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The Púca

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By Patrick Conlan


The Puca
 


The Púca is a legendary creature that has been a part of Irish folklore for centuries. This mischievous and elusive creature has been known to take on many different forms, depending on the region of Ireland in which it is found. For example, in Wexford, it is said to appear as an eagle, while in Roscommon, it takes the form of a black goat. In Laois, it is said to take on the form of a bogyman character.

One of the most famous stories about the Púca is the legend of High King Brian Boru, who was the only human to ever successfully ride the creature. According to the story, Brian Boru was able to control the Púca's magic by using a special bridle made from three hairs from the creature's tail. He was able to stay on the Púca's back until it became exhausted and surrendered to him.

After his victory, Brian Boru made the Púca promise two things: that it would no longer torment people or ruin their property, and that it would never again attack an Irishman unless he was drunk or had evil intent. Despite this promise, the Púca remains a mischievous and unpredictable creature in Irish folklore.

In literature, the Púca has been featured in many works, including William Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream." In the play, the Púca is described as a shape-shifting creature that can take on many different forms, including a horse, a hound, a hog, a headless bear, and even a fire.

“I’ll follow you. I’ll lead you about a round,

Through a bog, through bush, through brake, through brier.

Sometime a horse I’ll be, sometime a hound,

A hog, a headless bear, sometime a fire,

And neigh, and bark, and grunt, and roar, and burn,

Like horse, hound, hog, bear, fire, at every turn.”

-William Skakepeare, “Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Location: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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