Elementals
"Fire," "Water," "Air," and "Earth" by Catherine Langwagen
This is one long lesson, so please bear with me!
As was mentioned in Lesson 1, Paracelsus had separated faeries into four categories. Because of the fae folk and their affinity to nature and the magic of nature, it becomes logical to put them into their elemental categories. Of course, now we know there are many more elements that can't just be thrown into your regular "fire, water, air, earth" classification. But as far as the elemental faeries go, here are the basic four:
When thinking of Fire, one usually doesn't imagine a cold-blooded lizard to be the face of the fire element. Then one imagines a giant lizard blowing fire from its long, scaly throat, and one can easily see why. The Salamander is the designated creature for the spirits of fire, the fae folk of heat and energy, of anger and passion, of courage and boldness. In alchemy, the red salamander is quite distinct from the usual salamander creature (which is actually an amphibian). For one, it takes the shape of a lizard. For another, the red salamander likes fire, and is technically a mythical, fiery creature. It has since been a symbol of alchemical ingredients and a major classifier for the fae folk.
Water is another elemental classifier of the fae folk. In fact, it is easy to establish the fact that the Undine has become a symbol of the water faeries. Of course, the undines themselves are faeries attributed to water. They are the water nymphs, seductive and deadly. Overall, the category of undine faeries usually occupies all forms of natural liquids in various habitats. They can be found at sea, in the rivers, at waterfalls and heavy clouds. The fae folk in the undine category are typically beautiful and soulless, good and bad. Most have enchanting voices, and most can easily entrap a man and drag him down to the depths of the ocean. Water itself is a dangerous weapon, and with the fae folk living in this element, one can only see why.
The Air is a difficult concept to define. When Paracelsus defined the beings of air, he meant to define the beings of spirit, of those invisible to the mortal realms. Of course, there are Sylph faeries that are not necessarily invisible every time. The invisible and solid beings that comprise the sylph category have one thing in common, however, and that is their involvement with the weather and the air around them. Sylphs can easily manipulate clouds and the winds, can travel quickly along the westerlies, and abruptly change their moods to emulate anger of hurricane strength. They are gentle breezes and guides. They are also uprooters of trees and eroders of mountains.
Lastly, though not in the least bit unimportant, are the faeries of the Earth. The earth is a vast place, and nature itself is earthly. A plethora of fae folk are classified as earth creatures, whether or not they live underground, within forests, or on top of mountains. They mine, they hunt, they smith metal. They are one with the flora and the fauna, oftentimes displaying physical strength one usually does not see in the other elementals. Paracelsus designated the element to the Gnome, knowing that these creatures are one with the earth, having lived underground for centuries on end. Gnome creatures are small and large, beautiful and ugly, good and evil, violent and gentle. They are many different things to many different people.
As was mentioned in Lesson 1, Paracelsus had separated faeries into four categories. Because of the fae folk and their affinity to nature and the magic of nature, it becomes logical to put them into their elemental categories. Of course, now we know there are many more elements that can't just be thrown into your regular "fire, water, air, earth" classification. But as far as the elemental faeries go, here are the basic four:
When thinking of Fire, one usually doesn't imagine a cold-blooded lizard to be the face of the fire element. Then one imagines a giant lizard blowing fire from its long, scaly throat, and one can easily see why. The Salamander is the designated creature for the spirits of fire, the fae folk of heat and energy, of anger and passion, of courage and boldness. In alchemy, the red salamander is quite distinct from the usual salamander creature (which is actually an amphibian). For one, it takes the shape of a lizard. For another, the red salamander likes fire, and is technically a mythical, fiery creature. It has since been a symbol of alchemical ingredients and a major classifier for the fae folk.
Water is another elemental classifier of the fae folk. In fact, it is easy to establish the fact that the Undine has become a symbol of the water faeries. Of course, the undines themselves are faeries attributed to water. They are the water nymphs, seductive and deadly. Overall, the category of undine faeries usually occupies all forms of natural liquids in various habitats. They can be found at sea, in the rivers, at waterfalls and heavy clouds. The fae folk in the undine category are typically beautiful and soulless, good and bad. Most have enchanting voices, and most can easily entrap a man and drag him down to the depths of the ocean. Water itself is a dangerous weapon, and with the fae folk living in this element, one can only see why.
