Note 80 — Chapter V · WORSHIP OF THE MALEVOLENT DEAD.

Another famous Hill Bhût is Airi. He is the ghost of some one who was killed in hunting. We have many instances of these huntsmen ghosts, of which the most familiar example is the European legend of the Wild Huntsman, who haunts the forest in which he used to hunt, and is sometimes heard hallooing to his dogs. So in Cornwall Dando rides about accompanied with his hounds.80 The British fairies ride at night on horses which they steal from the stables, and in the morning the poor beasts are found covered with sweat and foam.81 In Southern India Aiyanâr rides about the land at night on a wild elephant, sword in hand, and surrounded by torch-bearers, to clear the country from all obnoxious spirits.82