How Frank The Rabbit From DONNIE DARKO Was Inspired By The Celtic Trickster Púca

Here’s an interesting video from Storied, in which Dr. Emily Zarka of the PBS series Monstrum explains the mythology behind the mythical shape-shifting creature Púca, a temperamental trickster of Celtic lore. It’s explained that this creature may have served as the inspiration for the cult classic 2001 film Donnie Darko.

Existing somewhere between boogeyman, scapegoat, and temperamental fae, the known trickster called Púca is an animal-spirit that was once dreaded across Ireland, the Channel Islands, and England.

This shape-shifting goblin snatches up its victims and then carries them away on a magical horse. As far as its connection to Donnie Darko, it’s explained:

Puck, the mischievous shape-shifting narrator of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” clearly borrows its name and nature from the Puca tradition. …Fans and some scholars, I’m both, of the 2001 cult classic “Donnie Darko” believe a Puca is at its core, one who leans into the more malevolent mischievousness of the monster.

While the Púca is a terrifying spirit, it can take the shape of anything to lure people in including a pet like a Rabbit.

Whatever form the shape-shifting creature takes, it always manages to disrupt the lives of those around it, for better or worse. The very malleability of the Puca’s form helps it endure. Who knows what shape it will take next?

I kind of like the thought of Frank The Rabbit from Donnie Darko being inspired by this sinister goblin creature! Check out the video for all of the details!