IRISH GROGOCH

Grogochs were originally half human, half-fairy aborigines who came from Kintyre in Scotland to settle in Ireland.

Resembling a very small elderly man, though covered in coarse, dense reddish hair or fur, he wears no clothes, but sports a variety of twigs and dirt from his travels. Grogoghs have poor personal hygiene and rarely bathe (if ever).

The grogoch is impervious to searing heat or freezing cold. His home may be a cave, hollow or cleft in the landscape. In numerous parts of the northern countryside are large leaning stones which are known as 'grogochs' houses'.

He has the power of invisibility and will often only allow certain trusted people to observe him. A very sociable being, he may even attach himself to certain individuals and help them with their planting and harvesting or with domestic chores, all for no payment other than a jug of cream.

He will scuttle about the kitchen looking for odd jobs to do and will invariably get under people's feet.