The Air is a difficult concept to define. When Paracelsus defined the beings of air, he meant to define the beings of spirit, of those invisible to the mortal realms. Of course, there are Sylph faeries that are not necessarily invisible every time. The invisible and solid beings that comprise the sylph category have one thing in common, however, and that is their involvement with the weather and the air around them. Sylphs can easily manipulate clouds and the winds, can travel quickly along the westerlies, and abruptly change their moods to emulate anger of hurricane strength. They are gentle breezes and guides. They are also uprooters of trees and eroders of mountains.
Lastly, though not in the least bit unimportant, are the faeries of the Earth. The earth is a vast place, and nature itself is earthly. A plethora of fae folk are classified as earth creatures, whether or not they live underground, within forests, or on top of mountains. They mine, they hunt, they smith metal. They are one with the flora and the fauna, oftentimes displaying physical strength one usually does not see in the other elementals. Paracelsus designated the element to the Gnome, knowing that these creatures are one with the earth, having lived underground for centuries on end. Gnome creatures are small and large, beautiful and ugly, good and evil, violent and gentle. They are many different things to many different people.
Salamander
"Imperial Dragon" by Cristian Montes
Nain Rouge
The nain rouge is a French-origin faery, the more evil and mischievous counterpart of the hobgoblin. It is usually dressed in red (hence the "nain rouge" name), with red or black boots, and blazing red eyes. There is not much to be said about this faery creature in France, but the nain rouge has been accounted to be a spirit that haunts various places in the United States. In Detroit, especially, it is called the "Red Devil," and is mostly referred to as a "harbinger of doom."
Dragon
There are definitely a ton of mythologies surrounding the dragon, which seems to be a creature of universal proportions. Regardless of culture, the dragon brings about an idea of strength, wisdom, courage, and most of all, magic. Some inhabit the water, others are tempestarii and masters of the wind, while some others are known to be earth-dwellers, living in their caves and guarding their coveted treasure. But dragons are not only earth, water, and air. They are also fire. They spew poison and breath fire. They are serpentine and reptilian. They are "drac," "dracul," "draco," "Devil." It's hard to ignore that bit about them, which is probably why--while worldwide folklore puts them in different elements--they can be considered salamander faeries.
Firebird
The firebird is a Slavic faery creature, and not necessarily a bird made entirely of fire (though later tales seem to depict firebirds as being made completely of flames). The faery is actually named so for its magical appearance, its reddish feathers glowing in such a way that the firebird itself is on fire. In most Slavic faery tales, the firebird is a quest in and of itself; oftentimes just getting the feather is enough to anoint a prince or soldier or third/youngest son into becoming a noble hero. The firebird loves red fruits, most notably apples; it is said that a firebird can be seen circling a king's castle, awaiting to swoop down and steal the garden apples. This faery is both a symbol of hardship and long journeys as well as a symbol of hope, a light that brings the adventurer to the better path.
Phoenix
Unlike the firebird, the phoenix actually does burst into flame at some point in its life, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The phoenix is found in many cultures' mythologies: Persian, Roman, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and even Phoenician. It is a sacred creature with feathers of scarlet and gold (though it can even be adorned with other vibrant hues). The phoenix has a long lifespan, often living from 500 to about 1000 years. During its death, the phoenix bursts into flame and becomes ash. In its place is a phoenix egg, or sometimes even a young phoenix, meant to be the revival of the faery that had just died. The phoenix's longevity and rebirth are not the only things magical about this bird. It also has a beautiful and enchanting voice.
Notable Salamanders:
There are many different myths and many different variations of the Coca. One account actually puts the Coca as a female dragon (with Coco being the male equivalent). In any case, this monster is a ghostly, dragon-like monster, sometimes even akin to bogey beasts (like the bogeyman). The Coca originates from Portugal, and in Corpus Christi celebrations, it is the dragon that is pitted against Saint George. Because, yes, if Saint George was fighting a dragon, it was going to be a fierce female one.
