Tradition: English Mythology
Alternative Names: Robin Goodfellow, Goodfellows, Hobgoblin
Category: Fairy
The Myth
Puck is a mischievous supernatural spirit of English folklore who can appear as either a domestic fairy or a spirit of nature. As a household spirit, Puck may remain around a particular home for long periods, becoming familiar with the inhabitants while making noises, playing tricks, performing jokes, and generally causing harmless disturbances. Despite his reputation for mischief, he can also be helpful, performing small household tasks such as fine needlework, butter-churning, or other chores during the night. A household that treats him well may receive his assistance, while one that displeases or neglects him can suffer his pranks.
Puck expects offerings in return for his services, traditionally white bread and milk. If these are not provided, he may take what he believes is owed to him. He can therefore shift quickly between helpfulness and troublesome behavior, and his services may be undone by his tricks when he becomes offended. He is generally portrayed as solitary and familiar with the household he inhabits. The names Robin Goodfellow and Goodfellows were also used for such spirits, with flattering names such as “Goodfellow” or “good folk” serving to appease supernatural beings known for their mischievous nature.
Puck can also appear as a more dangerous nature spirit rather than a household helper. In this form, he belongs to the wider fairy world and may lead travelers astray or perform mischievous tricks in the countryside. His character is fundamentally ambiguous: he can be a useful domestic servant, a playful jester of the fairy court, or a troublesome supernatural creature whose harmless jokes could become more serious if his goodwill was lost. Shakespeare’s famous Puck reflects this older English tradition of the shrewd, mischievous fairy, although the folklore figure itself existed independently of the literary character.
Sources
“Puck (folklore).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 5, 2026.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puck_(folklore)