Spiriduș

A spiriduș (plural: spiriduși) is a figure in Romanian folklore, akin to a goblin, imp, or mischievous spirit. The term is often used to refer to a small, supernatural being known for causing minor trouble and playing pranks.

Spiriduși are generally depicted as being diminutive in size, though descriptions of their appearance can vary. They are typically associated with a mischievous and playful nature, and their actions are usually more annoying than genuinely harmful. Common pranks attributed to spiriduși include hiding objects, making noises, tangling threads, and generally disrupting the peace.

The origins of the spiriduș are likely rooted in ancient Romanian beliefs about nature spirits and household deities. Similar figures can be found in the folklore of other cultures, often reflecting a desire to explain unexplained phenomena or to personify minor inconveniences.

While spiriduși are often portrayed as inherently mischievous, they are not typically considered malevolent. In some stories, they can even be helpful, performing small tasks or offering assistance, albeit often with a trickster's twist. They are a common feature of Romanian folktales, particularly those told to children, and continue to be a part of the cultural imagination. The concept of a spiriduș is frequently invoked in a lighthearted manner, often to explain a minor mishap or to playfully blame someone for a prank.