Extra Credit 1 - Research
Aili Raja
Domovoi (Domovoy; plural: domoviye, domovye)
Domovoi is a slavic house spirit. His name also represents this, dom is house in russian and domovoi means "from the house". This is also the place where he lives - in houses. It is believed that every house has its own house spirit - a domovoi whose favourite places are the threshold under the door, under the stove and center of the house.
Domovoi is usually portrayed as a hairy small, masculine creatures, sometimes they also have a beard, horns and a tail. In some cultures the domovoi can take on the appearance of the owners of the house (current or previous). So that other people have seen the owners in the yard while they are really sleeping in their bed. In a few cases they are portrayed as a cat or a dog. When a domovoi shows itself to people, then he should be addressed as "master", he is also known as "grandfather".
Domovoi is not an evil spirit, but he can be mischievous and then his actions resemble most to the actions of a poltergeist - rattling objects, breaking dishes, banging, moaning, etc. When the family is a good one, does not neglect the household duties, does not use foul language and treats the domovoi as a part of the family (leaves food out for him) then the domovoi is a guardian of the house and even helps with different chores. But he could do mischievous things when the house was not loved by the owners, torment the animals he did not like and pay visits to neighbouring houses.
Domovoi is not tied down to a particular house, but can move, so that a house can be without a domovoi. In this case one can go out (in his best clothes) and say: "Grandfather Domovoi, please come into my house and tend the flocks." When there are two domoviye in the house you can take a broom, beat the walls with it and shout: "Grandfather Domovoi, help me chase away this intruder." to get rid of the one that does mischief. If you move and want your domovoi to come with you, you can make an offering to it and say:"Domovoi! Domovoi! Don't stay here, but come with our family!" Sometimes an old boot (it likes old boots) or a shoe was provided for the domovoi to hide in while moving from one place to another.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domovoi
Domovoi is a slavic house spirit. His name also represents this, dom is house in russian and domovoi means "from the house". This is also the place where he lives - in houses. It is believed that every house has its own house spirit - a domovoi whose favourite places are the threshold under the door, under the stove and center of the house.
Domovoi is usually portrayed as a hairy small, masculine creatures, sometimes they also have a beard, horns and a tail. In some cultures the domovoi can take on the appearance of the owners of the house (current or previous). So that other people have seen the owners in the yard while they are really sleeping in their bed. In a few cases they are portrayed as a cat or a dog. When a domovoi shows itself to people, then he should be addressed as "master", he is also known as "grandfather".
Domovoi is not an evil spirit, but he can be mischievous and then his actions resemble most to the actions of a poltergeist - rattling objects, breaking dishes, banging, moaning, etc. When the family is a good one, does not neglect the household duties, does not use foul language and treats the domovoi as a part of the family (leaves food out for him) then the domovoi is a guardian of the house and even helps with different chores. But he could do mischievous things when the house was not loved by the owners, torment the animals he did not like and pay visits to neighbouring houses.
Domovoi is not tied down to a particular house, but can move, so that a house can be without a domovoi. In this case one can go out (in his best clothes) and say: "Grandfather Domovoi, please come into my house and tend the flocks." When there are two domoviye in the house you can take a broom, beat the walls with it and shout: "Grandfather Domovoi, help me chase away this intruder." to get rid of the one that does mischief. If you move and want your domovoi to come with you, you can make an offering to it and say:"Domovoi! Domovoi! Don't stay here, but come with our family!" Sometimes an old boot (it likes old boots) or a shoe was provided for the domovoi to hide in while moving from one place to another.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domovoi
Alexander Bowne
Jenny Greenteeth
Jenny Greenteeth, found throughout England, is a faerie most foul. Even her appearance is ill-favored, as she is generally described as an old hag with yellow eyes, pale greenish skin, and straggly green hair, with green-tipped teeth and long arms with which to entrap people. She dwells in murky riverbeds which are often hidden by duckweed on the surface, just waiting for unsuspecting or careless people to blindly step into the water. At that point, she pounces, dragging the victim (usually old or very young, or feeble in some way) under the water to drown, then consumes them. Another known method of killing involves wrapping her long arms around her victims and stroking them with her fingers or fingernails until they fall deeply asleep, and then eating them.
She is said to particularly enjoy drowning children, and is often used by parents as an example of the dangers of bodies of water. Skeptics use this fact to support their argument of Jenny as a bogeyman to impart proper caution to children. They claim that she is a stand in for the dangers of some pond weeds, which can wrap themselves around someone’s legs and make movement difficult.
She has several different life stories. The most common is that she was a witch who fell (or was pushed) into a river and drowned, and remains to deliver the same fate unto others. At least one source says that sailors used to call her the River/Sea Hag and that she sang as she approached (and woe to any who did not flee at the sound). She has several other names in England, although they are generally minor alterations ranging from Jenny to Jinny to Ginny, and may be the same creature as the Pew Powler. She has counterparts throughout the world, though likely none as famous as she. Some tales note that she only has three teeth, but that they can chew through even the toughest leather. Others make specific note of her wearing the bones of the dead in her hair (or having them tangled in it). One of the least common stories is of a beautiful Jenny Greenteeth, who lures young men into the water instead of children.
One thing all sources do agree on is that there are no known cases of someone being caught by Jenny Greenteeth and surviving, leading to a lack of famous encounters with her. The silence speaks volumes. The tales also warn that Jenny is still out there, waiting for her next victim.
Sources: Wikipedia, previous knowledge, http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2922176, http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_5155.shtml, http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/Jenny_Greenteeth
Jenny Greenteeth, found throughout England, is a faerie most foul. Even her appearance is ill-favored, as she is generally described as an old hag with yellow eyes, pale greenish skin, and straggly green hair, with green-tipped teeth and long arms with which to entrap people. She dwells in murky riverbeds which are often hidden by duckweed on the surface, just waiting for unsuspecting or careless people to blindly step into the water. At that point, she pounces, dragging the victim (usually old or very young, or feeble in some way) under the water to drown, then consumes them. Another known method of killing involves wrapping her long arms around her victims and stroking them with her fingers or fingernails until they fall deeply asleep, and then eating them.
She is said to particularly enjoy drowning children, and is often used by parents as an example of the dangers of bodies of water. Skeptics use this fact to support their argument of Jenny as a bogeyman to impart proper caution to children. They claim that she is a stand in for the dangers of some pond weeds, which can wrap themselves around someone’s legs and make movement difficult.
She has several different life stories. The most common is that she was a witch who fell (or was pushed) into a river and drowned, and remains to deliver the same fate unto others. At least one source says that sailors used to call her the River/Sea Hag and that she sang as she approached (and woe to any who did not flee at the sound). She has several other names in England, although they are generally minor alterations ranging from Jenny to Jinny to Ginny, and may be the same creature as the Pew Powler. She has counterparts throughout the world, though likely none as famous as she. Some tales note that she only has three teeth, but that they can chew through even the toughest leather. Others make specific note of her wearing the bones of the dead in her hair (or having them tangled in it). One of the least common stories is of a beautiful Jenny Greenteeth, who lures young men into the water instead of children.
One thing all sources do agree on is that there are no known cases of someone being caught by Jenny Greenteeth and surviving, leading to a lack of famous encounters with her. The silence speaks volumes. The tales also warn that Jenny is still out there, waiting for her next victim.
Sources: Wikipedia, previous knowledge, http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2922176, http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_5155.shtml, http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/Jenny_Greenteeth
Angel Pevensie
Huldufólk
They are the Icelandic hidden people. The term is derived from huldu- ‘pertaining to secrecy’ and fólk ‘people’, ‘folk’. They are considered as elves and live in the underworld right under the beneath of the ground in rocks and hills.
Icelandic folklore contains two accounts of the origin of elves. One claims that they are the unwashed children of Eve that she wanted to hide from God, thus, symbolically representing aspects of the human personality that the self regards as unwanted. The other account of the origin of elves holds that these creatures were created at the time when God created a woman for the first man, Adam. As the woman turned out to be exceedingly difficult to manage (for both Adam and God), God changed his plan by creating a man for her, equal to her untamable nature, and named him Alfur. She was named Alvör, and all elves and trolls are descended from them.
Hidden people often appear in the dreams of Icelanders. They are usually described as wearing 19th-century Icelandic clothing, and are often described as wearing green. They are also a part of folklore in the Faroe Islands. In Faroese folk tales, Huldufólk are said to be ‘large in build, their clothes are all grey, and their hair black. Their dwellings are in mounds, and they are also called Elves.’ They also dislike crosses, churches and electricity.
Many things indicate that the hidden people originate in our unconscious: They resemble us in many ways, though they are more spirit-like and invisible, and to see the elves, must to either be given permission by them, or have a special ability. They can have supra-human capacities; and they can be both better and worse than humans. To provoke their anger means trouble but to help them in times of crisis means blessings as a result they are powerful, respected and feared. The hidden people have various human attributes, and even though they live longer than we do, they are born and they die just as we do. They eat and drink, play instruments, have lights in their houses, go fishing, move residences, and keep animals, though they are more productive than those of humans. Traditional belief holds that there are both good elves and bad elves, light elves and dark. Light elves live closer to the gods and are Christians. They worship in churches that can be identified in formation of rocks or in domelike caves. The dark elves live in the ground. The hidden people live not only in hills and stones, but in the ocean and lakes as well, and even in the air. The elves do not live in burnt lava for it is the dwelling of evil spirits and death.
They are the Icelandic hidden people. The term is derived from huldu- ‘pertaining to secrecy’ and fólk ‘people’, ‘folk’. They are considered as elves and live in the underworld right under the beneath of the ground in rocks and hills.
Icelandic folklore contains two accounts of the origin of elves. One claims that they are the unwashed children of Eve that she wanted to hide from God, thus, symbolically representing aspects of the human personality that the self regards as unwanted. The other account of the origin of elves holds that these creatures were created at the time when God created a woman for the first man, Adam. As the woman turned out to be exceedingly difficult to manage (for both Adam and God), God changed his plan by creating a man for her, equal to her untamable nature, and named him Alfur. She was named Alvör, and all elves and trolls are descended from them.
Hidden people often appear in the dreams of Icelanders. They are usually described as wearing 19th-century Icelandic clothing, and are often described as wearing green. They are also a part of folklore in the Faroe Islands. In Faroese folk tales, Huldufólk are said to be ‘large in build, their clothes are all grey, and their hair black. Their dwellings are in mounds, and they are also called Elves.’ They also dislike crosses, churches and electricity.
Many things indicate that the hidden people originate in our unconscious: They resemble us in many ways, though they are more spirit-like and invisible, and to see the elves, must to either be given permission by them, or have a special ability. They can have supra-human capacities; and they can be both better and worse than humans. To provoke their anger means trouble but to help them in times of crisis means blessings as a result they are powerful, respected and feared. The hidden people have various human attributes, and even though they live longer than we do, they are born and they die just as we do. They eat and drink, play instruments, have lights in their houses, go fishing, move residences, and keep animals, though they are more productive than those of humans. Traditional belief holds that there are both good elves and bad elves, light elves and dark. Light elves live closer to the gods and are Christians. They worship in churches that can be identified in formation of rocks or in domelike caves. The dark elves live in the ground. The hidden people live not only in hills and stones, but in the ocean and lakes as well, and even in the air. The elves do not live in burnt lava for it is the dwelling of evil spirits and death.
