Korrigans

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Mythical beings from Breton folklore known for their small stature, often associated with nature and known to lead travelers astray
2. Enigmatic fairies of Breton legend, typically depicted as mischievous spirits responsible for trickery and enchantment in rural settings
3. Supernatural entities found in the folklore of Brittany, recognized for their playful nature and connection to water and woodland realms

Etymology: "Korrigans" is the plural of "korrigan", a Breton word that English borrowed for the small folk of Breton tradition. The name is built from three parts: "korr", meaning dwarf, plus the diminutive suffix "-ig" and the hypocoristic suffix "-an", which adds a affectionate, pet-name tone. So the word essentially means something like "little dwarfy one," a fitting label for beings who were seen as tiny, mischievous and close to springs, streams and forest clearings. Because English took the word directly from Breton rather than through French or Latin, it kept its distinctly Celtic shape. Its plural follows the English habit of adding "-s," so "korrigans" is simply the countable form used when speaking of more than one of these creatures.