Gremlin
Originating in 20th-century aviation lore, gremlins are small and mischievous. They tamper with machinery, causing inexplicable malfunctions in aircraft.
At a glance
- Tradition
- American folklore
- Trait family
- The Camera-Shy
- Symbols
- Hand
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Hand bears image-domain The hand denotes agency and the reach of consciousness, which makes, blesses, grasps and destroys, so its loss figures a will barred from acting.
why
Their appearance varies in descriptions, but they are often portrayed with large ears, bulging eyes, and dexterous hands perfect for manipulating intricate machinery.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Disrupts technology
why
These elusive creatures... possess an innate understanding of complex mechanical systems that far surpasses their diminutive stature.
- Appears and vanishes at will
why
often disappearing without a trace and leaving bewildered engineers in their wake.
Sight and sound
- Disproportionately large hypnotic eyes
why
bulging eyes
Offensive powers
- Technology disruption
why
Their methods of sabotage range from the subtle loosening of bolts to more dramatic interventions like chewing through wires or jamming control surfaces.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries
2 citations
- Ad de Vries, Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery, s.v. "Gremlin."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Gremlin."
- Trickster carries both readings
2 citations
- Ad de Vries, Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery, s.v. "Gremlin."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Gremlin."