There are actually many different renditions for the Duendes other than elves, and while they come from many cultures, the descriptions are eerily similar. The creatures come mostly from Europe but others come from Asia as well. Some of these creatures …show more content…
A general pattern emerges as all these creatures fit a description many would attribute to one famous creature. The elf. All of these creatures are small, either clever or helpful, and are a spirit of the house. The Duende or elf, most likely was conceived in early Norse Mythology and then spread across the world during the exploring age (1400’s to 1700’s). The Duende is identified by telltale characteristics even in different cultures. A constant description for a forest Duende is that it has no thumbs and backwards feet. The forest Duende is also essentially equivalent to the Lorax as the Duende protects the forest and it’s animals and will be friendly unless you harm the nature. Pretty similar right? The Duende had a dead giveaway - a shrill whistle. If you were whistling in the forest, the Duende would surely come after you and attack you because whistling was his weakness. The other type of Duende, the house Duende, was recognized by its’ mischievous or helpful acts. If you have recently lost something it is believed to be a Duende who hid it, and if your house wasn’t damaged by a storm, you could credit your good luck to a Duende. The word Duende is said to have come from the words …show more content…
The Duende is a creature that unknowingly creates a reason to clean yourself; clip your nails or risk getting them cut off by a Duende who tries doing it himself. It also is a menacing warning to never stray from a path for the Duende will be waiting to kidnap you and harm you. Like all good stories these have a lesson. A lesson to be clean and a lesson to never stray from forest paths. But a creature who is as unique in its ways couldn’t have been just thought up. No, this creature had a launching pad to fame, a basis of something real or not so real. The next time you hear a snap or a crinkle in the woods, or a pat pat of feet downstairs, it is for you to decide what it