We all know about vampires and werewolves, or at least we think we do. The legends and myths that inspired these monsters are sometimes surprisingly different, but no less chilling. In this series of posts, Monster Monday, we’ll investigate the monsters that have informed our modern notions, as well as some lesser known monsters. Today, we talk about the Fenodyree.

The fenodyree is a fairy-like creature of the folklore of the Isle of Man. His name is related to the Manx word for “hairy.” He is a small, ugly creature with hairy legs and is sometimes called a satyr. According to one story, he was once a fairy but was punished for falling in love with a human woman and missing the fairy harvest festivals.

His behavior is very similar to the brownies of Scottish and English folklore. He is generally useful to have around, helping with the reaping and threshing of grain, mowing grass, herding animals and protecting them from the weather, even moving large stones too heavy for a man to lift. In return, he likes small amounts of food left out for him, such as bowls of cream or pieces of bread.

He doesn’t wear clothes and presenting him with clothes will cause him to become offended and leave, never to return.