Spring-Heeled Jack isn't directly from ancient Celtic mythology but emerged as a popular Victorian urban legend in England (1830s-1900s), embodying fairy-like traits (fey, quick, demonic) with fiery eyes, claws, and incredible leaping ability, often linked to mischievous goblins or changelings, and inspiring stories of inexplicable supernatural events and mass hysteria that echo older folklore about mischievous spirits.
Key Characteristics & Origins:
- Victorian Phenomenon: First seen in 1837, he terrorized London and beyond, described as a tall, thin man in black, sometimes with a helmet, glowing red eyes, and sharp claws, who could breathe fire and leap incredible distances.
- Folkloric Roots: His bizarre appearance, leaping, and fire-breathing align with older traditions of mischievous creatures like goblins, sprites, or piskies from British Isles folklore, which were often shapeshifters or tricksters.
- Fey Connections: Some theories link him to the Fae (Fair Folk) or quicklings, spirits known for their speed and unsettling behaviour, suggesting he's a mischievous entity from the spirit world making forays into the human realm.
- Mass Hysteria & Pranks: Many sightings were explained as hoaxes by wealthy pranksters (like the "Mad Marquis"), but his legend grew through word-of-mouth, sensationalized press, and existing folklore, creating a cultural phenomenon.
Celtic Parallels (Indirect):
- Puca (Pooka): This shapeshifting Celtic spirit, often appearing as a horse or goat, embodies trickery, abduction, and fear, similar to Jack's unsettling nature and penchant for frightening people.
- Quicklings/Pixies: These fast, erratic, sometimes malevolent fairy folk from Irish/Scottish folklore share Jack's uncanny speed and ability to appear and disappear, fitting into the broader Celtic tradition of unpredictable supernatural beings.
In essence, Spring-Heeled Jack is a uniquely Victorian invention drawing on anxieties and existing folklore about the supernatural, blending elements of demonic figures, urban pranks, and older Celtic/British fey creatures into one terrifying, leaping legend.