The Trasgo of Potes: the Mischievous Elf of Liébana
In the Cantabrian region of Liébana, stories passed down from generation to generation mention a singular creature: the Trasgo of Potes. This being, a local variant of elves, is distinguished by its short stature, its body covered in hair, and a unique detail: a hole in the center of its left hand. Although it does not intend to cause serious harm, its character is eminently prankish and it delights in invading homes to sow confusion. 👹
The Essence of Its Mischief
The goal of this elf is not to terrorize, but to disrupt daily routine with acts of mild but persistent annoyance. It prefers to act in the shadows, generating confusing situations that the inhabitants attribute to its presence. Its activity focuses on the domestic sphere and the stables, where it carries out its favorite pranks.
Its most common actions include:- Hiding everyday objects, such as keys or utensils, in unlikely places.
- Intricately tangling the manes and tails of horses in the mangers.
- Stealing small amounts of food, just enough to notice its absence.
"When something disappears without reason or appears out of place, in Liébana they say: 'The Trasgo has passed by'."
The Weak Point and the Method to Drive It Away
The legend offers an ingenious solution to rid oneself of its unwanted visits. This method turns its distinctive physical trait into its greatest vulnerability. The strategy is simple but requires a bit of cunning on the part of the affected person.
The process to drive it away:- First, one must surprise the elf and convince it to cooperate.
- Then, it must be asked to fill its left hand with water.
- When trying to do so, the liquid escapes through the hole in its palm, making the task impossible.
Conclusion on the Local Elf
The Trasgo of Potes embodies an archetype of the folklore of northern Spain: a mischievous but not evil spirit that explains small domestic mishaps. Its legend endures because it offers a narrative solution to the inexplicable and a way to interact with the supernatural through a simple test. The key to defeating it is not strength, but cleverly exploiting the peculiarity that defines it. 🍃