Pukwudgie

Region: Greater North America
Location:Southern New England — Wampanoag, Algonquian nations (Massachusetts, Rhode Island)

Pukwudgies are small, humanlike beings in Wampanoag folklore, often described as knee-high figures with gray skin, sharp features, and spiky hair. They are known for their ability to appear and vanish at will, control fire, and cast illusions. Pukwudgies carry poisoned darts or spears made of bone or stone, and older stories say they can transform into cougars or porcupines when threatened. Despite their size, they are considered unpredictable and dangerous, not friendly woodland spirits. They live in remote forest areas, rocky outcrops, or wetlands, often near ancient trails or sacred paths.
  In Wampanoag stories, Pukwudgies were once helpful to humans. But the relationship deteriorated after misunderstandings and perceived slights, and the beings grew resentful. They began playing malicious tricks, stealing items, or luring people off trails. Some tales describe them pushing humans off cliffs or into rivers. Their greatest enmity was toward the giant culture-hero Maushop; Pukwudgies attacked his children, leading Maushop to retaliate, after which they became openly hostile to humans. This story is central to why the creatures are no longer benign in the living tradition.
  Today, Pukwudgie stories persist in New England communities, especially around places like the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, where hikers report eerie lights, whispering, or feelings of being watched. While modern accounts blend folklore with the modern paranormal scene, the original Indigenous stories carry deep meanings about respect for land, boundaries, and reciprocal relationships with the unseen world. Pukwudgies remain one of the most culturally distinctive beings in Algonquian folklore.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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