Tradition / Region: Ardennes (France/Belgium)
Alternate Names: —
Category: Dwarf
The Myth
The Couzzietti is a forest-dwelling dwarf from the folklore of the Ardennes. He is said to haunt wooded areas near streams and washing places, where washerwomen come to clean their linen.
According to tradition, the Couzzietti sets traps to steal the freshly washed cloth. His presence is announced by loud cries echoing through the forest, shouting, “O Couzzietti, O Mould of Coutteni!” Those who hear the shouts know he is near.
The Couzzietti is remembered as a mischievous and thieving forest dwarf, whose tricks target washerwomen and whose voice betrays his hiding place among the trees.