The Troublemaker
The bogie (also spelled bogy, bug-a-boo, bogle, or boggart) is a malevolent hobgoblin in British folklore, known for its mischievous and often sinister behavior. Unlike the brownie, who assists in household chores, the bogie is purely malicious, delighting in tormenting travelers, playing cruel tricks, and causing unexplained misfortunes.
Bogie stories are particularly common in Scotland and Northern England, where the creature is believed to haunt lonely roads, bridges, and desolate moors. Unlike other supnernatural entities that can sometimes be placated, the bogie thrives on fear and cannot be reasoned with.
Physical Description and Behavior
Bogie descriptions vary depending on the region, but they are generally depicted as shadowy, misshapen beings with grotesque features. Some accounts describe them as thin and wiry with long, clawed fingers, while others claim they appear as small, hunched creatures with glowing red eyes. They often have the ability to shapeshift or become invisible, making their attacks all the more unpredictable.
The bogie’s primary joy is in scaring and harassing people. Travelers walking alone at night might hear eerie whispers, feel unseen hands tugging at their clothing, or suddenly lose their way as fog rolls in unnaturally fast. In homes, bogies hav been known to cause objects to vanish, produce chilling wails, or creep into beds to place a clammy hand on a sleeper’s face.
Encounters and Historical Accounts
Throughout history, there have been numerous alleged encounters with bogies, particularly in rural Britain. Some of the most well-known stories include:
The Bogie of the Dewerstone
In Dartmoor, there is a legend of an eerie entity that haunts the Dewerstone Tor. Locals tell of travelers being led astray by ghostly lights and sinister laughter, only to find themselves near dangerous cliffs.
The Black Bogie of Loch Ewe
In Scotland, a particularly feared bogie was said to lurk near the waters of Loch Ewe, appearing as a gaunt, skeletal figure with hollow eyes. Fishermen claimed that seeing the Black Bogie foretold a coming storm or an ill-fated voyage.
The Bogie of Glasgow
One of the most infamous bogie tales comes from Glasgow, where a mysterious entity was said to torment residents by knocking on doors and windows late at night. Despite searches, no culprit was ever found, and locals insisted it was the work of a mischievous bogie.
The Bug-a-Boo of Suffolk
A story from the English countryside tells of a bogie that haunted a small footpath between two villages. It would frighten late-night travelers by appearing as a shadowy figure, then vanishing just as they approached.
Connections to Other Mythological Figures
- Boggart – A close relative to the bogie, boggarts are household spirits that turn malevolent when mistreated.
- Bogle/Boggle – A Scottish variant of the bogie, known for tricking travelers and hiding in dangerous places.
- Bogeyman – A modern figure derived from the bogie, often used to scare children into good behavior.
- Poltergeist – A supernatural entity associated with loud disturbances and mischievous hauntings.
- Kelpie – A Scottish water spirit that, like the bogie, is known for leading humans to dangerous situations.
- Redcap – A goblin-like creature from Scottish folklore that, like the bogie, is said to be particularly malevolent.
Modern Influence
The bogie has evolved into a broader cultural figure, often referenced in literature, horror films, and urban legends. The term “bogeyman” stems from the bogie mythos, transforming into a universal concept of an entity that hides in the dark, waiting to frighten the unsuspecting.
Bogie-inspired creatures appear in books, video games, and television series, keeping the legend alive in popular imagination. From eerie childhood fears to ghost stories told around the campfire, the bogie remains a chilling reminder of the unknown lurking in the shadows.