Pukwudgies in Paradise, Stick Indians and other woodland tricksters

Producer Pat comes to the table with odd fables from Native American lore about the small people of the forest. With descriptions ranging from playful and helpful gnome like creatures to short spindly monsters that assault anyone who encroaches on their turf with the poke of a sharp stick. Can these legends hold up with such a wide ranging description or crumble under the scrutiny. Maybe these beings are merely woven from legends of old.