Stories of these little buggers have popped into my research more than once. they ironically resemble the Kalanoro, from a previous article. the main difference is that these beings are from North America and have been around for at least hundreds of years. Pukwudgies, also known as bagwajinini, were said to live in the wilderness throughout North America. Native Americans believed that pukwudgies were creatures that had once lived in harmony with humans but had turned against them.
Pukwudgie translates to “person of the wilderness.” They were said to be small creatures, ranging from knee-height to about three feet tall, with human-like features, yet sporting larger ears, noses, and fingers. Their skin has been described as grey and smooth, and they have often been compared to trolls and goblins. The small creatures also have a variety of tricks up their sleeves to taunt or harm humans.
One account I remember hearing from, I want to say was a podcast, years ago. Was from a gentlemen on a hike in the Northeast. Again this was years ago, so bare with me. I very strongly remember the main jist of the story. The man was hiking a forest trail around sunset when things got eerily quiet for a moment. The man then started hearing whispering, that almost sounded like singing. he could not quite make out the words at first, so he continued on.
As he followed the trail the voice came clearer. it was now a sing-song type of voice. The words to him sounded he stated as, "Ome wius" over and over slowly, methodically. He continued now more cautious then before. He eventually saw something ahead of him. A small creature, a couple feet high, standing on two small legs. The creature could not be well seen, but it was clearly waving to him. the man was stunned obviously, but curiosity got the better of him, and he felt drawn to the small being.
The voice continued, but now seemed to come from the creature. The words became clearer the closer he got until he could see the creature and hear the words clearly. The creature had pointy ears and a slightly pudgy body, with leathery skin. It's mouth moving, making the slow chanting noises. The man said once he heard the words clearly he was able to break the trance he seemed to be in and run back down the trail and to safety. The words "come with us" trailing off behind him.
This is a story that really captured my imagination and spurred a lot of research into the fae and folklore surrounding them. these creatures unlike Elves, goblins, and Kalanoro are much closer to home. Writer Joshua Cutchin has some fascinating books on Fae folklore, mainly the darker sides. There is so much to unpack from these beings and others within the same "realm" so to speak. while these Pukwudgie do sound more adorable than some cryptids or creatures of legend they are well known to be troublesome and there are rules regarding them.
If you annoy a Pukwudgie, then they might kidnap your children, push you off a cliff, attack you with their short knives and spears, use sand to blind you, or persuade you to commit suicide.
Legend says the reason Pukwudgies hate humans is because of the Wampanoag tribe. They adored Maushop the giant and were irritated by the Pukwudgies in the area who they considered a nuisance, even though the creatures were only trying to be helpful. The tribe asked the giant to get rid of the Pukwudgies, so he threw them out of the area, slaughtering some in the process.
Pukwudgies can appear and disappear at will, confuse humans, create fire, launch poison arrows, use magic, and lure people to their deaths.
these are just a few of the "facts" surrounding these beings. their history, intent, and lifestyle are well documented legends. it is more than likely that these are the main fae species in North America. There is even a song written about them.
The Song of Hiawatha, an epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, mentions Pukwudgies. It was published in 1855.
“Far and wide among the nations Spread the name and fame of Kwasind; No man dared to strive with Kwasind, No man could compete with Kwasind. But the mischievous Puk-Wudjies, They the envious Little People, They the fairies and the pygmies, Plotted and conspired against him.”