Of course I'd mention Fawkes, the Phoenix! How could I not? Fawkes has become an important figure in Rowling's Harry Potter universe. In fact, this phoenix is not only Albus Dumbledore's domesticated pet, it is also the tie-in to Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Fawkes has a beautiful voice, clearly evident in his lament at his owner's death. Fawkes is also the major life-saver when Harry is poisoned by the basilisk (Fawkes' tears cured Harry of the poison, thereby saving his life). Like all the phoenixes in the wizarding world, there are so little wizards who have domesticated them, and it is a huge wonder that Dumbledore has.
The nain rouge is a French-origin faery, the more evil and mischievous counterpart of the hobgoblin. It is usually dressed in red (hence the "nain rouge" name), with red or black boots, and blazing red eyes. There is not much to be said about this faery creature in France, but the nain rouge has been accounted to be a spirit that haunts various places in the United States. In Detroit, especially, it is called the "Red Devil," and is mostly referred to as a "harbinger of doom."
Dragon
There are definitely a ton of mythologies surrounding the dragon, which seems to be a creature of universal proportions. Regardless of culture, the dragon brings about an idea of strength, wisdom, courage, and most of all, magic. Some inhabit the water, others are tempestarii and masters of the wind, while some others are known to be earth-dwellers, living in their caves and guarding their coveted treasure. But dragons are not only earth, water, and air. They are also fire. They spew poison and breath fire. They are serpentine and reptilian. They are "drac," "dracul," "draco," "Devil." It's hard to ignore that bit about them, which is probably why--while worldwide folklore puts them in different elements--they can be considered salamander faeries.
Firebird
The firebird is a Slavic faery creature, and not necessarily a bird made entirely of fire (though later tales seem to depict firebirds as being made completely of flames). The faery is actually named so for its magical appearance, its reddish feathers glowing in such a way that the firebird itself is on fire. In most Slavic faery tales, the firebird is a quest in and of itself; oftentimes just getting the feather is enough to anoint a prince or soldier or third/youngest son into becoming a noble hero. The firebird loves red fruits, most notably apples; it is said that a firebird can be seen circling a king's castle, awaiting to swoop down and steal the garden apples. This faery is both a symbol of hardship and long journeys as well as a symbol of hope, a light that brings the adventurer to the better path.
Phoenix
Unlike the firebird, the phoenix actually does burst into flame at some point in its life, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The phoenix is found in many cultures' mythologies: Persian, Roman, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and even Phoenician. It is a sacred creature with feathers of scarlet and gold (though it can even be adorned with other vibrant hues). The phoenix has a long lifespan, often living from 500 to about 1000 years. During its death, the phoenix bursts into flame and becomes ash. In its place is a phoenix egg, or sometimes even a young phoenix, meant to be the revival of the faery that had just died. The phoenix's longevity and rebirth are not the only things magical about this bird. It also has a beautiful and enchanting voice.
Notable Salamanders:
There are many different myths and many different variations of the Coca. One account actually puts the Coca as a female dragon (with Coco being the male equivalent). In any case, this monster is a ghostly, dragon-like monster, sometimes even akin to bogey beasts (like the bogeyman). The Coca originates from Portugal, and in Corpus Christi celebrations, it is the dragon that is pitted against Saint George. Because, yes, if Saint George was fighting a dragon, it was going to be a fierce female one.
Of course I'd mention Fawkes, the Phoenix! How could I not? Fawkes has become an important figure in Rowling's Harry Potter universe. In fact, this phoenix is not only Albus Dumbledore's domesticated pet, it is also the tie-in to Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Fawkes has a beautiful voice, clearly evident in his lament at his owner's death. Fawkes is also the major life-saver when Harry is poisoned by the basilisk (Fawkes' tears cured Harry of the poison, thereby saving his life). Like all the phoenixes in the wizarding world, there are so little wizards who have domesticated them, and it is a huge wonder that Dumbledore has.
