Today's topic is of course an American critter, the Tommy-Knocker. Before I begin, I should note that I have not yet read Stephen King's book regarding the same title and subject matter. Any relation or similarities will be purely coincidental so Mr. King, please do not sue. If it's any consolation to you, "Pet Sematary" was a *****in' movie and the Troll digs the Ramones.

SUBJECT: The North American Tommy-Knocker *

* Taken from the book, A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and other Subversive Spirits by Carol & Dinah Mack.

The Tommy-Knocker is an American mining species that seems to have originated in Staffordshire, England, where they were known as just plain Knockers. The Tommy-Knocker stands about two feet high (the size of a three-year-old), and has a disproportionately large head, long beard, and weathered, wrinkled skin. Their arms are long and reach nearly to the ground. They wear miniature mining outfits, caps & boots, and carry mining gear such as pickaxes. They are usually invisible to the human eye, so it is only by the sound of their tapping, knocking (HINT!), and working in various shafts near human workers that one knows they are present.

In northern England, home of the original Knockers, they often served to warn of disaster about to happen by knocking mysteriously and alerting the miners to unusual & threatening sounds. Once in a while they could be helpful, as in the case of "Blue Cap," a famous Knocker who appeared as a blue-flamed light that flickered through the mine, landed on a tub of coal, and mysteriously moved the heavy tub as if by the force of many laborers. But when playful or vengeful, they would steal candles and hide tools, and at their worst, set the mine on fire.

The American Tommy-Knockers were adapted from the original English Knocker lore by Appalachian coal miners during the early & subsequent days of the 13 colonies. The Tommy-Knockers used miniature mining equipment as well, but wore red hats instead. They also are believed to have originated as ghosts of men who died in the mine in the past. Tommy-Knockers can be helpful or malicious, but they are always mischievous. This temperament can be hazardous in mine shafts. They work like demons all night long. They also do not like to be seen by humans and often react with extreme volatility and capriciousness when they know they've been spotted. One story tells of a coal miner whose load so outdistanced the others each morning that his fellow workers wondered how. The coal miner never seemed tired or over-worked and when asked how he managed to do such a hard night's work, he simply shrugged. Some coworkers crept in one night to see what was happening, and there was their friend sitting smoking quietly in the shaft. When they peered over his shoulder they discovered a huge team of Tommy-Knockers working for him. Soon as the Tommy-Knockers realized they'd been sighted, they turned on their human companion in a fury, perhaps thinking he told his friends about them, and within moments the entire mine erupted in flames.

Internationally, other Knockers, called Coblynau, haunt the mines and quarries of Wales and point out ore by pounding, or "knocking," on the walls. They are said to be a half a yard tall, and hideously ugly. They imitate the miners in dress, and carry tiny work tools, picks, and lamps. They work constantly, but never get anything accomplished. If not treated with great respect, they are known to cause rock slides. Their German cousins are the Kobolds, demon miners who take pleasure in malevolent games and trickery. Also in Germany, the Wichtlein (Little Wights), tiny men with long beards, are said to be death omens. The Wichtlein announce death by knocking three times on the wall.

There's no getting rid of Tommy-Knockers or their European counterparts. However, it is clear that when they choose to be helpful, one must respect their privacy and keep their presence a secret to avoid fatal accidents.

NOW FOR THE REAL TREAT!

With me tonight at the Well for a one-night interview is none other than an authentic Tommy-Knocker from the coal mines of West Virginia. With a little coaxing (and intimidation), I managed to convince him to have an interview with me for your reading pleasure…

Evening there Mr. Knocker. Thanks for coming to this interview and sorry for the bruises. Anyway, no offense dude but you look like something out of "Snow White".

"Mr. Knocker? I'm your brother for chrissakes! And how long am I supposed to wear this silly get-up??"

{Talking under breath} SHUT UP YOU IDIOT! We're online now! {KICK}

"OW! Hey, that hurt!"

{Still talking under breath} We're online you ass… read your lines like I told you to!

"Oh… sorry bro… Uhh, yeah… I'm Tommy-Knocker… Um, ah reckon…"

Anyway, so tell me, how long have you existed in the coal mines of West Virginia?

"Uh… I… have… lived… in… mines… for… many…"

{Talking under breath again} Stop reading the cards and try to act natural!

"Um… Sorry bro but this stupid dwarf costume is really riding up… I need to adjust…"

HEY! Be careful! Don't kick the equipme…

WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES… PLEASE STAND BY.

Sorry about that folks. Due to unexpected difficulties, the interview has been cancelled. Sorry again to those who were eagerly looking forward to this special interview with the Tommy-Knocker. I guess some demons aren't fit for the publicity.

"Yeah bro! You tell `em!!"

{Once again, talking under breath} Shut up you ass! Get outta here! And use a kleenex!! {KICK}

"OW!"

Anyway, that's all for this Edu-thread. As always, I hope everyone added another wrinkle to their brains. Please stay tuned for my next thread. You are in for a treat because I will discuss about the REAL Watchers… The Fallen Angels!

Capeside_Troll
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"They have long fixed the romantic imagination of priest and poet alike. At one time we called them Trolls."

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