A wichtlein is a mine-fairy, a little creature that haunts mines and announces the grave misfortune or death of a miner by knocking three times. They announce lesser tragedies by making digging and pounding noises.

They enjoy throwing small stones at the miners just to tease them, not to hurt them, unless they deserve it.

They watch the miners work and imitate them but never do any actual work.

They are associated with the kobold and bear a close resemblance to the dwarf, looking something like a little old man with a long beard.

Also known as little wights, and haus-schmiedlein (little house-smiths).

See Also: Creatures by Type » Fairies, Harbingers

References

Keightley, Thomas. The Fairy Mythology. London: George Bell & Sons, 1905.

Sikes, Wirt. British Goblins. Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, 1881.