Antonia Murrow
Banshee
The Banshee is an Irish fairy, also known as the bean-sidhe. She would serve for one ancient Irish family all her life. Her appearance differed from an old hag, to a beautiful young maiden, although it would seem that most people thought of her as the old hag. She was thought to wear a hooded grey clock, or something similar. She sometimes appeared as a washer-woman. When in this form, she was known as the bean-nighe, and could be seen washing the often blood-stained clothes of those who were about to die. The banshee would wail throughout the night, warning the family to whom she belonged that a member of the family was about to die.
There were also records of banshees appearing before humans and fore-warning them of their deaths. When more than one banshee or bean-sidhe was heard wailing, it often meant that someone of high importance was about to die. While being an omen of death, the banshee was in no way thought of as evil herself. She rarely intervened in that of daily life, and would only be seen when wailing for the death of a member of her family. She was also believed to have red eyes, the result of an eternity of weeping.
There is a legend that says that in the year 1437, King James the 1st of Scotland was told by a banshee when and where he would be murdered. The banshee can also be associated with bean chaointe, or the keening woman. This woman’s wail was said to be so piercing, that it could shatter glass, or render a person unconscious. The Banshee’s wail was described in many different ways, differing from place to place. For example, in Kerry (an Irish town) it was described as sounding like low, pleasant singing, while in Tyrone it was described as two boards being clashed together. The banshee was also sometimes described as being in animal form, a classic sign of Irish witchcraft.
The Banshee is an Irish fairy, also known as the bean-sidhe. She would serve for one ancient Irish family all her life. Her appearance differed from an old hag, to a beautiful young maiden, although it would seem that most people thought of her as the old hag. She was thought to wear a hooded grey clock, or something similar. She sometimes appeared as a washer-woman. When in this form, she was known as the bean-nighe, and could be seen washing the often blood-stained clothes of those who were about to die. The banshee would wail throughout the night, warning the family to whom she belonged that a member of the family was about to die.
There were also records of banshees appearing before humans and fore-warning them of their deaths. When more than one banshee or bean-sidhe was heard wailing, it often meant that someone of high importance was about to die. While being an omen of death, the banshee was in no way thought of as evil herself. She rarely intervened in that of daily life, and would only be seen when wailing for the death of a member of her family. She was also believed to have red eyes, the result of an eternity of weeping.
There is a legend that says that in the year 1437, King James the 1st of Scotland was told by a banshee when and where he would be murdered. The banshee can also be associated with bean chaointe, or the keening woman. This woman’s wail was said to be so piercing, that it could shatter glass, or render a person unconscious. The Banshee’s wail was described in many different ways, differing from place to place. For example, in Kerry (an Irish town) it was described as sounding like low, pleasant singing, while in Tyrone it was described as two boards being clashed together. The banshee was also sometimes described as being in animal form, a classic sign of Irish witchcraft.
Ariel Kingston
Baba Yaga
In the forests of Russia you may come upon the fabled Baba Yaga. Some call Baba Yaga a witch but as we know muggels often get this wrong because no self respecting witch would eat children. Baba Yaga is best known for her house that has chicken legs. The hut doesn’t have windows or doors so if you want to talk to Baba Yaga you need to go to the hut and say “Hut, O hut, turn your back to the woods, your front to me” then the cabin will turn and you will find a door to enter. Now Baba Yaga is no looker as far as fairies go she appears as an old woman and has been described as having “face like a pitch, a red turned-up nose with broad nostrils, eyes burning like live coals, thistles instead of hair, and a beard” yup this lovely old crone sometimes has a beard. Now other then her house, her favorite mode of transportation is a flying Mortar which she steers with a Pestle. She is often known for kidnapping and eating children but sometimes came be a source of wisdom and guidance.
One story she is known for is the tale “Vasilisa the Beautiful” In this story Vasilisa’s mom died when she was little but before dying gave her a little wooden doll. Her mom told her that if she was in trouble she could give the dolls something to eat and drink and it would help her. So much like Cinderella her dad remarried a horrible woman with horrible daughters who treated Vasilia badly. Her stepmother turned away all suitors for saying that her sisters must marry first. One day her dad left so her stepmom sold the house and moved them to a hut near the forest. Her stepmother told them to put out all candles except a single candle but her older daughter put out even that so they told Vasilia to go to the forest and get more light from Baba Yaga. While she was walking a man dressed in white road by, and then later a rider in red and after reaching Baba Yaga’s house a man in black came by and frightened Vasilisa. When Baba Yaga finally got home she told Vasilisa that she but performs a tasks to get the light she wanted or she would be killed. With the help of her doll she accomplishes the tasks and was given a skull lantern. When she takes the lantern home is kills her stepmother and stepsisters. See now Baba Yaga does to helpful things like killing bad relatives. Maybe the poor old lady is just misunderstood.
In the forests of Russia you may come upon the fabled Baba Yaga. Some call Baba Yaga a witch but as we know muggels often get this wrong because no self respecting witch would eat children. Baba Yaga is best known for her house that has chicken legs. The hut doesn’t have windows or doors so if you want to talk to Baba Yaga you need to go to the hut and say “Hut, O hut, turn your back to the woods, your front to me” then the cabin will turn and you will find a door to enter. Now Baba Yaga is no looker as far as fairies go she appears as an old woman and has been described as having “face like a pitch, a red turned-up nose with broad nostrils, eyes burning like live coals, thistles instead of hair, and a beard” yup this lovely old crone sometimes has a beard. Now other then her house, her favorite mode of transportation is a flying Mortar which she steers with a Pestle. She is often known for kidnapping and eating children but sometimes came be a source of wisdom and guidance.
One story she is known for is the tale “Vasilisa the Beautiful” In this story Vasilisa’s mom died when she was little but before dying gave her a little wooden doll. Her mom told her that if she was in trouble she could give the dolls something to eat and drink and it would help her. So much like Cinderella her dad remarried a horrible woman with horrible daughters who treated Vasilia badly. Her stepmother turned away all suitors for saying that her sisters must marry first. One day her dad left so her stepmom sold the house and moved them to a hut near the forest. Her stepmother told them to put out all candles except a single candle but her older daughter put out even that so they told Vasilia to go to the forest and get more light from Baba Yaga. While she was walking a man dressed in white road by, and then later a rider in red and after reaching Baba Yaga’s house a man in black came by and frightened Vasilisa. When Baba Yaga finally got home she told Vasilisa that she but performs a tasks to get the light she wanted or she would be killed. With the help of her doll she accomplishes the tasks and was given a skull lantern. When she takes the lantern home is kills her stepmother and stepsisters. See now Baba Yaga does to helpful things like killing bad relatives. Maybe the poor old lady is just misunderstood.
Brigid Svartsdottir
The Fae Folk I have chosen to introduce to you are the Witte Wieven, who are native to my own country (Belgium) and parts of the Netherlands and France. The Witte Wieven are the spirits of 'wise women' according to some, or simply elven beings according to others. In French, they are known as the Dames Blanches (the white ladies).
Today, you can literally translate Witte Wieven by white women (wit being the Dutch word for white), but in the old Saxon dialects of the Low Countries wit or witte meant wise, from the root word "weten" which means "to know." The word for wisdom is wijsheid. The association of wise women with the color white was either an accidental translation error, or a symbolic color association for wisdom (sources differ).
Historically, the witte wieven are thought to be wise women, herbalists and medicine healers who took care of people's physical and mental ailments. It was said they had the talent for prophecy and looking into the future. They had a high status in the communities, and so when they died ceremonies were held at their grave sites to honour them.
According to mythology, their spirits remained on earth, and they became living spirits (or elven beings) that either helped or hindered people who encountered them. They tended to reside in burial sites or other sacred places. It was thought that mist on a gravehill was the spirit of the wise woman appearing, and people would bring them offerings and ask for help.
While many scholars believe Witte Wieven originated as above from honoring graves of wise women, others think the mythology of witte wieven come from part of the Germanic belief in disen, land wights, and/or alven (Old Dutch for "elf") for several reasons: The practice of bringing offerings and asking for help from their graves is very similar to honoring disen, land wights and alfen in Germanic paganism. In addition, in some localities the mythological witte wieven were described directly as "Alfen" or "Alven".
At first, early medieval literature described the witte wieven more like pranksters and pests. Later Christian teaching transformed the idea of "witte wieven" into mistflarden: ghost witches— recharacterized as evil and to be avoided.
Bonus fact: in the Dutch version of the Harry Potter books, ‘De Witte Wieven’ are the band performing during the Yule Ball in Harry’s fourth year, whereas in the English version, they are called the Weird Sisters.
Today, you can literally translate Witte Wieven by white women (wit being the Dutch word for white), but in the old Saxon dialects of the Low Countries wit or witte meant wise, from the root word "weten" which means "to know." The word for wisdom is wijsheid. The association of wise women with the color white was either an accidental translation error, or a symbolic color association for wisdom (sources differ).
Historically, the witte wieven are thought to be wise women, herbalists and medicine healers who took care of people's physical and mental ailments. It was said they had the talent for prophecy and looking into the future. They had a high status in the communities, and so when they died ceremonies were held at their grave sites to honour them.
According to mythology, their spirits remained on earth, and they became living spirits (or elven beings) that either helped or hindered people who encountered them. They tended to reside in burial sites or other sacred places. It was thought that mist on a gravehill was the spirit of the wise woman appearing, and people would bring them offerings and ask for help.
While many scholars believe Witte Wieven originated as above from honoring graves of wise women, others think the mythology of witte wieven come from part of the Germanic belief in disen, land wights, and/or alven (Old Dutch for "elf") for several reasons: The practice of bringing offerings and asking for help from their graves is very similar to honoring disen, land wights and alfen in Germanic paganism. In addition, in some localities the mythological witte wieven were described directly as "Alfen" or "Alven".
At first, early medieval literature described the witte wieven more like pranksters and pests. Later Christian teaching transformed the idea of "witte wieven" into mistflarden: ghost witches— recharacterized as evil and to be avoided.
Bonus fact: in the Dutch version of the Harry Potter books, ‘De Witte Wieven’ are the band performing during the Yule Ball in Harry’s fourth year, whereas in the English version, they are called the Weird Sisters.
Britin Hale
A changeling is a type of fairy creature found in Irish and Scottish folklore. It is usually described as being the spawn of a fairy, elf or troll that has been secretly left in the place of a human child. In medieval times the term is often used to refer to the child who was taken, missing or sick. The changeling could also be a an enchanted piece of wood that would soon look to grow sick and die, leaving the parents of that child confused, sick with worry and grief, not knowing what had happened to their baby. The swapped child lore was common in the medieval times as they were often thought to be infants afflicted by diseases or disorders and their family and parents had no other explanation to why their child was different or sick.
