Fern Flower
Published on February 21, 2023

Tresgo

  • Gorretin Kolarau
  • Gorra Enkanada

Regions of expansion

Portugal 1 Spain 1
Spain
Portugal

Description

A mythological creature found in the traditions of the North Spain, in particular, in Asturias and Cantabria. Also found in legends Portugal. In other parts Europe under the names "dwarf", "sylph" or "kobold". The origin of the creature is Celtic and Roman, and its homeland is Northern Europe.

This is a domestic goblin with a mischievous and nervous character. It is often presented as a small man with a limp on his right leg. He has dark skin, wears red clothes and a hat. He has a hole in his left arm. Sometimes it is described with horns, tail, sheep ears and long legs, wearing a long black and gray cloak; in other descriptions it is small, with long thin legs and wearing dark brown clothes.

Night noises are attributed to him, and also minor pranks, such as moving objects. He enters houses at night when all the inhabitants are asleep. If he is in a bad mood, he breaks dishes, scares cattle, moves chests of clothes and spills water. These actions do not cause significant harm, since the residents of the house find everything in the same places where they left it.

On the other hand, when he is treated well, tresgo does housework at night.

In Asturias, tresgo is known by several names depending on the locality. He is known as Tresno, Cornin or Juan dos Camios in western Asturias. He is known as Gorretin Kolarau or the one who is "Gorra Enganada" (both names mean "little red hat") in eastern Asturias.

Tresgo in popular culture