Hobbamock

A Hobbamock (also spelled Hobomok, Habbamok, or Habamok) is a figure in the folklore of some Native American tribes of New England. The character varies considerably in depiction, depending on the tribe and the specific story. He is generally described as a malevolent or mischievous spirit, sometimes viewed as a shape-shifter, and capable of causing harm or misfortune.

In some traditions, the Hobbamock is a powerful being associated with death and the underworld, acting as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the afterlife. He might be invoked in rituals relating to the deceased or to healing.

However, in other narratives, he is portrayed as a more trickster-like figure, playing pranks and causing minor annoyances. This less fearsome version might even be bargained with or appeased through offerings.

The Hobbamock figure was also sometimes incorporated into early colonial narratives, often demonized by Puritan writers who sought to equate Native American spiritual beliefs with devil worship. These accounts often painted a simplified and distorted picture of the Hobbamock, contributing to negative stereotypes about Native American culture.

Therefore, understanding the Hobbamock requires considering the specific cultural context and the particular story in which he appears, as his nature and role are far from monolithic. He is a complex and multifaceted figure within the rich tapestry of Native American folklore.