The lubber fiend, Lob, lubberkin, lurdane or Lob Lie-By-The-Fire is a legendary creature of English folklore that is similar to the "brownie" (or "Urisk") of Scotland and northern England, the "hob" of northern England and the Scottish Borders, the Slavic "domovoi" and Scandinavian "tomte".
The term Lubber Fiend (or Lubberkin) refers to a helpful but mischievous creature from English folklore, traditionally known as "Hearth’s Idle Trickster" due to its habit of performing household chores in exchange for a warm spot by the fire.
Folklore Origins
The Lubber Fiend is depicted as a large, hairy, and often clumsy spirit that resides in homes or abbeys.
- The "Idle" Trickster: While capable of doing the work of ten men in a single night, the creature is also known for its laziness; if not properly compensated with a bowl of cream or milk, it will abandon its duties or play tricks on the inhabitants.
- Abbey Lubbers: A specific variation of the legend describes a minor demon that haunted monastery kitchens and wine cellars to tempt monks into gluttony and drunkenness.
- Literary Appearance: The character was notably immortalized by John Milton in his 1645 poem L'Allegro, where he describes the "Lubber-fiend" basking by the fire after completing his nocturnal drudgery.