Duende
In everyday Spanish, duende is a house-goblin — and, by extension, an indefinable charm someone has. In flamenco and art criticism, it's the dark force that rises through a performer and makes the performance hurt.
Full definition of Duende →:: COMPARE ::
DuendevsThe Muse
The short answer
Lorca drew this distinction himself, and it's the sharpest thing in the lecture. The Muse arrives from outside and flatters — she dictates, and the artist takes down. Duende climbs up from the soles of the feet, has to be fought for, and involves death. One makes the work good; the other makes it cost something.
Side by side
| Aspect | Duende | The Muse |
|---|---|---|
| Comes from | Below | Outside |
| Relationship | A struggle | A gift |
| Involves | Death | Inspiration |
| Result | Wounding | Polished |
What each one means
The Muse
The contrast above sets out how The Muse differs from Duende on the points that actually matter.