Introduction
In the enchanting town of Santa Eulalia, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Catalonia, whispers persist of a unique and endearing presence – the house elves. These mischievous and benevolent creatures, known locally as “Els Fameliars” are said to be ancient protectors of the town’s homes. Folklore tells of Santa Eulalia’s residents leaving small offerings of food and clothing on their doorsteps to earn the favour of these diminutive beings, who, in return, take care of household chores and bring good luck to the family. The existence of house elves adds an extra layer of enchantment to the already mystical aura of Santa Eulalia, as residents and visitors alike continue to embrace the cherished tradition of acknowledging and respecting these whimsical guardians.
The Legend of Els Fameliars
According to tradition, there is a rather ugly little being which, nonetheless is capable of carrying out any job it has been given quickly and properly. The drawback is that it only knows how to do two things: Work and eat. So, the only two words it speaks are: “Feina o menjar!” (work or eat!)
Anyone who wanted to have a ‘fameliar’ had to go under the Old Bridge of Santa Eulalia on Saint John’s night with a black bottle, pick a certain flower that could only be seen on that night and place it into the vessel. Once it was well sealed, there was nothing special about the bottle but, as soon as it was opened, the ‘fameliar’ would appear, anxious and demanding work or food.
The problem with the ‘fameliars’ is that they are so hard-working and they can carry out the master’s commands so fast that, once the job is over, they eat everything in the larder in the blink of an eye.
The Fameliars or House Elf
According to traditional tales, a house elf is an ugly little creature ready and willing to perform any work around the house. If you do not keep him occupied with jobs, he becomes bored and starts asking for work or food. Work or food!
As a result, the householder is obliged to give him laborious and impossible tasks to ensure that he does not empty the larder.
Popular Folk Tale
Legend has it that once when the inhabitants of a house in Es Pou des Lleo were passing by the well that bears that name, they found a mysterious, tightly sealed bottle there. Despite what they had so often heard about fameliars or household elves, they never actually thought that they might find one.
Carefully, they picked up the bottle and scarcely had they removed the stopper, when a familiar sprang out furiously exclaiming “Feina o menjar!” (Work or food!)
The villagers returned to their house and ordered the elf to sweep, scythe and plough but the little sprite did everything in the wink of an eye. So they sent him to wash black wool, walk around the whole island, count the hairs on a cat, count the stars in the sky and put out the sun by blowing, but no way could they rid themselves of the elf.
Finally, they decided to return him to the well where they had found him and ordered him to do as follows:
As the well is near the sea, you must fill it with salt water, turn it into fresh water and return it to the sea again, and keep on doing it.
People say that the elf is still at his task inside the well, and the villagers were happy to get back to their work. Since that time, the well, although right next to the sea, is filled with fresh water.
Conclusion
When you’re out and about in Santa Eulalia, keep your eyes open. If you follow the path of the River Route you may well find more than one familiar……look out for them, find one, they’ll bring you good luck!
