Karzełek

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Skarbnik in Subterranean Skansen Guido Zabrze
Skarbnik in Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The Karzełek (diminutive of karzeł – a small one, used for describing non-fantasy dwarfs) or Skarbnik (the Treasurer) in Polish mythology live in mines and underground workings and are the guardians of gems, crystals, and precious metals. They will protect miners from danger, and lead them back when they are lost. They will also lead them to veins of ore. To people who are evil or insult them they are deadly; pushing them into dark chasms or send tunnels crashing down upon them. Hurling rocks, whistling or covering one’s head are actions that are offensive to the Skarbnik; who will warn the offender with handfuls of pelted soil in their direction before taking serious action. The word for treasurers is still a mystery, the Polish name being the closest resemblance.[clarification needed]

See also