A child might be taken for many reasons, such as - to act as a servant to the fairy family or fairy court, the love of a human child which is unconditional, or in some cases for malicious purpose. Mostly it was thought that fairies took and exchanged the children and in some cases, the elderly of the fairy people would be exchanged in the place of a human baby, then the old fairy could live in comfort, being taken care of and loved by its human parents. To keep their children safe from fairy-stealing, parents would often leave items they thought might ward off the fairies from stealing their children, such as inverted coats or open iron scissors. In some cases even the parents themselves would watch over their precious infants.
Some changelings that have been switched and dropped into a human home and family forget they are not human and continue to live a human life with the family of the stolen baby. Changelings however might return to their fairy family at a later time, and at that time would leave the human family, who never knew their children had been switched and taken, without warning. As for the human child that was taken, they may often stay with the fairy family forever, never to be seen again and never knowing where they came from or that the family they're with is not their own.
A child might be taken for many reasons, such as - to act as a servant to the fairy family or fairy court, the love of a human child which is unconditional, or in some cases for malicious purpose. Mostly it was thought that fairies took and exchanged the children and in some cases, the elderly of the fairy people would be exchanged in the place of a human baby, then the old fairy could live in comfort, being taken care of and loved by its human parents. To keep their children safe from fairy-stealing, parents would often leave items they thought might ward off the fairies from stealing their children, such as inverted coats or open iron scissors. In some cases even the parents themselves would watch over their precious infants.
Some changelings that have been switched and dropped into a human home and family forget they are not human and continue to live a human life with the family of the stolen baby. Changelings however might return to their fairy family at a later time, and at that time would leave the human family, who never knew their children had been switched and taken, without warning. As for the human child that was taken, they may often stay with the fairy family forever, never to be seen again and never knowing where they came from or that the family they're with is not their own.
February Fortescue
Domovoy
A domovoy is found in Eastern Europe, in countries such as Russia and Poland. He is masculine, small in size, and most often appears to sport a gray beard, although sometimes he is mistaken for the male head of the household. He is considered to be a household spirit, with one domovoy (households can only have one) attaching itself to a house and watching over the family which lives there. He prefers living under the stove or under the threshold of the door.
A domovoy expects the household he has chosen to be clean, not neglected, and free from profanity. If your home is shared by a pleased domovoy, he may be very helpful with protection, maintaining peace, and perhaps even helping with yard work and home maintenance. Another gift he may have is a talent for foreseeing the future – warning of impending death, unwanted guests, and announcing future joys, such as weddings and good times.
No one wants their domovoy to be unhappy, and he does have a mean streak. Some of his activities include banging pots and pans, leaving muddy foot prints, moving objects around, and causing walls to creak. If he is really upset, he may do worse things, such as trying to sufficate you while you're sleeping. If he doesn't like the animals you're keeping, he may make them so anxious they are unable to eat. All is not lost, however. If you see any of these signs, try to find out what is upsetting your domovoy and rectify the situation. Improve your house keeping. End the profanity. Change your animals if you must. Other things you can try are wrapping a piece of salted bread in a white cloth as an offering and hanging old boots in the yard.
Moving and want to take your domovoy with you? Simply make him an offering (salted bread, perhaps?) and invite him to come with you. Want a domovoy? Wear your best clothing, step outside, and invite one inside.
I'm not aware of any famous legends surrounding domovoys, although I did hear of an episode of the tv series Celebrity Ghost Stories where Russian ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff thought she was attacked by a friend's domovoy.
Sources:
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uswa&c=words&id=15020
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/d/domovoi.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_deity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domovoi
A domovoy is found in Eastern Europe, in countries such as Russia and Poland. He is masculine, small in size, and most often appears to sport a gray beard, although sometimes he is mistaken for the male head of the household. He is considered to be a household spirit, with one domovoy (households can only have one) attaching itself to a house and watching over the family which lives there. He prefers living under the stove or under the threshold of the door.
A domovoy expects the household he has chosen to be clean, not neglected, and free from profanity. If your home is shared by a pleased domovoy, he may be very helpful with protection, maintaining peace, and perhaps even helping with yard work and home maintenance. Another gift he may have is a talent for foreseeing the future – warning of impending death, unwanted guests, and announcing future joys, such as weddings and good times.
No one wants their domovoy to be unhappy, and he does have a mean streak. Some of his activities include banging pots and pans, leaving muddy foot prints, moving objects around, and causing walls to creak. If he is really upset, he may do worse things, such as trying to sufficate you while you're sleeping. If he doesn't like the animals you're keeping, he may make them so anxious they are unable to eat. All is not lost, however. If you see any of these signs, try to find out what is upsetting your domovoy and rectify the situation. Improve your house keeping. End the profanity. Change your animals if you must. Other things you can try are wrapping a piece of salted bread in a white cloth as an offering and hanging old boots in the yard.
Moving and want to take your domovoy with you? Simply make him an offering (salted bread, perhaps?) and invite him to come with you. Want a domovoy? Wear your best clothing, step outside, and invite one inside.
I'm not aware of any famous legends surrounding domovoys, although I did hear of an episode of the tv series Celebrity Ghost Stories where Russian ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff thought she was attacked by a friend's domovoy.
Sources:
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uswa&c=words&id=15020
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/d/domovoi.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_deity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domovoi
Hailey Potter
I chose Great Britain. After a quick web search, I found this faery creature called Brownies. I found the name really interesting so I decided to some research on these creatures. They’re from Scotland and Lower England. They resemble the hob (like a hobgoblin!). They’re similar to elves. They were small and they wore brown-colored clothing. There are two different kinds: the Scottish brownie and the most popular English brownie.
The Scottish brownies lived outside in streams and waterfalls, enjoying solitude until the end of harvest, where he became more sociable and hovered around farmyards, stables, and cattle houses. He also intruded on milkmaids because he enjoyed dairy products, and the maids used the dairy to charm him to leaving or to gain his favor. These Scottish brownies were also jolly and personable and had yelled flowing hair accompanied with a blue bonnet and a walking staff.
The English brownie, however, were brownies who inhabited houses and aided around the house. Mostly, they did indeed help humans. While they helped, they hated to be seen and only worked at night in exchange for small gifts or food. They really loved porridge and honey, but don’t mistreat them or make them mad! That’s when they would become absolute pests! If they were mistreated, they could become much like a poltergeist in activity, becoming nuisances, or eventually leave.
If you wanted to get rid of the brownies in your home, you were suggested to leave them a new cloak and hood. After doing that, you would never see them again.
There is a legend about a brownie, but it took me a few times to read it before I understood it. There was a border family who was haunted by a brownie. The lady of the house fell ill and the servant was sent out to Jedburgh for someone to help the lady. However, the servant was taking his sweet time and wasn’t leaving soon enough. The brownie then rode to town himself on a horse and returned with the midwife. He brought the midwife back in great speed, even though the Tweed has rose to dangerous height. He made it past this obstacle and told the lady where her service was wanted. He then put the horse back in the stable and went into the servant’s room, who was only putting his boots on. The family appreciated his service so much that when they heard the Brownie wanted a new green coat, they gave it to him. He took the green coat and was never seen again.
The Scottish brownies lived outside in streams and waterfalls, enjoying solitude until the end of harvest, where he became more sociable and hovered around farmyards, stables, and cattle houses. He also intruded on milkmaids because he enjoyed dairy products, and the maids used the dairy to charm him to leaving or to gain his favor. These Scottish brownies were also jolly and personable and had yelled flowing hair accompanied with a blue bonnet and a walking staff.
The English brownie, however, were brownies who inhabited houses and aided around the house. Mostly, they did indeed help humans. While they helped, they hated to be seen and only worked at night in exchange for small gifts or food. They really loved porridge and honey, but don’t mistreat them or make them mad! That’s when they would become absolute pests! If they were mistreated, they could become much like a poltergeist in activity, becoming nuisances, or eventually leave.
If you wanted to get rid of the brownies in your home, you were suggested to leave them a new cloak and hood. After doing that, you would never see them again.
There is a legend about a brownie, but it took me a few times to read it before I understood it. There was a border family who was haunted by a brownie. The lady of the house fell ill and the servant was sent out to Jedburgh for someone to help the lady. However, the servant was taking his sweet time and wasn’t leaving soon enough. The brownie then rode to town himself on a horse and returned with the midwife. He brought the midwife back in great speed, even though the Tweed has rose to dangerous height. He made it past this obstacle and told the lady where her service was wanted. He then put the horse back in the stable and went into the servant’s room, who was only putting his boots on. The family appreciated his service so much that when they heard the Brownie wanted a new green coat, they gave it to him. He took the green coat and was never seen again.
Hedra Longstride
The Sluagh
There is a wealth of impressive and intriguing creatures in Celtic mythology, but none are more terrifying than the Sluagh. For some reason the very thought of these beings fills me with unease. While there are certainly critters that are more fierce and malicious, the sneaky approach of these Unforgiven Souls represent the stuff of nightmares. The word Sluagh is the ancient celtic word for death, which is quite ironic since this is exactly what the these souls conquered.
There are quite a few theories about the origin of the Sluagh, but the one that is most widely believed in Scotland and Ireland is as follows: Simply put, the Sluagh are the souls of the dead. These particular souls were so evil that they weren’t welcome anywhere after death and were forced to return to earth. Luckily they could not regain their former, human form and be among the living. Instead, they were damned to roam the earth as a flock. They could never again set foot on soil and were destined to fly until the end of time.
The terrifying bit is that their malevolence survived. They are envious of the souls that still cling to human bodies and want to drag these souls along on their endless journey. The Sluagh would linger in places where people were dying. They would arrive on the westernly wind and enter the dwelling through an open window or a door that has been left ajar. Once inside, they will snatch the soul of the dying person before it has time to move on. The soul will be forced to join the Sluagh and add to the numbers of the flock.
While not many that have seen the Sluagh have survived, there are a few who lived long enough to describe them. They resemble birds, but instead of wings they have long, webbed fingers. Instead of plumage, their dark skin is leathery and their legs end in sharp, deformed claws. Eerie whispers fill the room in which they are lurking, followed by rasping, sucking sounds. They smell like rotten meat, but can hide among the shadows. More often than not, the victim will feel a floating sensasion and blame it on the fever or illness until it is too late.
Thankfully there are ways to defeat and repel the Sluagh. Since they arrive on a westernly wind, they can only enter a house on the western side. Even if there are doors that are wide open on the east, the Sluagh cannot enter. They cannot pull a soul from anybody that is not dying. The will of the living is much too strong. The Sluagh’s plans are also easily thwarted if they are spotted in time. The fear of being dragged along will strengthen any spirit and it will simply take too much time and energy to recruit such a soul. Stealth is their most powerful weapon so once they are seen, the hunt is rarely rewarding.
