Bitesized Folklore

The Tale of the Njuggle and the Blacksmith's Daughter


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We're diving into the wild and windswept Shetland Islands today, and let me tell you, it's a trip filled with legends and a splash of spookiness. We’re hanging out with the Njuggle, a sneaky shape-shifting water spirit that rolls up looking like a stunning black horse, but trust me, it’s got a dark side. Instead of galloping after its victims, this crafty creature plays the long game, chilling by the water and waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. Imagine a game of cat and mouse, but with a horse that wants to drag you to a watery grave – not exactly a picnic! Our tale takes a twist with a clever blacksmith's daughter who outsmarts this sneaky beast, crafting a plan that’ll knock your socks off. So grab your headphones and get ready for a tale of courage, cunning, and a little bit of folklore magic!

Takeaways:

  • In the Shetland Islands, the Njuggle is a shape-shifting water spirit that lures people.
  • Unlike the wild Kelpie, the Njuggle is cunning and waits for unsuspecting victims.
  • Folklorists believe the Njuggle's origins are a mix of Celtic and Norse legends.
  • The blacksmith's daughter outsmarts the Njuggle, proving that wit can defeat even legends.
  • Iron has magical properties in folklore, and it helps the blacksmith defeat the Njuggle.
  • The tale serves as a reminder to be cautious around lone horses by water.

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Bitesized FolkloreBy Jodie Paterson