Aviva Trivia

The Grogoch, originally from Scotland, settled in Ireland a long time ago.  He is a strange creature that is half human and half fairy, appearing to look somewhat like an aborigine.  No female grogoch has ever been seen, so it is assumed that only males exist.  His stature is short, which makes him appear to be a small, old man. 

He is thoroughly covered with coarse hair or fur that is red in coloring, which is a good thing since he wears no clothing of any kind at any time.  His small body is often very dirty; and small twigs, leaves, and bits of grime may be sticking to it at any given time.  Therefore, personal cleanliness and good hygiene are not his strong suits; and an odor may be noticeable around him.

Despite his lack of any clothing, he feels neither heat nor cold, no matter what the severity in temperature has become.  Although he may have originally been half human, he does not live in a house or cottage like full humans.  Rather, he makes his home in a cave, cleft, or suitable hollow in the rocks or landscape of the area in which he resides.  Many parts of the northern countryside of Ireland are noted for having several grogoch’s houses.  These typically large leaning stones are considered suitable as a home for a fairy of his size.

He is probably best known in parts of Donegal, Rathlin Island, and Antrim.  He may also be found on the Isle of Man, where he is known by a different name, the phynnodderee. 

The grogoch is quite sociable and friendly.  The grogoch, however, is not immediately trusting of humans.  Instead, he needs to discover the ability to trust specific ones before he will allow them to see him.  He has the power to make himself invisible and will remain so around those whom he does not have a feeling of trust for yet.

He is not an evil or mischievous fairy, but rather, he is a helpful one.  He may attach himself to someone and then go about the business of helping this mortal with his daily tasks and domestic chores.  In fact, he has been known to help with the planting and harvesting in return for something as simple as a drink of fresh cream.