Undine
"Rusalka" by Lorna H
Merfolk
The merfolk are well-represented in a number of mediums in literature. They appear in the form of faeries with human torsos and fish tails. They are feared by pirates, admired by princes and princesses, and respected by children who have never beheld such interesting creatures of the sea. The merfolk are depicted differently, and there are a whole slew of stories that peg merfolk as either evil, good, or human (which, in this case, means neither). Like sirens, mermaids have beautiful voices which lure men into the sea. Finnish mythology pegs mermen as handsome healers and curse-breakers, known for their helpful eagerness almost as much as their curiosity.
Klabautermann
The klabautermann is a German faery, and a benevolent one at that. It is an expert in anything to do with watercraft, so that includes boats and large ships. It is highly musical as well, sometimes entertaining tired fishermen with its music and song. But it is also invisible, never to be seen when a ship is in full form, and when it does appear to the sailors, the klabautermann becomes a doom omen; only ships heading toward destruction can see these faeries. As far as the klabautermann goes, however, it is a very friendly spirit force, often rescuing those who go overboard, as well as assisting fishermen with their catch while out at sea.
Rusalka
The rusalka is perhaps my personal favorite of the fae folk of the water. They are, in all respects, highly demonic. If there was any doubt that they might be in any way benevolent, rest assured that no rusalka will ever be called "merciful" and "kind." That said, they are highly beautiful, highly enchanting, and highly dangerous. They are the Slavic water nymphs, and should a handsome man get in their watery vicinity, chances are that man is as sure as gone. They are sirens and demon-spirits that claw and scratch and pull until their chosen mortal drowns. Stories of the rusalki are mostly believed, not because of the dangers of the water, but because many feel that the rusalki are merely the ghostly remnants of jilted women. And we all know that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. That's what the rusalka ultimately is.
Vodyanoy
Slavic folklore has an abundance of water faeries. In this case, the vodyanoy is perhaps the opposite of the rusalka in appearance, and the milder version of the she-demon. The vodyanoy is known to drown men and animals, as well as break dams, wells, and other man-made objects near the water; but this is when the vodyanoy is angry. They usually do not grab humans in the same manner as the rusalki, but that is because they are more forceful in that sense. The vodyanoy's appearance also doesn't help to entrance; it usually takes the form of an old man covered in muck and algae--clearly not the most enticing appearance of all time.
Notable Undines:
Melusine is an interesting figure in faery folklore and European mythology. She is said to be a nixie, at other times she is a female water spirit with mermaid and banshee-like qualities. In one Scottish tale, Melusine is said to have married Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem and Cyprus. This tale is reminiscent of the Greek Cupid and Psyche story (where Cupid is the god and Psyche the beautiful mortal), only the reverse. Guy de Lusignan is given the condition that he must not intrude upon her privacy, and in turn, she would be wedded to him. Psyche succumbed to her curiosity, and inevitably, so did Guy. He peeks at his wife, and Melusine, in a rage, turns into a dragon and departs from the mortal realms, never to be seen again.
Not much is known about Murcus, the Mermaid, just that she is the leader of the merfolk located underneath the Hogwarts lake. Harry Potter's first encounter with this fierce mermaid is during his second Triwizard Tournament task in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; below the lake, he pleads with the mermaid regarding the lives of his friends. Of course, not much else can be said about this creature, only that she seems to be in command of the dominion of the lake, and that she respects the likes of Albus Dumbledore.
The merfolk are well-represented in a number of mediums in literature. They appear in the form of faeries with human torsos and fish tails. They are feared by pirates, admired by princes and princesses, and respected by children who have never beheld such interesting creatures of the sea. The merfolk are depicted differently, and there are a whole slew of stories that peg merfolk as either evil, good, or human (which, in this case, means neither). Like sirens, mermaids have beautiful voices which lure men into the sea. Finnish mythology pegs mermen as handsome healers and curse-breakers, known for their helpful eagerness almost as much as their curiosity.
