The Knocker, Tommyknocker or Knacker is a gnomish creature found in Cornish, Devon and American folklore. Related to the Scottish brownie and the Irish leprechaun, this diminutive (around 2 feet) and wizened person is reported to have a large head, long arms, and bushy whiskers, wearing the outfit of a miner. A supernatural mischief-maker, the Knocker was said to frequently cause mayhem with the miners. The tradition of giving the crusts of the pasties the miners ate for supper was thought to appease the devilish troublemakers who would often steal mining tools or food, and their ominous knocking was said to often be heard just before a catastrophic cave-in. Some say the knockers were the restless spirits of miners who had perished in a similar way. Though no sightings have been reported in recent times, it is said that when traveling down the old mine shafts, the haunting knocks can still be heard.
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