Tradition: English Mythology
Alternative Names: Picktree Brag
Category: Goblin, Horse
The Myth
The Brag is a mischievous shapeshifting goblin from the folklore of Northumbria, particularly Northumberland and County Durham in northern England. It is best known for assuming the form of a horse or donkey, using its appearance to trick unsuspecting people into climbing onto its back. Once a person is riding it, the Brag suddenly bucks, throwing its victim into a pond or bush before fleeing with laughter.
The Brag’s shapeshifting abilities allow it to appear in stranger forms as well. One famous example is the Picktree Brag, which was said to take the shape of a calf wearing a white handkerchief around its neck, a naked headless man, and even four men holding a white sheet. These bizarre transformations make the creature difficult to identify and add to its reputation as an unpredictable supernatural prankster.
Not every Brag reveals itself through a visible form. A Brag associated with Humbleknowe was never seen, but was known for making hideous noises during the night. Whether appearing as an animal, a frightening apparition, or an unseen presence, the Brag delights in confusing and startling people rather than confronting them directly.
Sources
“Brag (folklore).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 17, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brag_(folklore)