The peat-fire flame : folk-tales and traditions of the Highlands & Islands

FOLK-TALES
CHAPTER IV
THE BROWNIE
relating to the supernatural creature
called the Brownie are almost as common throughout
the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as are faery-
tales. Several ancient and well-known Highland homes are
said to have housed a Brownie, although in Scotland, as
elsewhere, belief in the existence of Brownies is much more
recent than faith in the existence of the Faery Folk.^
Opinions vary as to the physical proportions of the
average Brownie, and as to his general appearance. According
to Thomas Pennant, he was stout and blooming, carried
a fine head of flowing hair, and moved noislessly from place
to place with a switch in his hand. Other authorities describe
him as having been short in stature, curly-headed, and
wrinkle-faced. But many depict him in a much more
attractive form. Be this as it may, the Highland Brownie
has always been regarded with esteem and affection.
Generally speaking, Brownies were said to take up
residence in the castles and mansions of the more affluent
families ; and, even when such abodes fell into desuetude and
ultimate decay. Brownies have been known to stay on among
the ruins for considerable periods. Several of them are
believed to have lived to a great age. For example, the
Brownie that haunted the corridors of Leithin Hall, in
Dumfriesshire, is reputed to have remained there continuously
throughout three centuries.
That the Brownie took upon himself social and domestic
duties which were varied, and usually of a beneficent
character, is amply illustrated by the following folk-tales
relating to distinguished members of this elfin brotherhood.
1 Brownies are the equivalent of the lares, or hearth spirits, of the
Romans.
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