Peter Porkiss

Peter Porkiss was a 'cowan', or unskilful magician. He is referred to in passing by the fairy lady with whom Jonathan Strange has such an interesting exchange during his visit to Lost-hope. At some point Porkiss also appears to have come to the brugh, whether willingly or unwillingly is not known - but with the unfortunate outcome that he evidently left his bones there. As Strange was to learn to his cost, even a highly-gifted and powerful magician needed all his art to protect him in the Gentleman's own lair: for a cowan to venture there was - well, he had much better not[55].