The Witchlets have really been into The Spiderwick Chronicles and Olivia recently got Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You: Movie Tie-in Edition - and it's been interesting around here, to say the least! Tonight we are going to make porridge and then leave it out overnight, to see of we have a Brownie in or around the house :) From the book:

If you're not familiar with Brownies, they come from English and Scottish folklore. They are helpful household spirits, similar to Elves. They appear to be small humans, with wrinkled faces and short, curly brown hair. They are usually dressed in brown clothing including a conical hat or hood.

Most Brownies are attached to a single house or farm, where they may reside for centuries. They are very protective of their homes and become upset when humans quarrel or do not treat their animals with kindness.

Brownies are industrious but shy and so only come out at night to do their work, which can include cleaning the house or barn, grinding grain or churning butter. The householders would often leave them a bowl of fresh cream or porridge or a freshly baked loaf of bread as repayment for their helpfulness.

It is important to never criticize their work as they are very easily insulted. Once a Brownie is insulted they will most likely undo everything they have done and abandon the household. Brownies also like shiny things.

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