Redcap Goblin.

Summary: The Redcap, a malevolent entity from British folklore, haunts abandoned castles and ruins along the Anglo-Scottish borderlands. Described as a murderous, blood-dependent goblin, the Redcap stains its cap with human blood to sustain its existence. The creature, which is short, grotesque, and incredibly strong, wears iron boots and carries gruesome weapons. It is known for its terrifying speed and relentless pursuit of its victims. The Redcap's origin is deeply linked to the violent history of the borderlands, symbolizing the unending violence of border wars.

The Blood-Soaked Goblin of the Borderlands.

1. Classification: Malevolent Folkloric Entity.
2. Region: Anglo-Scottish Borderlands (Northern England and Southern Scotland).
3. Habitat: Abandoned castles, ancient ruins, battle-scarred towers.
4. Threat Level: High — Actively Hostile.

The Redcap is a murderous, blood-dependent goblin of British folklore, haunting the desolate castles and ruins of the Scottish Borders and Northumbria. Unlike the mischievous pixies or the morally ambiguous fae, Redcap Goblins are creatures of pure malevolence.

They are said to stain their caps in human blood, which must remain wet to sustain their unnatural existence. If the cap dries, the Redcap dies — thus, it must kill repeatedly to survive.

These twisted beings are short, hideous, and immensely strong for their size. Wearing heavy iron boots and bearing gruesome weapons, Redcaps pursue their victims with terrifying speed, their boots clanging against stone with every relentless step.

Redcap Origin & History

Redcap legends are deeply rooted in the violent history of the Anglo-Scottish borderlands, where centuries of clan wars, feuding, and lawlessness dominated life. These regions were home to the Border Reivers — raiders who plagued the countryside from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Redcaps can be seen as supernaturalSupernatural narratives evoke forces beyond nature More reflections of this bloody past.

Their bloody cap may symbolize the ever-fresh violence of the border wars — a literal manifestation of bloodshed that cannot dry, cannot be forgotten.

Physical Description

Redcaps appear as small, gnarled humanoids with sunken eyes glowing a sinister red. Their skin is pale, mottled, and coarse like dried leather or rotting bark. Their namesake red cap is always soaked in fresh blood, dripping from the brim.

Iron boots, rusted blades, and long, filthy claws complete their horrific image. Despite their short stature, they are known for supernaturalSupernatural narratives evoke forces beyond nature More speed and strength.

Behaviors & Abilities

Historical & Cultural Significance

• Walter Scott (1802-03): In his work Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, Sir Walter Scott records Redcap lore, associating the creature with Hermitage Castle and the infamous William de Soulis.
• William de Soulis (1260s–1320s): A real-life nobleman accused of sorcery and cruelty, believed to have consorted with a Redcap named “Robin Redcap.” Legends claim he was boiled alive by locals for his evil dealings [1]The Rampages of Robin Redcap, Dirty Deeds and Devilish Helpers. https://www.hypnogoria.com/folklore_robinrecap.html
• Katharine Briggs: Renowned folklorist who included Redcaps in her Dictionary of Fairies, noting their inescapable nature and bloodthirsty habits [2]Haase, Donald (2008). The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales. Greenwood. p. 139. ISBN 978-0-313-33442-9 .
• Elliott O’Donnell: Paranormal writer who described Redcaps in terms closer to demonic entities than folklore spirits [3]Books by O’Donnell, Elliott, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/5469 .

Interpretations and Symbolism

As a Demon Servant: In many tales, the Redcap is portrayed as a servant of evil men, such as black magicians or tyrannical lords. William de Soulis was said to summon a Redcap named Robin Redcap, who helped him murder enemies in exchange for blood.

As a Haunting Spirit: Some variations describe Redcaps as ghostly or undead — the tormented souls of murderers, traitors, or warlords. Their endless violence becomes a form of penance or purgatory [4]Scottish Ghost Stories by Elliott O’Donnell. LONDON: KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRÜBNER & CO. LTD. 1911 .

As a Borderland Bogeyman: For children in the Scottish Borders, the Redcap served the same function as Krampus or the Boogeyman. He was a warning: “Stray too close to the ruins, and the Redcap will get you.” A tool of social control — with teeth [5]Fairy FolkloreFolklore encompasses myths, legends, jokes, prover More: Come Away, O Human Child. FolkloreFolklore encompasses myths, legends, jokes, prover More Thursday Webpage .

Protection and Warding Off

• Holy Ground: Redcaps are said to avoid churches or sanctified land.
• Sacred Symbols: Crosses, holy water, and religious relics may repel them. Some tales state a Redcap Goblin can be driven away by words of Scripture or by the brandishing of a crucifix, which cause them to utter a dismal yell and vanish in flames, leaving behind a large tooth [6]Henderson, William (1879). FolkloreFolklore encompasses myths, legends, jokes, prover More of the Northern Counties of England and the Borders (2nd ed.) W. Satchell, Peyton & Co. p. 253.
• Silver & Iron (Conflicting Reports): Some legends say iron repels fae — others claim Redcaps are made stronger by it.

Related Locations

• Hermitage Castle (Scottish Borders): Long believed to be the home of a Redcap familiar and site of de Soulis’s death [7]Hermitage Castle https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/hermitage-castle/
• Ettrick Forest & Border Abbeys: Ancient sites rumored to house spirits, ghosts, and Redcap-like creatures.

Timeline of the Redcap

Modern Appearances (Pop Culture, Urban Legends, etc.)

• Dungeons & Dragons: The Redcap appears as a fey creature — homicidal, mischievous, and bound to its bloody ritual.

• The Witcher, Hellboy, and Castlevania have featured Redcap-inspired characters — often as goblin-like enemies steeped in bloodlust.

• Horror authors and TTRPGs frequently reinterpret Redcaps as murder spirits, combining folklore with slasher tropes.

• CreepyPasta tales, Online communities,  podcasts, and Youtube Channels.

• Redcaps have been cataloged in numerous folklore anthologies, including those by Katharine Briggs and Elliott O’Donnell.

• Some occult traditions associate Redcaps with malevolent fae or twisted elementals, corrupted by war and bloodshed.

Related Creatures

• Nuckelavee: A skinless horse demon of Orcadian lore; shares violent tendencies and death symbolism.

• Bogeymen: Like the Redcap, they are used to frighten children, but with less explicit bloodlust.

• Draugr (Norse): Undead beings who guard grave mounds and kill the living — similar territorial behavior.

Conclusion

The Redcap endures as one of the most horrifying creatures in folklore — not just because of what it is, but because of what it represents. A force of memory, violence, and the consequences of bloodshed, it reminds us that some places never forget. Some ruins still echo with footsteps — loud, iron footsteps — of things that once killed… and still do.

Enter ruins at your own risk. And if you hear boots behind you… don’t run. Just pray.