Note: I tried my very best to keep this within the HOL homework rules. If I omitted some of the facts, it would be because I considered them too grisly.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sluagh
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/sluagh.html
http://www.paranormalpursuits.net/2011/05/creature-feature-sluagh.html
http://throughgoldeneyes.blogspot.com/2011/09/top-ten-scariest-monsters-and-demons.html
There is a wealth of impressive and intriguing creatures in Celtic mythology, but none are more terrifying than the Sluagh. For some reason the very thought of these beings fills me with unease. While there are certainly critters that are more fierce and malicious, the sneaky approach of these Unforgiven Souls represent the stuff of nightmares. The word Sluagh is the ancient celtic word for death, which is quite ironic since this is exactly what the these souls conquered.
There are quite a few theories about the origin of the Sluagh, but the one that is most widely believed in Scotland and Ireland is as follows: Simply put, the Sluagh are the souls of the dead. These particular souls were so evil that they weren’t welcome anywhere after death and were forced to return to earth. Luckily they could not regain their former, human form and be among the living. Instead, they were damned to roam the earth as a flock. They could never again set foot on soil and were destined to fly until the end of time.
The terrifying bit is that their malevolence survived. They are envious of the souls that still cling to human bodies and want to drag these souls along on their endless journey. The Sluagh would linger in places where people were dying. They would arrive on the westernly wind and enter the dwelling through an open window or a door that has been left ajar. Once inside, they will snatch the soul of the dying person before it has time to move on. The soul will be forced to join the Sluagh and add to the numbers of the flock.
While not many that have seen the Sluagh have survived, there are a few who lived long enough to describe them. They resemble birds, but instead of wings they have long, webbed fingers. Instead of plumage, their dark skin is leathery and their legs end in sharp, deformed claws. Eerie whispers fill the room in which they are lurking, followed by rasping, sucking sounds. They smell like rotten meat, but can hide among the shadows. More often than not, the victim will feel a floating sensasion and blame it on the fever or illness until it is too late.
Thankfully there are ways to defeat and repel the Sluagh. Since they arrive on a westernly wind, they can only enter a house on the western side. Even if there are doors that are wide open on the east, the Sluagh cannot enter. They cannot pull a soul from anybody that is not dying. The will of the living is much too strong. The Sluagh’s plans are also easily thwarted if they are spotted in time. The fear of being dragged along will strengthen any spirit and it will simply take too much time and energy to recruit such a soul. Stealth is their most powerful weapon so once they are seen, the hunt is rarely rewarding.
Note: I tried my very best to keep this within the HOL homework rules. If I omitted some of the facts, it would be because I considered them too grisly.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sluagh
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/sluagh.html
http://www.paranormalpursuits.net/2011/05/creature-feature-sluagh.html
http://throughgoldeneyes.blogspot.com/2011/09/top-ten-scariest-monsters-and-demons.html
Karlia Baker
Forest fairies in Estonian folklore
Forest fairies (metshaldjad) in Estonian folklore are probably the most common ones, aside form house fairies. Probably because a big part of the country has always been covered with forests. The task of the forest fairy is to protect the forest. All the trees, animals and birds. Every forest has its own fairy, they usually do not travel from one area to another. The forest fairies only showed themselves to people in the form of an animal, bird, young girl, a woman or an old man.
When the huntsman was hunting in the forest, it was important that the huntsman treated the forest with respect, otherwise the forest fairies might mislead the huntsman or destroy his happiness for a lifetime. It is known that smart huntsmen will never shoot weirdly behaving creatures because they might be forest fairies in disguise. However, if one accidentally shot a forest fairy, the fairy went unharmed. Though the punishment that fell upon the huntsman was fairly harsh The only way to destroy the forest fairy was with a silver bullet. That, however, was known to be very dangerous and caused unknown consequences. In general, forest fairies were good spirited creatures.
However, whenever there is good, there is also bad. The creature whose name can roughly be translated into forest demon/forest devil ( metsatont, metskurat), was the evilest creature of the forest. The sole purpose of that creature was to mislead people in the forest on purpose and to scare people. A person who caught the forest devil, was most likely never to exist the forest again. Forest devils were much more powerful than forest fairies. The silver bullets did not work of them and thus more extreme measures were needed to destroy them, like shooting one with a bullet made out of melted wedding ring.
Forest fairies (metshaldjad) in Estonian folklore are probably the most common ones, aside form house fairies. Probably because a big part of the country has always been covered with forests. The task of the forest fairy is to protect the forest. All the trees, animals and birds. Every forest has its own fairy, they usually do not travel from one area to another. The forest fairies only showed themselves to people in the form of an animal, bird, young girl, a woman or an old man.
When the huntsman was hunting in the forest, it was important that the huntsman treated the forest with respect, otherwise the forest fairies might mislead the huntsman or destroy his happiness for a lifetime. It is known that smart huntsmen will never shoot weirdly behaving creatures because they might be forest fairies in disguise. However, if one accidentally shot a forest fairy, the fairy went unharmed. Though the punishment that fell upon the huntsman was fairly harsh The only way to destroy the forest fairy was with a silver bullet. That, however, was known to be very dangerous and caused unknown consequences. In general, forest fairies were good spirited creatures.
However, whenever there is good, there is also bad. The creature whose name can roughly be translated into forest demon/forest devil ( metsatont, metskurat), was the evilest creature of the forest. The sole purpose of that creature was to mislead people in the forest on purpose and to scare people. A person who caught the forest devil, was most likely never to exist the forest again. Forest devils were much more powerful than forest fairies. The silver bullets did not work of them and thus more extreme measures were needed to destroy them, like shooting one with a bullet made out of melted wedding ring.
Kit Ravenwood
The Cait Sidhe or Cait Sith is also known as the Fairy Cat. It is found in the mythology of both Ireland and Scotland. Cait Sidhe are described as resembling a large black cat, somewhere between the size of a dog and a small calf, with a white mark in the centre of its chest. Cait Sidhe are large and ferocious, especially if surprised, and display themselves with backs arched and bristles erect.
It was believed that the Cait Sidhe can steal a person's soul before it is claimed by the Gods by passing over the dead body. Watches known as the Feill Fadalach (Late Wake) were kept day and night over the corpse until it could be buried. The watchers performed tricks to keep the Cait Sidhe away from the body, for example distracting them through games of leaping or wrestling, or putting catnip in every room of the house except the one holding the dead person. Riddles were asked but not answered, as the Cait Sidhe would have to stop and figure out the replies, and music was played so that the Cait Sidhe would stop to dance. All fires in the room containing the body were put out, as the warmth would attract cats, and a Cait Sidhe might sneak in among them.
On Samhain (All Hallow's Eve) it was believed that the Cait Sidhe would bless any household that set out a saucer of milk for them. Any house that failed to do so would be cursed, and their cows' milk would run dry.
Some believe that, rather than a fairy animal, the Cait Sidhe is actually a transformed witch. These witches could transform themselves from human to cat nine times, but the transformation could only be reversed eight times - if the witch transformed into a cat the ninth time, they would remain a cat for the rest of their lives.
It was believed that the Cait Sidhe can steal a person's soul before it is claimed by the Gods by passing over the dead body. Watches known as the Feill Fadalach (Late Wake) were kept day and night over the corpse until it could be buried. The watchers performed tricks to keep the Cait Sidhe away from the body, for example distracting them through games of leaping or wrestling, or putting catnip in every room of the house except the one holding the dead person. Riddles were asked but not answered, as the Cait Sidhe would have to stop and figure out the replies, and music was played so that the Cait Sidhe would stop to dance. All fires in the room containing the body were put out, as the warmth would attract cats, and a Cait Sidhe might sneak in among them.
On Samhain (All Hallow's Eve) it was believed that the Cait Sidhe would bless any household that set out a saucer of milk for them. Any house that failed to do so would be cursed, and their cows' milk would run dry.
Some believe that, rather than a fairy animal, the Cait Sidhe is actually a transformed witch. These witches could transform themselves from human to cat nine times, but the transformation could only be reversed eight times - if the witch transformed into a cat the ninth time, they would remain a cat for the rest of their lives.
Kynthia Near
Greece - Nymphs
Nymphs or Nymphai are beautiful young maidens who love singing and dancing. They are minor deities and are ranked under the Gods, their sole purpose being to protect and care for nature. Although they have a long lifespan they are not immortal and are said to have a unique link with the places they lived, so that when their homes were harmed it had consequences for them too. They are divided in many different categories and subcategories that have to do with the type of their dwelling. For example there are the Water Nymphs that in turn get sorted into Naiades (Fresh water Nymphs - Subcategories: Leimnades, Potameides, Pegaeae, Crinaeae, Eleionomae), Haliae (Sea and seashores - Subcategories: Nereids) and Oceanids(Salt water). While most of them are only interested in keeping the balance in nature, there are others like the Mainades who enjoy being malicious and are often refered to as the crazed nymphs. The Mainades worship the God Dionysus. Other Gods worshipped by the Nymphs are Apollo and Hermes as well as Pan and the Goddess Artemis.
Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Hermes are said to be some of the Gods who made advances on the Nymphs, dazzled by their beauty. They have mothered children from Gods, like Triton (son of Poseidon and Amphitrite), Arcas (son of Zeus and Callisto), Atlas and Prometheus (Titan and Klymene) and surprisingly the God Hermes that is said to be the son of Zeus and Maia. Mortals are also said to have married Nymphs. Sometimes when a Nymph received unwanted attention by a God or a mortal she would turn into a tree, spring or flower in order to escape them. There are many myths regarding the Nymphs, most of them include a certain God taking a liking on a Nymph and then trying to seduce them. However there is the myth of the Nymph Calypso daughter of the Titan Atlas and Tethys, which was introduced in the Odyssey by Homer. Calypso is an Oceanide who lives in a secluded island in the Mediterranean Sea, named Ogygia since she was imprisoned there by the Olympians for supporting her father in the war between the Olympians and the Titans. Odysseus is washed out in her island after nine days of drifting in the sea when he got shipwrecked on his way back to Ithaca from Troy. Calypso falls in love with Odysseus and proposes that he be her immortal husband. Even after he refuses because of his love for his wife Penelope, Calypso continues trying to seduce him and even succeeds at one point to make him her lover. For seven years they lived together and its even said that they had children together, until Athena and Zeus intervened and Calypso had to let Odysseus return to Ithaca. She gave him a boat and food for the journey and after he left she tried kill herself numerous times for her lost love.
Nymphs or Nymphai are beautiful young maidens who love singing and dancing. They are minor deities and are ranked under the Gods, their sole purpose being to protect and care for nature. Although they have a long lifespan they are not immortal and are said to have a unique link with the places they lived, so that when their homes were harmed it had consequences for them too. They are divided in many different categories and subcategories that have to do with the type of their dwelling. For example there are the Water Nymphs that in turn get sorted into Naiades (Fresh water Nymphs - Subcategories: Leimnades, Potameides, Pegaeae, Crinaeae, Eleionomae), Haliae (Sea and seashores - Subcategories: Nereids) and Oceanids(Salt water). While most of them are only interested in keeping the balance in nature, there are others like the Mainades who enjoy being malicious and are often refered to as the crazed nymphs. The Mainades worship the God Dionysus. Other Gods worshipped by the Nymphs are Apollo and Hermes as well as Pan and the Goddess Artemis.
Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Hermes are said to be some of the Gods who made advances on the Nymphs, dazzled by their beauty. They have mothered children from Gods, like Triton (son of Poseidon and Amphitrite), Arcas (son of Zeus and Callisto), Atlas and Prometheus (Titan and Klymene) and surprisingly the God Hermes that is said to be the son of Zeus and Maia. Mortals are also said to have married Nymphs. Sometimes when a Nymph received unwanted attention by a God or a mortal she would turn into a tree, spring or flower in order to escape them. There are many myths regarding the Nymphs, most of them include a certain God taking a liking on a Nymph and then trying to seduce them. However there is the myth of the Nymph Calypso daughter of the Titan Atlas and Tethys, which was introduced in the Odyssey by Homer. Calypso is an Oceanide who lives in a secluded island in the Mediterranean Sea, named Ogygia since she was imprisoned there by the Olympians for supporting her father in the war between the Olympians and the Titans. Odysseus is washed out in her island after nine days of drifting in the sea when he got shipwrecked on his way back to Ithaca from Troy. Calypso falls in love with Odysseus and proposes that he be her immortal husband. Even after he refuses because of his love for his wife Penelope, Calypso continues trying to seduce him and even succeeds at one point to make him her lover. For seven years they lived together and its even said that they had children together, until Athena and Zeus intervened and Calypso had to let Odysseus return to Ithaca. She gave him a boat and food for the journey and after he left she tried kill herself numerous times for her lost love.
Lilly Stargazer
Kobold
I decided to try and find a German faery creature. Germany is well known for their 'fairy tales' due to the Brothers Grimm. I decided I would learn more about the Kobold. Kolbold are somewhat like goblins but they can either be helpful or mischievous. They like to help out with household chores, but they also have fun hiding your tools and enjoy kicking people over who have bent over to pick something up. They enjoy singing with children, but get rather cranky if they are not fed properly. (Don't we all?) It is thought that they live in caves and mines.
An interesting fact is that the color 'cobalt' is attributed to these little creatures. Silver miners accused the kobold of stealing the silver and leaving behind useless rock. This rock had a blue tinge to it and thus was named after the kobold. Their name comes from the german word for 'evil spirit' and is translated into English as 'goblin'. From what I've learned about the kobold though, I'm not so sure this is a fair name. The Germans use the word kobold to translate leprechaun. I'm guessing this is why there is information on how to capture one. In the information I was reading, there was no reason given for WHY you would want to, but that you could. You would need to go to an anthill in the forest during midsummer. You would find a bird sitting on that hill and you would need to talk to it to get it to trust you, then swiftly put it into a bag.
Kobold can be very loyal and have been known to follow families from one house to another. One would have to be fairly patient though because the kobold will throw sawdust around the house and put dirt in the milk. If you want to keep your kobold happy you must take care not to scatter the sawdust and drink the dirty milk (ew?).
Kobold are ugly creatures (isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?) and have green or grey skin. They stand about 2 feet tall. In gnome-like fashion, they wear pointed caps, pointed shoes, and red or green clothing. They sound a bit hobbit-ish to me though, as they have hairy feet.
http://www.bellaterreno.com/art/german/germanfairies.aspx
I decided to try and find a German faery creature. Germany is well known for their 'fairy tales' due to the Brothers Grimm. I decided I would learn more about the Kobold. Kolbold are somewhat like goblins but they can either be helpful or mischievous. They like to help out with household chores, but they also have fun hiding your tools and enjoy kicking people over who have bent over to pick something up. They enjoy singing with children, but get rather cranky if they are not fed properly. (Don't we all?) It is thought that they live in caves and mines.
An interesting fact is that the color 'cobalt' is attributed to these little creatures. Silver miners accused the kobold of stealing the silver and leaving behind useless rock. This rock had a blue tinge to it and thus was named after the kobold. Their name comes from the german word for 'evil spirit' and is translated into English as 'goblin'. From what I've learned about the kobold though, I'm not so sure this is a fair name. The Germans use the word kobold to translate leprechaun. I'm guessing this is why there is information on how to capture one. In the information I was reading, there was no reason given for WHY you would want to, but that you could. You would need to go to an anthill in the forest during midsummer. You would find a bird sitting on that hill and you would need to talk to it to get it to trust you, then swiftly put it into a bag.
Kobold can be very loyal and have been known to follow families from one house to another. One would have to be fairly patient though because the kobold will throw sawdust around the house and put dirt in the milk. If you want to keep your kobold happy you must take care not to scatter the sawdust and drink the dirty milk (ew?).
Kobold are ugly creatures (isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?) and have green or grey skin. They stand about 2 feet tall. In gnome-like fashion, they wear pointed caps, pointed shoes, and red or green clothing. They sound a bit hobbit-ish to me though, as they have hairy feet.
http://www.bellaterreno.com/art/german/germanfairies.aspx
Marguerite Davenport
Merrow
I thought long and hard about what country I wanted to choose. I was fun reading about the different type fey a crossed the world. I finally settled on the country of Ireland. I think I find the varying different types of fairies there intriguing.
My next challenge was to decide which fairy type I wanted to write about. I don’t think I ever realized there were so many. I certainly wasn’t aware that they are broken in to two main categories, the social and solitary. There are so many under these two. With the social these are the ones who freely interact with humans. Where the others chose not to or bear some ill will. While researching I stumbled a crossed some delightful information about the fey court and the king and queen, which was something I found fascinating.
However, I chose to write on the Merrow. Like most beings the Merrow is either male or female. To keep some sense of order I will write first on the males and then the females; I would like to point out that though they are the same type of fairy there are both very different. The male can be found on the sea rocks above the waves. The main reason for this is that he is scanning the sea for cases of brandy that has loosened from wrecked ships. Apparently males have such a taste for and greatly enjoy their brandy so much that he permanently has a red nose. He is a good-natured and agreeable fellow and is a bringer of good luck. Besides his red nose his skin is green as well as his body, complete with green hair and teeth. He has scaly legs and arms like fins. Male have pig like eyes and wear a cocked red hat called cohuleen druith. As described the are not particularly handsome, which might be why the female Merrow chooses humans males as the preferred mate.
As stated earlier the female Merrow is very different from the male. She looks more like the beautiful mermaids of fairytales. She is beautiful and lithe with an elegant fish tail. She has fine and soft webs like scales between her fingers. She is often dressed in a gown as white as sea foam, trimmed in red and purple sea weeds. Her hair is breathtaking, with the salt water on it, it “shines like dew struck by the morning light”. She can often be seen combing her long green tresses on either side of her beautiful face. She also has a red cap on her head, which suits her alluring face and her mocking eyes. The female Merrow enjoys teasing mortal men with her beauty. However if one draws too near she will laughingly dive back into the sea. Doing this she will upset the balance of the waves and will bring on a terrible storm, for the storm and it’s destruction are a delightful diversion for her from her voluptuous laziness. Such is the price for the mortal who sees her beauty. In the water she is as wild as she is lovely, but on land she becomes shy and submissive. Like another Irish fairy type the Selkies, if a mortal man captures her hat she can not return to the sea. She will make a most wonderful, obedient and loving wife, and though she will be content she will never be joyful. Sadly if she every finds her cap, no matter her love for her husband or her love for her children she will no longer be able to resist her memories and the call of the sea. It is said that the beautiful music of the Merrow can often be heard coming from beneath the waves on lonely shores.
I didn’t find much on specific famous tales of the Merrow. Except for a short tale where a mortal man stole her cap and hid it away, they married and had a child. Late one night while he was out fishing she found her cap and placed it on her head she could not resist the temptation to try it. All at once she forgot her child crying in its cradle, she forgot her husband; she regained the youth and beauty she lost while living with mortals. She returned to the sea and all her eternal, reckless splendor.
Works Cited:
A History of Irish Fairies, By Carolyn White
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, By John and Caitlin Matthews
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrow
I thought long and hard about what country I wanted to choose. I was fun reading about the different type fey a crossed the world. I finally settled on the country of Ireland. I think I find the varying different types of fairies there intriguing.
My next challenge was to decide which fairy type I wanted to write about. I don’t think I ever realized there were so many. I certainly wasn’t aware that they are broken in to two main categories, the social and solitary. There are so many under these two. With the social these are the ones who freely interact with humans. Where the others chose not to or bear some ill will. While researching I stumbled a crossed some delightful information about the fey court and the king and queen, which was something I found fascinating.
However, I chose to write on the Merrow. Like most beings the Merrow is either male or female. To keep some sense of order I will write first on the males and then the females; I would like to point out that though they are the same type of fairy there are both very different. The male can be found on the sea rocks above the waves. The main reason for this is that he is scanning the sea for cases of brandy that has loosened from wrecked ships. Apparently males have such a taste for and greatly enjoy their brandy so much that he permanently has a red nose. He is a good-natured and agreeable fellow and is a bringer of good luck. Besides his red nose his skin is green as well as his body, complete with green hair and teeth. He has scaly legs and arms like fins. Male have pig like eyes and wear a cocked red hat called cohuleen druith. As described the are not particularly handsome, which might be why the female Merrow chooses humans males as the preferred mate.
As stated earlier the female Merrow is very different from the male. She looks more like the beautiful mermaids of fairytales. She is beautiful and lithe with an elegant fish tail. She has fine and soft webs like scales between her fingers. She is often dressed in a gown as white as sea foam, trimmed in red and purple sea weeds. Her hair is breathtaking, with the salt water on it, it “shines like dew struck by the morning light”. She can often be seen combing her long green tresses on either side of her beautiful face. She also has a red cap on her head, which suits her alluring face and her mocking eyes. The female Merrow enjoys teasing mortal men with her beauty. However if one draws too near she will laughingly dive back into the sea. Doing this she will upset the balance of the waves and will bring on a terrible storm, for the storm and it’s destruction are a delightful diversion for her from her voluptuous laziness. Such is the price for the mortal who sees her beauty. In the water she is as wild as she is lovely, but on land she becomes shy and submissive. Like another Irish fairy type the Selkies, if a mortal man captures her hat she can not return to the sea. She will make a most wonderful, obedient and loving wife, and though she will be content she will never be joyful. Sadly if she every finds her cap, no matter her love for her husband or her love for her children she will no longer be able to resist her memories and the call of the sea. It is said that the beautiful music of the Merrow can often be heard coming from beneath the waves on lonely shores.
I didn’t find much on specific famous tales of the Merrow. Except for a short tale where a mortal man stole her cap and hid it away, they married and had a child. Late one night while he was out fishing she found her cap and placed it on her head she could not resist the temptation to try it. All at once she forgot her child crying in its cradle, she forgot her husband; she regained the youth and beauty she lost while living with mortals. She returned to the sea and all her eternal, reckless splendor.
