwudgies. She recalled them having high pitched voices and spoke a foreign language. She encountered them when she was older, again alone in the park. Both times they seemed curious of her existence but did not do anything to her. Another woman saw the little monster in the woods while walking her dog. She did not bother the Pukwudgie, but it continually showed up at her home in the window until she moved. Another man has an experience that is peculiar. He says that the Pukwudgie he saw had “fur, glowing red eyes, and a nose like a wolf.” This is odd because the monster is known to have glowing gray skin, and in many images it has thorns/ spines like a porcupine. They also have a sweet scent they leave behind.

##### Adaptations

You can find the Pukwudgie in the Harry Potter series (the book). The Pukwudgie House in the series represents the healer side of a Pukwudgie. The house also highlights the better qualities of the legend like loyalty but do mention that they are “wickedly” smart and is based on the Pukwudgie William’s relationship with a member of the Ilvermorny school who was somewhat ungrateful and had an attitude with them often. The Pukwudgie has also has appearances in the TV series Legacies which seems to have the same legend as the Wampanoag tribes' ideas of it. Furthermore, Pukwudgies have children’s stories and other forms of literature as early as 1855, crossing signs, and drawings. One review of a children’s story mentioning the Pukwudgie claims it should be read aloud to an older audience of kids because it is slightly grotesque due to the behavior or the creature that is portrayed.

##### Analysis

J.K. Rowling’s choice to make the Pukwudgie in the Harry Potter series to be a little snappy but overall loyal and a symbol magic is not on beat with the ideas of the Pukwudgie based on Wampanoag beliefs. Yes, there are regional differences when it comes to the monster’s intentions, but given the story is based on the Pukwudgie William who is saved by a member of the school, he has no choice but to pledge his loyalty to them even though he has an ungrateful attitude about everything. Pukwudgies also work at the school as security and other services for the school to maintain it, so this also reflects their purpose and why they are not seen as a mischievous and dangerous character. Maybe they are mischievous, but when they are around the right people, they choose how they want to behave and that is with trust and loyalty. Even though the common theme for Pukwudgies is to kidnap children and lead people into dangerous situations, a commonly overlooked theme is that they are helpful and loyal beings; Rowling more than likely wanted to lean into this side more.

#### Works Cited

David, Emilia. “The Legend of the Pukwudgie Explained.” *Grunge*, 21 May 2020, www.grunge.com/211334/the-legend-of-the-pukwudgie-explained/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

Grimes, Cheyenne. “Pukwudgies and Where to Find Them.” *Indiana Historical Society*, 30 Oct. 2020, www.indianahistory.org/blog/pukwudgies-and- where-to-find-them/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

Nelson, January. “20 Facts about the Pukwudgie, the Mischievous Creature Who Lurks in Forests.” *Thought Catalog*, 16 Aug. 2018, www.thoughtcatalog.com/january-nelson/2018/08/pukwudgie/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

“Pukwudgie (Harry Potter) Explained with Story, Power, Facts & Mythology.” *Pagista*, 23 Feb. 2023, www.pagista.com/pukwudgie-harry-potter-story-power-facts-mythology/. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

“The Good Giants and the Bad Pukwudgies (Book Review).” *Louisiana.edu*, 2021, www.ezproxyprod.ucs.louisiana.edu:2443/login?url=search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023