Klabautermann
The klabautermann is a German faery, and a benevolent one at that. It is an expert in anything to do with watercraft, so that includes boats and large ships. It is highly musical as well, sometimes entertaining tired fishermen with its music and song. But it is also invisible, never to be seen when a ship is in full form, and when it does appear to the sailors, the klabautermann becomes a doom omen; only ships heading toward destruction can see these faeries. As far as the klabautermann goes, however, it is a very friendly spirit force, often rescuing those who go overboard, as well as assisting fishermen with their catch while out at sea.
Rusalka
The rusalka is perhaps my personal favorite of the fae folk of the water. They are, in all respects, highly demonic. If there was any doubt that they might be in any way benevolent, rest assured that no rusalka will ever be called "merciful" and "kind." That said, they are highly beautiful, highly enchanting, and highly dangerous. They are the Slavic water nymphs, and should a handsome man get in their watery vicinity, chances are that man is as sure as gone. They are sirens and demon-spirits that claw and scratch and pull until their chosen mortal drowns. Stories of the rusalki are mostly believed, not because of the dangers of the water, but because many feel that the rusalki are merely the ghostly remnants of jilted women. And we all know that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. That's what the rusalka ultimately is.
Vodyanoy
Slavic folklore has an abundance of water faeries. In this case, the vodyanoy is perhaps the opposite of the rusalka in appearance, and the milder version of the she-demon. The vodyanoy is known to drown men and animals, as well as break dams, wells, and other man-made objects near the water; but this is when the vodyanoy is angry. They usually do not grab humans in the same manner as the rusalki, but that is because they are more forceful in that sense. The vodyanoy's appearance also doesn't help to entrance; it usually takes the form of an old man covered in muck and algae--clearly not the most enticing appearance of all time.
Notable Undines:
Melusine is an interesting figure in faery folklore and European mythology. She is said to be a nixie, at other times she is a female water spirit with mermaid and banshee-like qualities. In one Scottish tale, Melusine is said to have married Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem and Cyprus. This tale is reminiscent of the Greek Cupid and Psyche story (where Cupid is the god and Psyche the beautiful mortal), only the reverse. Guy de Lusignan is given the condition that he must not intrude upon her privacy, and in turn, she would be wedded to him. Psyche succumbed to her curiosity, and inevitably, so did Guy. He peeks at his wife, and Melusine, in a rage, turns into a dragon and departs from the mortal realms, never to be seen again.
Not much is known about Murcus, the Mermaid, just that she is the leader of the merfolk located underneath the Hogwarts lake. Harry Potter's first encounter with this fierce mermaid is during his second Triwizard Tournament task in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; below the lake, he pleads with the mermaid regarding the lives of his friends. Of course, not much else can be said about this creature, only that she seems to be in command of the dominion of the lake, and that she respects the likes of Albus Dumbledore.
Sylph
"Giant's Lunch" by Leo Winstead
Peri
The peri, according to Persian mythology, are not exactly faeries in their description. It is only in a separate Persian tale where they become faeries. However, it's difficult to dismiss them as part of the fae folk, because they clearly have the qualities to be regarded as members of the Fey. The peri is said to be descended from fallen angels (a familiar tale about Christian justification of the fae folk), and later on titled the "agents of evil." According to Irish poet Thomas Moore (not to be confused with English philosopher Sir Thomas More), the peri is denied paradise until it fulfills three quests for the angels. The peri are also known targets of other evil creatures, and sometimes the divs (evil spirits of Persian folklore) lock the peri up in iron cages; iron being a particular faery-type weakness.
Spriggan
English folklore mentions spriggans as grotesque and ugly, usually known as thieves and guardians of buried treasure. They are rather small, though it is also said that spriggans can grow into the size of giants. In Cornish faery lore, the spriggan is a mischief-maker, often creating pranks when humans anger them. Sometimes, if truly offended, they even send storms to destroy huge portions of crop. Other times, they even switch human children and place their own in human cradles, an example of changelings (but that will be discussed in a later lesson).
