Iratxoak

Iratxo

Iratxoak (sing.: iratxo) are the imps of Basque mythology. Other names for them include irelsuzko/irelzuzko, irelu, irelixu/ireltxu, and iretxo. They are generally considered the Basque equivalent of goblins or fairies, although a French-Basque dictionary from 1926 translates the word iratxo as spectre (ghost). They are said to assist in household and farming tasks if treated well. If offended, iratxoak may cause the offender minor troubles or target them with tricks.

They are said to be found in many places, including forests, caves, and ruins. In some legends, iratxoak are associated with hidden treasure. Iratxoak are considered to be nocturnal.

During Saint John's Eve festivities, people dressed as iratxoak may collect wishes and unwanted thoughts from attendees and toss them into a bonfire.

Subtypes

Galtxagorriak

Galtxagorriak are a house spirit variety of iratxo that are more helpful to humans. Their name translates to "red-pants".

Intxisu

Intxisu are sometimes considered a type of iratxo commonly associated with cromlechs. It is unknown if the name has any relation to intxa-ur or avellana de los Intxi, two Basque terms for walnut.

Etymology

Some scholars believe that the word iratxo may be related to the word irasco, meaning "castrated goat".

Iratxo is also the name of a rock/ska band from Lavapiés, Madrid. The name comes from the nickname of their lead singer, Juan "Iratxo" Manuel Cifuentes.

References

  1. ↑ marketing (2023-02-09). "Routes through Basque mythology | Akelarre Hotel | Basque mythology". Akelarre. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  2. ↑ Wilby, Emma (2 August 2019). Invoking the Akelarre: Voices of the Accused in the Basque Witch-Craze, 1609-1614. Liverpool University Press. ISBN 978-1-78284-622-2. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  3. 1 2 Revista internacional de los estudios vascos (in Spanish). Société des études Basques "Eusko-Ikaskuntza". 1924. p. 408. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Bould, Andrew J. Legendary Creatures, Volume 1: Mythical Monsters and Magical Beings from A to L — The First Half of the Complete A to Z Encyclopedia: Discover Dragons, Demons, Fairies, Spirits, Giants, and Legendary Beasts from Global Mythologies and Folklore. Square & Compass Publishing. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  5. ↑ Lhande, Pierre (1926). Dictionnaire Basque-français Et Français-basque: (dialectes Labourdin, Bas-navarrais Et Souletin) (in French). G. Beauchesne. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  6. ↑ Larrabeiti, Jon Goikouria (24 June 2025). "Argazkiak Iratxo eta sorginek San Juan sua piztu dute Arrigorriagan". Geuria (in Basque). Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  7. ↑ Bane, Theresa (10 January 2014). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. McFarland. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-7864-8894-0. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  8. ↑ Estornés Lasa, Bernardo. "DUENDE". aunamendi.eusko-ikaskuntza.eus. Eusko Ikaskuntza. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Agud, Manuel; Tovar, Antonio. Materiales para un diccionario etimologico de la lengua vasca XVI. pp. 36–37. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Vaciamadrid, Ayuntamiento de Rivas (3 October 2014). "Iratxo canta por Rivanimal en el Pilar Bardem". Rivas Ciudad (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 August 2026.