Читать книгу THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FAIRIES: An A-Z of Fairies, Pixies, and other Fantastical Creatures - Lucy Cooper - Страница 140

Spirits in the folklore of the Santal people of India. Bongas permeate every area of life in the form of ancestor spirits, household spirits, and nature spirits dwelling in hills, trees, and rocks. They are propitiated by elaborate ceremonies that often culminate in dances and the drinking of rice beer. Like their European fairy counterparts, they are capricious, choosing either to bring good or ill fortune to the humans whose affairs they take an interest in. They can assume human form, and there are many tales of bonga girls or maidens wedded to human grooms, who bring either happiness or torment to their mortal husbands.

The kisar bonga is a household spirit; similar to a Scottish brownie, he brings prosperity to his master if treated with due respect, but is quick to take offense and withdraw his help.