Tradition: Scottish Mythology
Alternative Names: Dunters, Powries, Dunter, Powrie
Category: Goblin
The Myth
The Danters are supernatural spirits in the folklore of the British Isles, particularly associated with the Old Border between England and Scotland. They are said to inhabit ancient square towers and Pictish fortifications along the border. Also known as Powries, they are described as dangerous goblin-like beings connected with the sacrificial deaths of humans and animals. The name Dunter is an original English spelling, while Powrie is another name for these border spirits.
The Danters are believed to haunt old fortifications, where they constantly make noise. Their activity is sometimes described as a faint or persistent sound resembling the beating of flails or grinding barley in stone mills. According to folklore, the sounds grow louder as a tower’s foundations approach a catastrophe. This noise is regarded as an ominous warning of impending death or misfortune, particularly when associated with ancient strongholds.
One tradition connects the Danters to the foundations of old towers, claiming that they were built upon the blood of sacrificial victims. These sacrifices were supposedly made before construction began, possibly involving Picts. The spirits are therefore associated with the violent and mysterious history of the border fortifications they inhabit. Their presence serves as a supernatural reminder of the sacrifices and suffering believed to lie beneath these ancient structures.
The Powries are not easily frightened or subdued. They are described as fearless goblins that cannot readily be panicked, intimidated, or driven away. Their reputation as stubborn and dangerous spirits distinguishes them from more easily frightened supernatural beings in British folklore.
Sources
“Dantery.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). https://www.bestiary.us/dantery