Polevik
The poleviks are the Polish versions of the Greek satyrs, though the difference is that these creatures are fully goats, and not half-human. They do walk upright, however, which makes them bipedal. Poleviks are sometimes beneficent fae folk, most commonly known for helping with the harvest. If you cross a polevik, however, you are more than likely to be led astray. They also like to spin flax, which is useful for many farmhands, though it takes a great sacrifice to get a polevik to do just that for you. Think Rumpelstiltskin in a goat's body. Just a bit.
Ogre
Ogres do not have layers. They really don't. In every faery tale depiction, ogres are evil creatures that feed on human beings. They are related to the troll and have the physical description of barbarians. The ogre is a French-created faery, often portrayed as a large-headed, hairy, strong, and typically hungry beast. Ogres have a hunger for humans and are often monsters that must be beaten in faery tales, otherwise the alternative is to be eaten. Charles Perrault mentions ogres in a few of his faery tales, though the most known would be the second half of "Sleeping Beauty," which tells of the prince's ogress mother (in some accounts, stepmother).
Notable Sylphs:
What discussion over ogres can be complete without talking about Shrek? Yeah, okay, so he's perhaps not the most perfect example of the fae-version of ogres, but the movie--aptly named after the main character--plays with the general perception given to ogres. Shrek, at first sight, is a typical ogre: large, belligerent, ugly, barbaric. The movie, however, puts this green beast into a different light; Shrek learns to make friends with other faery tale creatures, and even falls in love at the end.
Giants are another form of mountain-dwellers (high above the mountains, that is), often considered an air-like faery. It might be something to do with giants often living in high places (after all, Jack had to climb a beanstalk to the clouds in order to encounter a giant--though in some versions, this giant is an ogre). In this sense, I'd like to point out that Grawp, Rubeus Hagrid's half-brother, is one such air faery. Grawp does not have a decent time living the life of a giant, however, especially due to the fact that, as far as giants go, he is too small. Grawp is a mere 15 feet, where giants can get as large as 25 to 30 feet high. In the Harry Potter series, this means that Grawp is a subject of bullying amongst his kindred.
The peri, according to Persian mythology, are not exactly faeries in their description. It is only in a separate Persian tale where they become faeries. However, it's difficult to dismiss them as part of the fae folk, because they clearly have the qualities to be regarded as members of the Fey. The peri is said to be descended from fallen angels (a familiar tale about Christian justification of the fae folk), and later on titled the "agents of evil." According to Irish poet Thomas Moore (not to be confused with English philosopher Sir Thomas More), the peri is denied paradise until it fulfills three quests for the angels. The peri are also known targets of other evil creatures, and sometimes the divs (evil spirits of Persian folklore) lock the peri up in iron cages; iron being a particular faery-type weakness.
Spriggan
English folklore mentions spriggans as grotesque and ugly, usually known as thieves and guardians of buried treasure. They are rather small, though it is also said that spriggans can grow into the size of giants. In Cornish faery lore, the spriggan is a mischief-maker, often creating pranks when humans anger them. Sometimes, if truly offended, they even send storms to destroy huge portions of crop. Other times, they even switch human children and place their own in human cradles, an example of changelings (but that will be discussed in a later lesson).
Polevik
The poleviks are the Polish versions of the Greek satyrs, though the difference is that these creatures are fully goats, and not half-human. They do walk upright, however, which makes them bipedal. Poleviks are sometimes beneficent fae folk, most commonly known for helping with the harvest. If you cross a polevik, however, you are more than likely to be led astray. They also like to spin flax, which is useful for many farmhands, though it takes a great sacrifice to get a polevik to do just that for you. Think Rumpelstiltskin in a goat's body. Just a bit.
Ogre
Ogres do not have layers. They really don't. In every faery tale depiction, ogres are evil creatures that feed on human beings. They are related to the troll and have the physical description of barbarians. The ogre is a French-created faery, often portrayed as a large-headed, hairy, strong, and typically hungry beast. Ogres have a hunger for humans and are often monsters that must be beaten in faery tales, otherwise the alternative is to be eaten. Charles Perrault mentions ogres in a few of his faery tales, though the most known would be the second half of "Sleeping Beauty," which tells of the prince's ogress mother (in some accounts, stepmother).