Works Cited:
A History of Irish Fairies, By Carolyn White
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, By John and Caitlin Matthews
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrow
Marina Artemis
So the most obvious metaphor is the Fairy metaphor. Nymphs like fairies are unpredictable, a little scary, and often showed up in folktales. Nymphs have originated from Greece. But, seeing as they are from a different culture, they are also entirely different. For one thing, the nymphs are all women. This is definitely significant in the way they were scary. One of the things you might (and should) notice is the common theme of women's sexuality = scary and women's chastity = good. Noticing that, it should not shock you that these somewhat scary spirits are at their scariest to mortal men when sex enters the picture (Hylas is a lovely example). It should also be noted without surprise that these nymphs are spirits often personifying nature. As Sue Blundell so awesomely points out, women are often associated with nature and wildness as things beyond the control of "civilization" (need we point out that this civilization is extraordinarily patriarchal?). It is usually said that this is because of the whole XX chromosomal ability to bear children. I argue that this is merely an excuse and the real reason is that you're dealing with a patriarchal society and "wildness" and "nature" and such things are seen as Outside of Culture, just as women are. However, they also show up from time to time as the wives of heroes and (often spurned) lovers of gods. Nymphs, like all female deities, are beautiful. When they aren't inhabiting some specific part of nature, they are often the attendants of more important deities. I like nymphs. In many ways they seem far more human to me than any of the human women. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Melaina Aerosa Rok
Water Horse
Water Wraith, Hippocamp, kelpie, the Each Uisge, Backahast, Cheval Bayard, Farasi Bahari, Haikir. All of these have something in common. Throughout Europe and even to the east the Water Horse takes on many different forms. Indian, Icelandic, Inuit, Celtic- this Fae is a malevolent man-eater. This Fae is a shape shifter who preys on the unwary. It is a Tempter- seducer, challenger and deceiver. The perfect hunter. The most common name for it is Kelpie. Kelpies are a horse type Fae, said to lurk near bodies of water (as do mostly all types of water horse) in order to lure unsuspecting travellers on to its back in order to drown then eat them.
For the most part they take a pony or horse shape in myth, usually distinguishable by some characteristics such as green pelts or reeds instead of manes. The shape shifter aspect occurs in many of these Fae. From horse to man, animal or object there are many different forms it can use to draw out its prey. Sometimes it said that the way to identify this Fae is that it cannot completely leave its watery home. Travellers should be weary of steeds with one foot in the water.
However in the Indian telling of the water horse, the Farasi Bahari is a shy animal and nothing more. Horses are left on the shore where they come to graze sometimes during the year in hopes that they will mate with the human breed horses to sire faster offspring. This is one of the more varied telling of the water horse. Another is the Nordic tell where the water horse is, bizarrely, in fact able to take the form of ships only to sink; dragging sailors down to the depths. The most usual variation in one of the Celtic myths. The Kelpie is said to prefer children as its victims and once on the horse the Fae’s hide becomes adhesive. Once drowned everything is eaten except the liver. This attribute is of cause seen in others just like the way to control the water horse. Like many of the Fae Kelpies have a weakness. Their bridle if taken from them, similar to the pelt of the selkie, demands the obedience of the Kelpie to the Mortal who holds it. However there is always risk when dealing with the Fae.
One story tells of it: The Laird of Morphie was a rich but misery man who wished to build his castle. Hearing of a Kelpie which resided in a nearby loch and hearing of their unusual strength he decided to trap it. So he set off, telling his wife to lock the doors and to guard the house with a cross made of rowan. He also told her to leave the kitchen window open. When his wife found out about his plan she begged him to leave the Kelpie be but he would hear none of this. So off he went. When he arrive at the loch he found a docile and beautiful chestnut stallion by the water’s edge. Knowing what it really was he struck fast with his sword and cut it’s bridle from its head. Running , the Kelpie relieved too late that and the Laird put the bridle in his pocket. Turning back to Kelpie begged the man to return his bridle saying he’d never harmed the man.
‘ “I cannot thank you for that,” said the Laird drily, “for, methinks, had I once been fool enough to mount your back we would soon have seen whether you would have done me harm or no. Ha, ha, me bonnie nag, I ahve your bridle safe in my pocket, and I think I better keep it there.” ’
Baring his teeth in anger the Kelpie swore to never let his set foot in his home again until he returned the bridle but alas the Laird snuck by the Kelpie and through the kitchen window that his wife had left open for him. And in the house he was safe as none of the Fay Folk could pass by a cross made of rowan. So the Kelpie was forced to help build the Laird’s castle. The Laid was a cruel and prideful a master as the creature was and treated the Kelpie poorly; weighing down his packs and starving it until after seven long years the castle was built and the Kelpie worn and weak. The Laird then gave back the Kelpie’s bridle releasing it, but he had a back deed to it and as it slipped back to it’s waters it uttered these words:
‘Sair back, and sair Banes,
Drivin’ the Laird of Morphie’s stanes!
The Laird o’ Morphie will never thrive
As lang as Kelpie is alive.’
And so it came to pass, one misfortune after another, until none of his name survived. Goes to show it’s best not to mess with the Fae Folk.
Water Wraith, Hippocamp, kelpie, the Each Uisge, Backahast, Cheval Bayard, Farasi Bahari, Haikir. All of these have something in common. Throughout Europe and even to the east the Water Horse takes on many different forms. Indian, Icelandic, Inuit, Celtic- this Fae is a malevolent man-eater. This Fae is a shape shifter who preys on the unwary. It is a Tempter- seducer, challenger and deceiver. The perfect hunter. The most common name for it is Kelpie. Kelpies are a horse type Fae, said to lurk near bodies of water (as do mostly all types of water horse) in order to lure unsuspecting travellers on to its back in order to drown then eat them.
For the most part they take a pony or horse shape in myth, usually distinguishable by some characteristics such as green pelts or reeds instead of manes. The shape shifter aspect occurs in many of these Fae. From horse to man, animal or object there are many different forms it can use to draw out its prey. Sometimes it said that the way to identify this Fae is that it cannot completely leave its watery home. Travellers should be weary of steeds with one foot in the water.
However in the Indian telling of the water horse, the Farasi Bahari is a shy animal and nothing more. Horses are left on the shore where they come to graze sometimes during the year in hopes that they will mate with the human breed horses to sire faster offspring. This is one of the more varied telling of the water horse. Another is the Nordic tell where the water horse is, bizarrely, in fact able to take the form of ships only to sink; dragging sailors down to the depths. The most usual variation in one of the Celtic myths. The Kelpie is said to prefer children as its victims and once on the horse the Fae’s hide becomes adhesive. Once drowned everything is eaten except the liver. This attribute is of cause seen in others just like the way to control the water horse. Like many of the Fae Kelpies have a weakness. Their bridle if taken from them, similar to the pelt of the selkie, demands the obedience of the Kelpie to the Mortal who holds it. However there is always risk when dealing with the Fae.
One story tells of it: The Laird of Morphie was a rich but misery man who wished to build his castle. Hearing of a Kelpie which resided in a nearby loch and hearing of their unusual strength he decided to trap it. So he set off, telling his wife to lock the doors and to guard the house with a cross made of rowan. He also told her to leave the kitchen window open. When his wife found out about his plan she begged him to leave the Kelpie be but he would hear none of this. So off he went. When he arrive at the loch he found a docile and beautiful chestnut stallion by the water’s edge. Knowing what it really was he struck fast with his sword and cut it’s bridle from its head. Running , the Kelpie relieved too late that and the Laird put the bridle in his pocket. Turning back to Kelpie begged the man to return his bridle saying he’d never harmed the man.
‘ “I cannot thank you for that,” said the Laird drily, “for, methinks, had I once been fool enough to mount your back we would soon have seen whether you would have done me harm or no. Ha, ha, me bonnie nag, I ahve your bridle safe in my pocket, and I think I better keep it there.” ’
Baring his teeth in anger the Kelpie swore to never let his set foot in his home again until he returned the bridle but alas the Laird snuck by the Kelpie and through the kitchen window that his wife had left open for him. And in the house he was safe as none of the Fay Folk could pass by a cross made of rowan. So the Kelpie was forced to help build the Laird’s castle. The Laid was a cruel and prideful a master as the creature was and treated the Kelpie poorly; weighing down his packs and starving it until after seven long years the castle was built and the Kelpie worn and weak. The Laird then gave back the Kelpie’s bridle releasing it, but he had a back deed to it and as it slipped back to it’s waters it uttered these words:
‘Sair back, and sair Banes,
Drivin’ the Laird of Morphie’s stanes!
The Laird o’ Morphie will never thrive
As lang as Kelpie is alive.’
And so it came to pass, one misfortune after another, until none of his name survived. Goes to show it’s best not to mess with the Fae Folk.
Najayra Nightingale
Wood Wife
The Wood Wife (if directly translated from swedish), or in the rest of the world more known under the name of the Siren of the Woods, is a women fairy being, known in swedish folklore. It should also be said that she appears in other scandinavian folklores too, though a bit differently and I'm going to concentrate on the Swedish version, which is the first one ever told. Depending on where the story about her is told, her appearance, behaviour and even her origins differs (although the origins differs the least). Even in Sweden, she looks different in the southern, middle and northern part of the country and comes forth in different ways. However, I'll tell you about her as generally as I can.
This siren of the woods is said to be the women guardian of the woods, as the name indicates. As so, she's the mistress of all animals, plants, water and whatever may be in the woods. Seen from the front, she is absolutely gorgeous. A beautiful, attractive, alluring and young woman. But! If she turns around, and if you somehow manage to stay behind her, not walking side by side with her, all you'll see is of course a woman, but with a back looking like a hollow, rotten tree. That's the southern version of her looks. Northwards, she instead has a tail, like the tail of the fox. Quite preferable, isn't it? Almost kinda cute.
What about her behaviour, then? About what she's doing? Well, according to the southern telling, she (together with her dog) tends to her own herd of animals in the woods, always heard calling for them, not doing that much harm to anyone. Though, and it's fairly common in all of Sweden, she may seduce male wanderers to come with her deeper into the woods, resulting in the men losing their way, going astray. Also, many of them are thereafter found uncommunicative and mentally lost. That's because their souls is staying with the siren after she and the men making love together, and believe me - she seduces them to do that with her veeeeery often! That's why she's said to be so dangerous together with the fact that if you really bring forth her anger and displeasure, you may end up dead in very mysterious ways...
However. This siren can also be very kind. There are stories told about her helping women with their cattle and protecting people from harm when they're passing through her woods. Once, far north in Sweden, a charcoal-burner is said to have been woken up by her when his charcoal stack caught fire - resulting in his survival. Also, if a man, supposedly a hunter, strikes her fancy, she sometimes presents him with a prey instead of seducing him. There's also a saying that if the siren blows down your rifle's barrel, you never miss your target, unless it's one of her favourite riding elks - then the bullet misses with several meters, without exception!
According to an old tradition, or an old saying, the aesir god Oden in norse mythology held a grudge against the siren of the woods, (details never told) always hunting her, hoping to kill her off, but somehow he never finds her, probably because (and here we're back to the southern description of her looks) she hides her front and deludes him to think that she's just an old, hollow, rotten tree among many other trees.
