Red Cap

Red Caps are a figure in Scottish folklore, especially around the Scottish Boarder area.

The Red Cap, being a mythological creature is hard to describe in one set way, with every teller of a Red Cap story letting the story take on a new vision. In general though, the Red Cap is a short, old man, or goblin like creature. They wear iron shoes, and an iron weapon, which is often a spear. The name Red Cap is derived from the last distinctive piece of clothing worn by the creature, its hat. As one would expect, this hat is red, dyed that color by the blood of those that the Red Cap kills. It is said that if the blood in the hat were to dry out then the creature would die, perhaps explaining their seemingly insatiable need to kill.

While it would seem that a Red Cap would be a slow moving creature, being an old man who wears iron shoes, it is said that they are impossible to outrun. In fact the only way to escape from a Red Cap is to recite a passage from the bible. It is said that a similar theme applies for the strength of a Red Cap, which can reputedly overcome even the strongest of men. Apparently this also has the effect of the Red Cap losing a tooth.

The myth of a Red Cap surrounds many Scottish border castles, their natural homeland. One such example is Robin Red Cap, who was meant to be connected to Lord William De Soulis at the Hermitage Castle. Stories claim that the Red Cap committed many murders for Lord William. It is said in folklore that Lord William was eventually killed when he was boiled alive. In reality he was imprisoned in Dumbarton Castle, for his connections to Robert the Bruce.