duwende
A dwarf or goblin of Philippine folklore. They live in trees, underground, in mounds, or in houses. The duwende can be beneficial to the house and its owners if treated respectfully and provided with some food, but may also become mischievous or hostile if mistreated. White ones are supposed to bring luck, black ones play tricks. See also kama-kama, household spirits.
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References
Source
- de Las Casas, Dianne; Gagatiga, Zarah C. (2011). Tales from the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, p. xvi.