Notable Sylphs:
What discussion over ogres can be complete without talking about Shrek? Yeah, okay, so he's perhaps not the most perfect example of the fae-version of ogres, but the movie--aptly named after the main character--plays with the general perception given to ogres. Shrek, at first sight, is a typical ogre: large, belligerent, ugly, barbaric. The movie, however, puts this green beast into a different light; Shrek learns to make friends with other faery tale creatures, and even falls in love at the end.
Giants are another form of mountain-dwellers (high above the mountains, that is), often considered an air-like faery. It might be something to do with giants often living in high places (after all, Jack had to climb a beanstalk to the clouds in order to encounter a giant--though in some versions, this giant is an ogre). In this sense, I'd like to point out that Grawp, Rubeus Hagrid's half-brother, is one such air faery. Grawp does not have a decent time living the life of a giant, however, especially due to the fact that, as far as giants go, he is too small. Grawp is a mere 15 feet, where giants can get as large as 25 to 30 feet high. In the Harry Potter series, this means that Grawp is a subject of bullying amongst his kindred.
Gnome
"Dwarf" by Jacek Grzeskowiak
Dwarf
Ah, the amazing dwarf. German in origin, these creatures are the epitome of the earth element, said to live inside mountains, even underneath them. Dwarfs are apparently short and ugly, though in some accounts they are not really hideous (the duergar excepted). Dwarfs are said to be strong and knowledgeable about their earthly environment. They are neither good nor evil, though in some Grimm stories, these dwarfs can be as good or mischievous as a Seelie or as devilish as an Unseelie. Modern depictions of the dwarf usually places him as a short, stocky man that's a highly skilled warrior and craftsman/metalworker.
Veela
Another personal favorite! The veela is another Slavic version of the nymph, except she is not as deranged as the rusalka. The veela is a shapeshifter, appearing as beautifully white creatures such as swans, wolves, and horses. Their favorite form, however, is that of a beautiful woman dressed all in white, often with long, silky hair. These women were once thought to be the souls of the frivolous, though in their veela form, they entrance men long enough to cause some damage. As veela sing, their voices charm men to a point where they lose any other thought of survival; the necessities of eating, drinking, or sleeping are completely wiped from their memories. Veela are also prophets and healers, as well as rather fierce warriors when given the opportunity.
Duergar
The duergar is considered the "ugly" race of the dwarf creatures, dwelling in rocks and hills and known for their strength and skill with smithing metal. They are usually located in northern England, and often cause their mischief at night. Duergar function in the same manner as Will-o'-the-wisps (a marshy phenomenon believed to be "faery light"); with their light, they lead travelers in the dark, only to bring the poor, lost mortals to a bog. These dwarfs are certainly not your garden-variety Snow White creatures.
Troll
The troll is the Scandinavian relative of the French ogre. It is a hostile faery, much larger and stronger than humans, though more dim-witted. Their diet is typically human meat, and they live in isolation among mountain caves and rocks. Not one troll is characterized as friendly, and if they get in contact with the sun, they turn to stone. One of their fears is lightning, and they often scurry off when seeing lightning. This fear can be pulled from the Norse mythology regarding the battle of trolls versus Thor, the Norse thunder god. Ever since the battle, trolls are still deathly afraid of the damage of a single lightning strike.
Notable Gnomes:
There are a ton of dwarfs that could be mentioned here, but I am going to pull from Middle Earth mythology, because frankly, Tolkien is probably the god of contemporary high fantasy. Anyway, Gimli, son of Gloin, has shaped the modern depictions of dwarfs (if they haven't already been shaped by folkloric stories). Gimli is the representative of the dwarven races in the War of the Ring battles against Sauron. In Tolkien's fantasy, dwarfs and elves are typically feuding creatures, and it shows in the rivalry between Gimli and Legolas. Of course, the two become close friends by the end of the adventure.