In modern story-telling, the siren of the woods is said to live in total solitude, though she may have been part of a larger family, probably a sub-family to the trolls, in the past and as so living in larger groups. However, that's pretty uncommon to hear today!
Well, that's that. This is the dangerous and feared - but sometimes very kind and considerate Spirit of the Woods, a faery-creature in Swedish folklore. I hope you enjoyed reading about her!
The Wood Wife (if directly translated from swedish), or in the rest of the world more known under the name of the Siren of the Woods, is a women fairy being, known in swedish folklore. It should also be said that she appears in other scandinavian folklores too, though a bit differently and I'm going to concentrate on the Swedish version, which is the first one ever told. Depending on where the story about her is told, her appearance, behaviour and even her origins differs (although the origins differs the least). Even in Sweden, she looks different in the southern, middle and northern part of the country and comes forth in different ways. However, I'll tell you about her as generally as I can.
This siren of the woods is said to be the women guardian of the woods, as the name indicates. As so, she's the mistress of all animals, plants, water and whatever may be in the woods. Seen from the front, she is absolutely gorgeous. A beautiful, attractive, alluring and young woman. But! If she turns around, and if you somehow manage to stay behind her, not walking side by side with her, all you'll see is of course a woman, but with a back looking like a hollow, rotten tree. That's the southern version of her looks. Northwards, she instead has a tail, like the tail of the fox. Quite preferable, isn't it? Almost kinda cute.
What about her behaviour, then? About what she's doing? Well, according to the southern telling, she (together with her dog) tends to her own herd of animals in the woods, always heard calling for them, not doing that much harm to anyone. Though, and it's fairly common in all of Sweden, she may seduce male wanderers to come with her deeper into the woods, resulting in the men losing their way, going astray. Also, many of them are thereafter found uncommunicative and mentally lost. That's because their souls is staying with the siren after she and the men making love together, and believe me - she seduces them to do that with her veeeeery often! That's why she's said to be so dangerous together with the fact that if you really bring forth her anger and displeasure, you may end up dead in very mysterious ways...
However. This siren can also be very kind. There are stories told about her helping women with their cattle and protecting people from harm when they're passing through her woods. Once, far north in Sweden, a charcoal-burner is said to have been woken up by her when his charcoal stack caught fire - resulting in his survival. Also, if a man, supposedly a hunter, strikes her fancy, she sometimes presents him with a prey instead of seducing him. There's also a saying that if the siren blows down your rifle's barrel, you never miss your target, unless it's one of her favourite riding elks - then the bullet misses with several meters, without exception!
According to an old tradition, or an old saying, the aesir god Oden in norse mythology held a grudge against the siren of the woods, (details never told) always hunting her, hoping to kill her off, but somehow he never finds her, probably because (and here we're back to the southern description of her looks) she hides her front and deludes him to think that she's just an old, hollow, rotten tree among many other trees.
In modern story-telling, the siren of the woods is said to live in total solitude, though she may have been part of a larger family, probably a sub-family to the trolls, in the past and as so living in larger groups. However, that's pretty uncommon to hear today!
Well, that's that. This is the dangerous and feared - but sometimes very kind and considerate Spirit of the Woods, a faery-creature in Swedish folklore. I hope you enjoyed reading about her!
Niamh Cassidy
Being of Scottish descent, I've always been particularly interested in that country's legends. One that I remember very vividly -- mainly because it scared me so much -- is the tale of the Redcap, also known as a powrie, who live mostly in ruined buildings along the border between Scotland and England. This malevolent sprite is usually described as looking like a wizened old man with a beard, small but strong and wiry, with claws and fangs. They often carry iron pikes and wear iron-shod boots, but despite these heavy items, they are said to be impossible to outrun.
Most distinctively (and gruesomely), they always wear a cap soaked red with the blood of their victims, who are usually unwary travellers seeking shelter that have been ambushed by the redcap. According to legend, if the blood on this cap ever dries out, the redcap dies, so he must keep finding victims to keep himself alive. A quick-witted victim might still manage to escape, however, despite not being able to outrun his attacker -- it's said that quoting a passage from the Bible will make the redcap disappear, leaving behind only a sharp fang as a reminder of the victim's close call.
William de Soulis, a Scottish nobleman who was said to deal with fearsome demons, had a redcap named Robin as a familiar. The two of them were said to have committed many evil deeds, terrorizing the country for miles around, until de Soulis was killed in about 1320. History says he was arrested for trying to assassinate Robert the Bruce, the King of Scotland, and died in prison. Legend says that on Robert the Bruce's orders, de Soulis' neighbors rebelled against his evil influence, capturing him with specially forged chains to contain his supernatural powers -- something no mere ropes could do -- and throwing him into a cauldron filled with molten lead. After his death, Robin Redcap was seen no more.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Goblin
http://www.bellaterreno.com/art/scottish/scottishredcaps.aspx
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/s/williamdesoulis.html
Most distinctively (and gruesomely), they always wear a cap soaked red with the blood of their victims, who are usually unwary travellers seeking shelter that have been ambushed by the redcap. According to legend, if the blood on this cap ever dries out, the redcap dies, so he must keep finding victims to keep himself alive. A quick-witted victim might still manage to escape, however, despite not being able to outrun his attacker -- it's said that quoting a passage from the Bible will make the redcap disappear, leaving behind only a sharp fang as a reminder of the victim's close call.
William de Soulis, a Scottish nobleman who was said to deal with fearsome demons, had a redcap named Robin as a familiar. The two of them were said to have committed many evil deeds, terrorizing the country for miles around, until de Soulis was killed in about 1320. History says he was arrested for trying to assassinate Robert the Bruce, the King of Scotland, and died in prison. Legend says that on Robert the Bruce's orders, de Soulis' neighbors rebelled against his evil influence, capturing him with specially forged chains to contain his supernatural powers -- something no mere ropes could do -- and throwing him into a cauldron filled with molten lead. After his death, Robin Redcap was seen no more.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Goblin
http://www.bellaterreno.com/art/scottish/scottishredcaps.aspx
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/s/williamdesoulis.html
Niniel Sanders
The Nisse
There is no proper translation for this creature into English, which is why I will stick with the Danish word for it. It is common to Scandinavia and all the Scandinavian languages have specific words for it. The translation that comes closest however would be gnome although this term does not entirely cover it.
Anyway, so much for the name. First of all, the nisse is a type of supernatural creature found in Scandinavia. I will be speaking about the specific Danish nisse as that is the type I am most familiar with. There are slight differences among the Nordic countries, but the main lines remain the same.
I will also part this into two parts. One about how the nisse was historically perceived and how the nisse is perceived in the present day and age.
Originally the nisse was thought to be a creature that lived primarily on farms where he protected both livestock and the people living at the farm. He was a protector and helper as he would also help with illnesses among the animals as well as help with bringing lambs, foals etc into the world should they be born at night when the farmer was asleep and didn’t notice the birth happening.
He would also bring luck to the people living at the farm and particularly children were protected by the nisse.
In appearance he was thought to be anything between 15 cm tall and about the size of a ten years old child.
He would look like an old man wearing primarily grey and red clothes which was much the same outfit a farmer would have worn at that time.
However should the nisse be mistreated; mocked, forgotten or not have meals provided for him at regular intervals, he would become angry and cause mischief. Such as teasing dogs and making them bark and then turn himself invisible when the humans came to look, or fill the clogs of the people at the farm with mice or similar things. Simply losing the protection of the nisse however was bad enough to make most people think twice.
The nisse could do much worse though. If he truly became angry he would set fire to the farm, possibly killing humans and livestock in the process, or let the animals die or the crops wither.
In the present day the nisse is not commonly believed in, but comes up every Christmas where he takes the role of a sort of ‘little’ santa. He will bring children gifts and pictures and figurines depicting the nisse will be put up as decorations. In the common day perception he is dressed mainly in red and always wears a red pointed hat, though usually not with the white ball at the end.
He is no longer associated with farms or helping, but more with gift giving and minor mischief such as hiding things or filling a bag with pudding rice. Tradition also demands that a bowl of pudding be placed for him at Christmas, a remnant of the time when you owed the nisse food or he would be angry and punish those living at the farm. Now there is no worse punishment however than the minor mischief should one fail to provide this meal.
So like so many other supernatural beings, the nisse has become a kinder and less dangerous presence in modern perception.
There is no proper translation for this creature into English, which is why I will stick with the Danish word for it. It is common to Scandinavia and all the Scandinavian languages have specific words for it. The translation that comes closest however would be gnome although this term does not entirely cover it.
Anyway, so much for the name. First of all, the nisse is a type of supernatural creature found in Scandinavia. I will be speaking about the specific Danish nisse as that is the type I am most familiar with. There are slight differences among the Nordic countries, but the main lines remain the same.
I will also part this into two parts. One about how the nisse was historically perceived and how the nisse is perceived in the present day and age.
Originally the nisse was thought to be a creature that lived primarily on farms where he protected both livestock and the people living at the farm. He was a protector and helper as he would also help with illnesses among the animals as well as help with bringing lambs, foals etc into the world should they be born at night when the farmer was asleep and didn’t notice the birth happening.
He would also bring luck to the people living at the farm and particularly children were protected by the nisse.
In appearance he was thought to be anything between 15 cm tall and about the size of a ten years old child.
He would look like an old man wearing primarily grey and red clothes which was much the same outfit a farmer would have worn at that time.
However should the nisse be mistreated; mocked, forgotten or not have meals provided for him at regular intervals, he would become angry and cause mischief. Such as teasing dogs and making them bark and then turn himself invisible when the humans came to look, or fill the clogs of the people at the farm with mice or similar things. Simply losing the protection of the nisse however was bad enough to make most people think twice.
The nisse could do much worse though. If he truly became angry he would set fire to the farm, possibly killing humans and livestock in the process, or let the animals die or the crops wither.
In the present day the nisse is not commonly believed in, but comes up every Christmas where he takes the role of a sort of ‘little’ santa. He will bring children gifts and pictures and figurines depicting the nisse will be put up as decorations. In the common day perception he is dressed mainly in red and always wears a red pointed hat, though usually not with the white ball at the end.
He is no longer associated with farms or helping, but more with gift giving and minor mischief such as hiding things or filling a bag with pudding rice. Tradition also demands that a bowl of pudding be placed for him at Christmas, a remnant of the time when you owed the nisse food or he would be angry and punish those living at the farm. Now there is no worse punishment however than the minor mischief should one fail to provide this meal.
So like so many other supernatural beings, the nisse has become a kinder and less dangerous presence in modern perception.
Nove Wren
The pooka, also known as phouka or puca, is an Irish faerie. Found in various guises throughout the country, the pooka is primarily known as a vindictive but also benevolent spirit, indeed, both feared and respected within Ireland. It commonly takes the form of a dark horse with yellow, but can appear in various other forms. In some areas, it is said to appear as a small human figure, in others as a rabbit. Able to speak, the pooka may give warnings, or ask for specific boons in order to spare people its wrath. Pookas are known to cause destruction in remote farms and villages, as well as to accost travelers. Pookas are only seen at night. If treated with respect, the Pooka is said to be beneficial or helpful to those it encounters.
