Folletti

/fɔˈlɛti/ noun

Definition

Plural of the Italian word 'folletto,' referring to mischievous sprites, elves, or household spirits in Italian folklore and tradition.

Etymology

From Italian 'folletto,' with a disputed origin possibly connected to Latin 'follis' (a fool or jester) or Germanic sources. The plural preserves Italian morphology.

Kelly Says

Italian folklore's 'folletti' are cousins to Irish leprechauns and German elves, showing how every European culture created mischievous supernatural beings to explain why things go missing or break—they needed someone to blame besides themselves.

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