Farfadet


Farfadets are creatures of French folklore. The word translates variously as "Sprite", "Imp", "Brownie", or "Leprechaun", though they also resemble the Pixies of Britain's West Country. The term is in general use throughout France, though the creature is local particularly to the Vendée and Poitou regions. Farfadets also feature in Occitan mythology, particularly in Provence, where they are known as fadets.

Description

Farfadets are described as being small, wrinkled, and brown-skinned; they generally wear tattered brown clothing, or go naked.
Farfadets are said to be helpful rather than malicious, though playful and sometimes mischievous. They like to tend horses, which they will groom, or weave ringlets into their manes. They live in woodland, but will also attach themselves to a neighbouring farm or homestead, and complete odd tasks in the fields, in return for a bowl of milk or cream left on the doorstep at night. However they can be frightened away by too much kindness, such as leaving new clothes out for them.

A warning

Despite this reputation, the 18th century French writer AVC Berbiguer believed he was tormented by them, and wrote extensively about them and their depredations. In 1821 he was constrained to publish an autobiography, Les Farfadets ou Tous les démons ne sont pas de l'autre monde, which was intended as a warning "To all the Emperors, Kings, Princes and Sovereigns of the Four Parts of the World".