Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: Unknown

Geographic Range: Mexico

Diet: Children’s toes

Horde: Latin American

Though Duende exist in many forms across the globe, in Mexico, the term refers to a very particular kind of mischievous little gnome. These diminutive humanoids live in two places - the cloud forests in the mountains and also within the walls of children’s bedrooms. Given the choice, we’d happily take the humid air of the mountain forests over the stale, less inviting air of a child’s bedroom. But we’re not Duende, so we’re hardly qualified to understand the allure of a toddler’s unique mélange of odors.

Perhaps one reason for them favoring a home within the walls of your home, is one of their favorite pastimes. They enjoy cutting the toe nails of disheveled and messy children. Unfortunately, their skills leave much to be desired, often resulting in the complete loss of a toe.

Survivors of these foot-based attacks do not tend to be able to go into detail about the incidents due to shock but from what we have heard, they seem to happen at night when the child is asleep. This might suggest that the Duende struggles to see clearly in the dark while performing its midnight pedicures, or perhaps it lacks the dexterity and precision needed to distinguish between alpha-keratin, flesh, and bone. Of course, there’s always the very real possibility that the Duende is snacking on the toes, so we strongly recommend keeping your shoes, or at least some sturdy socks, on in bed.

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