FIRE SPIRITS

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SALAMANDERS: These creatures are said to live in fire and flames. They look very much like a lizard with pointed claws and eyes like red hot coals. Sometimes they can be seen curled in the smouldering cinders of a household fire. They are said to protect the home they live in and should not be killed. The ancient Greeks believed ill luck came if they were mistreated. According to mythology they are born from the egg of a magical rooster and these take seven years to hatch.

BASILISK: Also called a Cockatrice, this fabulous serpent like creature has a mitre shaped crest upon its head. Born from the egg of a cock hatched by a snake these fiery spirits are very wicked and evil. According to legend the Basilisk can kill with a terrible look. Should you see one dancing in the burning embers of some fire, run. If you can't escape then call out its name loudly. These nasty fire spirits hate people knowing their name. Another form of protection is to hold a mirror in front of the beast, their own hurtful glare is then turned back upon themselves.

HOBGOBLIN: These are now very rarely seen. In height they are under two foot and they wear no clothes. Their faces are often extremely ugly and they seem to enjoy pulling them into funny shapes to scare human beings. Some believe that Hobgoblins can be seen dancing in the flames of domestic fires. They make their homes in the very warmest parts of houses, usually next to an open fire. Some have very special names, such as; Hob-Gob or Tom-Tit, if you chance to see one try using these. However expect no favours from your average Hobgoblin, they are selfish creatures whose main concern is keeping warm.