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Redcap
A murderous goblin who haunts ruined castles. It kills travelers and dyes its cap in their blood. If the blood dries, the Redcap dies—so it must keep killing. Run if you see one.
Ancient - Present
Scotland and Northern England
100+ witnesses
The Redcap is a malevolent goblin from Scottish and English border folklore, known for murdering travelers.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Redcap:
- Haunts ruined castles
- Murders travelers
- Dyes its cap in victims’ blood
- Must keep killing or die
- Is incredibly dangerous
Description
The Redcap appears as:
- An old man
- With long teeth
- Sharp claws
- Red eyes
- Wearing iron boots
- A red cap soaked in blood
Behavior
The Redcap:
- Waits in castle ruins
- Attacks without warning
- Uses iron-shod pike
- Cannot be outrun
- His boots are incredibly fast
The Red Cap
His hat:
- Must stay wet with blood
- If it dries, he dies
- Forces him to keep killing
- The redder, the more powerful
- Human blood only
Defense
To survive a Redcap:
- Recite scripture or hold a cross
- He cannot stand holy words
- Will flee shrieking
- You cannot outrun him
- This is the only defense
Hermitage Castle
Most famously associated with:
- Hermitage Castle in Scotland
- The residence of Lord Soulis
- Known for dark practices
- A notorious haunted site