The Puck’s Day Off: The Trickster of Selborne Common

Selborne Common in Hampshire, England, is a place of quiet beauty, with a long history stretching back hundreds of years. It has seen the passage of Romans, Saxons, and Normans, evidence of which can still be found in the area. However, there is one tale engraved in the local folklore that stands out, a tale of mischief and enchantment, the tale of Puck. Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a creature of English folklore, known as a hobgoblin or playful sprite. In the vicinity of Selborne Common, Puck is known as the mischievous pixie that takes a ‘day off’ now and then to frolic and play pranks on the residents of Selborne. While highly respected, Puck had a reputation for being a bit of a trickster. It was said that if you left your home at night, you might return to find your furniture rearranged, your livestock roaming free or, worse yet, your keys missing. Yet, locals took these incidents in stride, believing that the mischief was just Puck’s way of reminding them of his presence and their shared history. Stories also tell of Puck’s softer side. If a household was particularly clean and tidy or if the residents were kind and helpful to their neighbours, Puck would leave small tokens of gratitude, like a shiny pebble or a pretty feather. This portrayal of Puck as both pest and protector made him a beloved part of Selborne Common’s history and folklore. This tale, like Puck himself, is part of the tapestry of Selborne Common – evocative of a time when life was simpler, and magic seemed to lurk in every leafy glade. So, if ever you find yourself walking the trails of Selborne Common, take a moment to appreciate the serenity around you. But remember, Puck could be just around the corner, ready with his tricks.

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