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Faerie Folk - Info
Faerie Folk - Info
● Faeries can be found loosely in the mythical beings in Greek mythology, such as
the nymphs, satyrs and sileni.
○ nymphs can be considered as fairies
○ even the river gods in Greek myths can be classified as fairies
○ these are spirits or minor deities of nature or of natural phenomena
● There are household or guardian spirits that can also be found in Roman
religion and mythology
○ penates, lares and genii
● The Norse versions of the fairies are the wide variety of elves
○ the dísir that exist in the Teutonic traditions
○ valkyries are also classified as fairies
○ leprechauns, Changelings ect.
● Physical harm
○ bruises
○ scratches
○ bites
● In Scottish folklore
○ the good fairies, the Seelie Court, are well disposed towards humans,
○ the unseelie court or bad and malicious fairies work their evil against mortals
because some fairies are noted for malice and mischief
○ they milk cows and ride horses during the night, blow out candles and disrupt
households
○ their pranks can be a punishment for a perceived wrong
○ therefore fairies hostile to people are feared because they ruin/steal:
■ crops
■ drink
■ food
■ tools
■ grain
● Fairy assistance to humans and mortals is well attested with regard to home,
hearth and farm.
○ although in general terms fairies are helpful
○ they are also mischievous and harmful to people if so roused.
○ in the household they will do chores such as:
■ floor sweeping
■ dish washing
■ tending the fire