The notion of the veela is an interesting one, because faery folklore makes them out as spirits of once-frivolous women. But in the wizarding world, veela are just another type of humanoid creature that can procreate with mortals. Case in point, Apolline Delacour, the mother of half-veela and Beauxbatons alumnus Fleur Delacour. Apolline Delacour and her female offspring seem to showcase the same traits: beautiful, faery-like, and long, blond hair. The Delacour female line is filled with beauties, and--half-blooded or not--many men clamor to get their attentions (evident in the likes of Hogwarts students seeking to impress Fleur). Bill Weasley should be particularly noted for successfully snagging himself a half-veela as a wife.
Ah, the amazing dwarf. German in origin, these creatures are the epitome of the earth element, said to live inside mountains, even underneath them. Dwarfs are apparently short and ugly, though in some accounts they are not really hideous (the duergar excepted). Dwarfs are said to be strong and knowledgeable about their earthly environment. They are neither good nor evil, though in some Grimm stories, these dwarfs can be as good or mischievous as a Seelie or as devilish as an Unseelie. Modern depictions of the dwarf usually places him as a short, stocky man that's a highly skilled warrior and craftsman/metalworker.
Veela
Another personal favorite! The veela is another Slavic version of the nymph, except she is not as deranged as the rusalka. The veela is a shapeshifter, appearing as beautifully white creatures such as swans, wolves, and horses. Their favorite form, however, is that of a beautiful woman dressed all in white, often with long, silky hair. These women were once thought to be the souls of the frivolous, though in their veela form, they entrance men long enough to cause some damage. As veela sing, their voices charm men to a point where they lose any other thought of survival; the necessities of eating, drinking, or sleeping are completely wiped from their memories. Veela are also prophets and healers, as well as rather fierce warriors when given the opportunity.
Duergar
The duergar is considered the "ugly" race of the dwarf creatures, dwelling in rocks and hills and known for their strength and skill with smithing metal. They are usually located in northern England, and often cause their mischief at night. Duergar function in the same manner as Will-o'-the-wisps (a marshy phenomenon believed to be "faery light"); with their light, they lead travelers in the dark, only to bring the poor, lost mortals to a bog. These dwarfs are certainly not your garden-variety Snow White creatures.
Troll
The troll is the Scandinavian relative of the French ogre. It is a hostile faery, much larger and stronger than humans, though more dim-witted. Their diet is typically human meat, and they live in isolation among mountain caves and rocks. Not one troll is characterized as friendly, and if they get in contact with the sun, they turn to stone. One of their fears is lightning, and they often scurry off when seeing lightning. This fear can be pulled from the Norse mythology regarding the battle of trolls versus Thor, the Norse thunder god. Ever since the battle, trolls are still deathly afraid of the damage of a single lightning strike.
Notable Gnomes:
There are a ton of dwarfs that could be mentioned here, but I am going to pull from Middle Earth mythology, because frankly, Tolkien is probably the god of contemporary high fantasy. Anyway, Gimli, son of Gloin, has shaped the modern depictions of dwarfs (if they haven't already been shaped by folkloric stories). Gimli is the representative of the dwarven races in the War of the Ring battles against Sauron. In Tolkien's fantasy, dwarfs and elves are typically feuding creatures, and it shows in the rivalry between Gimli and Legolas. Of course, the two become close friends by the end of the adventure.
The notion of the veela is an interesting one, because faery folklore makes them out as spirits of once-frivolous women. But in the wizarding world, veela are just another type of humanoid creature that can procreate with mortals. Case in point, Apolline Delacour, the mother of half-veela and Beauxbatons alumnus Fleur Delacour. Apolline Delacour and her female offspring seem to showcase the same traits: beautiful, faery-like, and long, blond hair. The Delacour female line is filled with beauties, and--half-blooded or not--many men clamor to get their attentions (evident in the likes of Hogwarts students seeking to impress Fleur). Bill Weasley should be particularly noted for successfully snagging himself a half-veela as a wife.