Galtxagorriak
 A group of people dressed as galtzagorriak | |
| Creature information | |
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Galtzagorrii Prakagorris |
| Grouping | House spirits Imps |
| Similar entities | |
| Origin | |
| Region | Basque country |
Galtxagorriak (singular Galtxagorrii, Basque pronunciation: [ɡaltʃagoriak]), also called Galtzagorrii or Prakagorris, are a type of iratxoak (imp) or house spirit in Basque folklore. The name "Galtxagorriak" translates to "red-pants".[1]
Description and folklore
Galtxagorriak are described as tiny, sometimes winged, humanoids wearing red pants.[2][1] In folklore, they can be kept in boxes, pincushions, and other containers.[3] If a person places a container on top of a bush on Saint John's Eve, then they will enter the box and the person who placed it will become their master.[2][3]
They can complete tasks extremely quickly, and can become angry if they run out of chores or are given a truly impossible task.[1][2] One story has a man who bought a box of galtxagorriak to do his chores, but they became enraged and undid all their work once he ran out of tasks for them.[1] In another story, a man gets annoyed by his galtxagorriak and tells them to bring him a seive full of water and once they figured out it couldn't be done, they left.[2][3] If treated well, they stay with their human and help them with difficult or impossible tasks. Another story tells of a farmer from Zarautz who was losing a ox-race. He asked his galtxagorriak to help carry the stones his ox had to drag, and they helped him win the race.[2]
Galtxagorriak are also considered to be assistants of sorcerers and wizards, and are used to explain extraordinary feats.[2][3]
Popular culture
The 2016 animated film Teresa eta Galtzagorri (English title: Elf on the Run) by Basque film company Dibulitoon Studio features a young galtzagorri named Tim as a main character. In the film, galtxagorriak are creatures that bring about springtime rather than house spirits.[4][5] Teresa eta Galtzagorri received nominations for Best Animated Film at the Goya Awards, the Cinema Writers Circle Awards, and the Platino Awards.[6]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Bane, Theresa (10 January 2014). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. McFarland. p. 114. ISBN 978-0-7864-8894-0. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bordagarai, Koldo Alijostes. "Basque Mythology - GALTXAGORRI". basquemythology.amaroa.com. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Nock, Michael (November 2025). Learn Basque with Basque Mythology: Interlinear Basque to English. Bermuda Word. pp. 66–69. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- ↑ "TERESA ETA GALTZAGORRI (2016)". www.sansebastianhorrorfestival.eus. San Sebastian Horror and Fantasy Film Festival. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- ↑ "Joseba Beristain – Interview". SoundTrackFest.
- ↑ "Teresa eta Galtzagorri". IMBD. Retrieved 12 August 2026.