Iratxoak

Iratxo

Iratxoak (sing.: iratxo) are the imps of Basque mythology.[1] Other names for them include irelsuzko/irelzuzko, irelu, irelixu/ireltxu, and iretxo.[2][3] They are generally considered the Basque equivalent of goblins[3] or fairies,[4] although a French-Basque dictionary from 1926 translates the word iratxo as spectre (ghost).[5] They are said to assist in household and farming tasks if treated well.[4] If offended, iratxoak may cause the offender minor troubles or target them with tricks.[4]

They are said to be found in many places, including forests, caves, and ruins. In some legends, iratxoak are associated with hidden treasure. Iratxoak are considered to be nocturnal.[4]

During Saint John's Eve festivities, people dressed as iratxoak may collect wishes and unwanted thoughts from attendees and toss them into a bonfire.[6]

Subtypes

Galtxagorriak

Galtxagorriak are a house spirit variety of iratxo that are more helpful to humans. Their name translates to "red-pants".[7]

Intxisu

Intxisu are sometimes considered a type of iratxo commonly associated with cromlechs. It is unknown if the name has any relation to intxa-ur or avellana de los Intxi, two Basque terms for walnut.[8]

Etymology

Some scholars believe that the word iratxo may be related to the word irasco, meaning "castrated goat".[9]

Iratxo is also the name of a rock/ska band from Lavapiés, Madrid. The name comes from the nickname of their lead singer, Juan "Iratxo" Manuel Cifuentes.[10]

References

  1. ↑ marketing (2023-02-09). "Routes through Basque mythology | Akelarre Hotel | Basque mythology". Akelarre. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  2. ↑ Wilby, Emma (2 August 2019). Invoking the Akelarre: Voices of the Accused in the Basque Witch-Craze, 1609-1614. Liverpool University Press. ISBN 978-1-78284-622-2. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  3. 1 2 Revista internacional de los estudios vascos (in Spanish). Société des études Basques "Eusko-Ikaskuntza". 1924. p. 408. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Bould, Andrew J. Legendary Creatures, Volume 1: Mythical Monsters and Magical Beings from A to L — The First Half of the Complete A to Z Encyclopedia: Discover Dragons, Demons, Fairies, Spirits, Giants, and Legendary Beasts from Global Mythologies and Folklore. Square & Compass Publishing. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  5. ↑ Lhande, Pierre (1926). Dictionnaire Basque-français Et Français-basque: (dialectes Labourdin, Bas-navarrais Et Souletin) (in French). G. Beauchesne. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  6. ↑ Larrabeiti, Jon Goikouria (24 June 2025). "Argazkiak Iratxo eta sorginek San Juan sua piztu dute Arrigorriagan". Geuria (in Basque). Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  7. ↑ Bane, Theresa (10 January 2014). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. McFarland. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-7864-8894-0. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  8. ↑ Estornés Lasa, Bernardo. "DUENDE". aunamendi.eusko-ikaskuntza.eus. Eusko Ikaskuntza. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Agud, Manuel; Tovar, Antonio. Materiales para un diccionario etimologico de la lengua vasca XVI. pp. 36–37. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Vaciamadrid, Ayuntamiento de Rivas (3 October 2014). "Iratxo canta por Rivanimal en el Pilar Bardem". Rivas Ciudad (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 August 2026.
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