Context: In Welsh, Irish and across Northern Europe, variations of the words 'Puck' or 'Pooka' appear meaning a wicked or mischievous spirit. Derived from Old English 'Puca' this probably also gives us 'spook' and possibly 'pixie'. If you were led astray by such a creature in the Midlands you were 'pouk-ledden'. The Puck's favourite pastime was wreaking havoc. He was known to change shape into a horse or ass and take people on a wild ride. Sometimes as a Will o'the Wisp he would lead you through the dark to the edge of a cliff and then blow out his candle. | 
