The Urisk (or Ùruisg) is a solitary, half-man, half-goat fairy from Scottish Gaelic folklore, akin to a wild brownie, dwelling in lonely highland places but sometimes seeking warmth in human homes during winter, performing chores like churning butter in exchange for cream and companionship despite its frightening appearance, and could be a helpful guardian or a mischievous nuisance if offended.
Appearance & Nature
- Physical Traits: Described as shaggy, hirsute, with goat-like hind legs, pointed ears, fangs, and a grim face, resembling a satyr or goblin.
- Personality: A complex creature, often slothful but willing to work, craving human interaction but scaring people away with its looks.
- Habitat: Lives in remote areas like waterfalls and caves but comes to farms in winter.
Behavior & Role
- Winter Helper: During winter, it would shelter by hearths, doing farm work (churning, threshing) for offerings of milk or cream, bringing luck.
- Solitary Wanderer: Spends summers alone in the wilderness, often seen observing travellers from hillsides.
- Mischievous: Can be a terror if angered but generally prefers to be left alone.
Variations & Connections
- Brownie/Peallaidh: Similar to the brownie but lives in the wild; the Peall`aidh is a shaggy variation.
- Fuath: The Urisk is considered a type of fuath (a water spirit).
- Origin: Thought by some to be offspring of mortals and fairies, blending human and fairy traits.
Dealing with an Urisk
- Kindness: Leaving out milk and food could secure its help.
- Caution: Don't trick it; one dairy maid scalded an Urisk, leading to trouble.
- Respect: Leaving a place by the fire for it was a sign of respect in many households.