Herlequin

Gender Masculine
Usage Folklore

Meaning & History

The name of a demon in medieval tales, first attested in a report by the 12th-century monk Orderic Vitalis, and later appearing in French passion plays. His name is possibly related to that of King Herla from Germanic legend (in Old English Herla Cyning) [1].

Related Names

Other Languages & CulturesArlecchino, Arlequin, Harlequin(Theatre)

Categories

demons, fictional characters, mythical creatures

Sources & References

  1. Dictionnaire Étymologique de l'Ancien Français, entry herlequin, available from https://deaf-server.adw.uni-heidelberg.de/.
Entry added December 1, 2024