In parts of Ireland, tithes of crops are left for the pooka, in order to spare communities. For some, staying outside at night leads to the most danger from the pooka, who may steal their horses or throw them into bogs for no reason. For others however, the pooka is a more benevolent faerie, who is offered tithes every year and then gives villagers advice for the rest of the year. Several sites around Ireland are thought to be named for the pooka.
In one telling, Brian Boru, a king of Ireland, was able to ride the pooka using a special bridle made of its hairs. Upon riding the pooka into exhaustion he made the pooka promise to stop harassing Christian people, and those of Irish descent, unless they were drunk or had evil intentions. It may be that the pooka kept its promise for years, or that it had no intention of following the deal it made, because pooka sighting and encounters have continued since the time of Brian Boru.
Sources: A Field Guide to Irish Faeries, by Bob Curran; The Book of Fairy & Folktales of Ireland, Compiled by W.B. Yeats
In parts of Ireland, tithes of crops are left for the pooka, in order to spare communities. For some, staying outside at night leads to the most danger from the pooka, who may steal their horses or throw them into bogs for no reason. For others however, the pooka is a more benevolent faerie, who is offered tithes every year and then gives villagers advice for the rest of the year. Several sites around Ireland are thought to be named for the pooka.
In one telling, Brian Boru, a king of Ireland, was able to ride the pooka using a special bridle made of its hairs. Upon riding the pooka into exhaustion he made the pooka promise to stop harassing Christian people, and those of Irish descent, unless they were drunk or had evil intentions. It may be that the pooka kept its promise for years, or that it had no intention of following the deal it made, because pooka sighting and encounters have continued since the time of Brian Boru.
Sources: A Field Guide to Irish Faeries, by Bob Curran; The Book of Fairy & Folktales of Ireland, Compiled by W.B. Yeats
Ophelia Cromwell
Wila
In Polish mythology the faeries are called Wila. They typically have power over storms and enjoy unleashing them on lonely travellers. They like to inhabit meadows, ponds, oceans, trees and clouds. Wila are believed to be the spirits of women who lived frivolous lives and are now doomed to float between the mortal realm and the afterlife. They have the ability to shapeshift into many different forms such as swans, snakes, horses, falcons and wolves but they usually take the form of a beautiful woman naked or dressed in white with long, flowing hair. They are extremely powerful with many abilities. They have enchanting voices that can make the hearer lose all thoughts of food, drink or sleep for days. In addition to their womanly wiles they are fierce warriors- it is said the earth shakes when they battle. They ride on horses or deer, wielding a bow and arrows and killing any man who defies them or breaks his word. Wila also have healing and prophetic powers, on occasion using them to help humans. They will accept offerings for help such as round cakes; ribbons; fresh fruits and vegetables; and flowers left at sacred trees, wells and fairy caves. Dangerously, they allow their mood to determine the outcome of some of their powers. For example, when they lure young men to dance with them, depending on their mood it will either end very well or very badly for the man. The fairy rings left after these dances should not be stepped on as it will bring bad luck. Despite their power they have a simple yet deadly downfall. If even one of their hairs is plucked from their head they will perish or be forced to change back into their true shape. They can also be controlled by humans if feathers from their wings are stolen (if they manage to get them back the Wila will disappear).
In Polish mythology the faeries are called Wila. They typically have power over storms and enjoy unleashing them on lonely travellers. They like to inhabit meadows, ponds, oceans, trees and clouds. Wila are believed to be the spirits of women who lived frivolous lives and are now doomed to float between the mortal realm and the afterlife. They have the ability to shapeshift into many different forms such as swans, snakes, horses, falcons and wolves but they usually take the form of a beautiful woman naked or dressed in white with long, flowing hair. They are extremely powerful with many abilities. They have enchanting voices that can make the hearer lose all thoughts of food, drink or sleep for days. In addition to their womanly wiles they are fierce warriors- it is said the earth shakes when they battle. They ride on horses or deer, wielding a bow and arrows and killing any man who defies them or breaks his word. Wila also have healing and prophetic powers, on occasion using them to help humans. They will accept offerings for help such as round cakes; ribbons; fresh fruits and vegetables; and flowers left at sacred trees, wells and fairy caves. Dangerously, they allow their mood to determine the outcome of some of their powers. For example, when they lure young men to dance with them, depending on their mood it will either end very well or very badly for the man. The fairy rings left after these dances should not be stepped on as it will bring bad luck. Despite their power they have a simple yet deadly downfall. If even one of their hairs is plucked from their head they will perish or be forced to change back into their true shape. They can also be controlled by humans if feathers from their wings are stolen (if they manage to get them back the Wila will disappear).
Rhiannon Brennan
The Banshee of Ireland
For this essay, I chose the Banshee, or bean-sidhe (woman of fairy) of Ireland. It is said that she may appear in the guise of one of the triple aspects of the Goddess collectively known as the Morrigan, or Morrigu. The Morrigan is made up of three Goddesses called Banbha, Macha, and Niam. They represent a beautiful maiden, a stately matron (mother aspect), or an old hag. These forms, along with that of a woman washing bloody clothing are some of the forms the banshee takes. In all forms she wears a gray, hooded cloak or robe, or a robe in tatters (as in her old hag form). In battle, it was said that the Morrigan would come screaming across the field, collecting the heads of slain enemies, in what is called the Morrigan's acorn crop. They would also lead the souls of worthy slain warriors to Tir Nan Og, or the land of eternal time. This aspect is similar to the Valkyries of Norse legend.
She is not known as a good faerie, and has been blamed for many unwary travelers going missing in ancient times. Unwary travelers were warned of a beautiful woman who might be seen crying, seeming to need help, or intending to lure men away with the promise of certain delights. This never ended well for the traveler. In fact, it is surmised that she led the traveler to his demise, or away to the land of faerie. It is also said that she could take the form of a ghastly hag, chasing and frightening travelers toward their death. She could initially appear as a beautiful woman in need of help, and later transform into the terrible hag, frightening the traveler and making him or her flee, usually into a bog where he might meet his untimely end.
In other legends, the banshee, or banshees, are attached to certain families. They are not always seen by these families either, but are always a signifier of a death soon to occur. Sometimes the only evidence of her presence is the terrible keening wail of a woman in mourning. Any family members hearing this terrible warning knew immediately that a death would occur soon after they heard it. This, as well as the other legends associated with her, make the banshee into a faerie associated with death, war and ruin.
For this essay, I chose the Banshee, or bean-sidhe (woman of fairy) of Ireland. It is said that she may appear in the guise of one of the triple aspects of the Goddess collectively known as the Morrigan, or Morrigu. The Morrigan is made up of three Goddesses called Banbha, Macha, and Niam. They represent a beautiful maiden, a stately matron (mother aspect), or an old hag. These forms, along with that of a woman washing bloody clothing are some of the forms the banshee takes. In all forms she wears a gray, hooded cloak or robe, or a robe in tatters (as in her old hag form). In battle, it was said that the Morrigan would come screaming across the field, collecting the heads of slain enemies, in what is called the Morrigan's acorn crop. They would also lead the souls of worthy slain warriors to Tir Nan Og, or the land of eternal time. This aspect is similar to the Valkyries of Norse legend.
She is not known as a good faerie, and has been blamed for many unwary travelers going missing in ancient times. Unwary travelers were warned of a beautiful woman who might be seen crying, seeming to need help, or intending to lure men away with the promise of certain delights. This never ended well for the traveler. In fact, it is surmised that she led the traveler to his demise, or away to the land of faerie. It is also said that she could take the form of a ghastly hag, chasing and frightening travelers toward their death. She could initially appear as a beautiful woman in need of help, and later transform into the terrible hag, frightening the traveler and making him or her flee, usually into a bog where he might meet his untimely end.
In other legends, the banshee, or banshees, are attached to certain families. They are not always seen by these families either, but are always a signifier of a death soon to occur. Sometimes the only evidence of her presence is the terrible keening wail of a woman in mourning. Any family members hearing this terrible warning knew immediately that a death would occur soon after they heard it. This, as well as the other legends associated with her, make the banshee into a faerie associated with death, war and ruin.
Sirithre Leylnn
Púca
I absolutely love Irish folklore, so naturally I'd look to Ireland for an example of a fae-like creature for this assignment. It didn't take me long to decide on the Púca, as it's always been one of my favorite creatures in mythology. The Púca (Also called Pooka, Phooka, Pwca, or any number of different spellings) is a shape shifter from Irish mythology. While it's most common appearance is that of a horse, it can take on nearly any form. Even in animal form, the Púca has the power of human speech. Regardless of what form it takes, it's almost always black or at least very dark, and has luminescent golden eyes.
The Púca's appearance seems to vary by region. In Country Down, it typically appears as a disfigured goblin. In County Laois, a bogeyman is known to appear. The form of a huge eagle is more prevalent in Waterford and Wexford, while in Roscommon the Púca typically takes the form of a black goat.
The Púca is a trickster, and his sole purpose in life seems to trick, confuse, and terrify travelers. Unlike some fae, the Púca never does his prey real harm and is thus considered benevolent. In fact, in some tales the Púca even gives advice and leads people away from harm if the heed its words.
It is always good to speak of the Púca with respect to avoid getting on it's bad side. There are certain traditions the locals keep to keep the Púca happy in the hopes it will only advise them rather than prank them. It is common courtesy to leave any crops not harvested by Halloween to the fae, and some leave a small share of the crop as the Púca's share. As such, November 1st is known as the Púca's day, and on this day the Púca is usually quite civil towards traveler, presumably due to being in a good mood from the feast left for him.
So if you're even in Ireland, take heed and be on the lookout for a dark beast with golden eyes and be ever respectful of it. You never know, the Púca may be on your side and may warn you of upcoming peril.
Sources:
http://wikipedia.org
http://pantheon.org
I absolutely love Irish folklore, so naturally I'd look to Ireland for an example of a fae-like creature for this assignment. It didn't take me long to decide on the Púca, as it's always been one of my favorite creatures in mythology. The Púca (Also called Pooka, Phooka, Pwca, or any number of different spellings) is a shape shifter from Irish mythology. While it's most common appearance is that of a horse, it can take on nearly any form. Even in animal form, the Púca has the power of human speech. Regardless of what form it takes, it's almost always black or at least very dark, and has luminescent golden eyes.
The Púca's appearance seems to vary by region. In Country Down, it typically appears as a disfigured goblin. In County Laois, a bogeyman is known to appear. The form of a huge eagle is more prevalent in Waterford and Wexford, while in Roscommon the Púca typically takes the form of a black goat.
The Púca is a trickster, and his sole purpose in life seems to trick, confuse, and terrify travelers. Unlike some fae, the Púca never does his prey real harm and is thus considered benevolent. In fact, in some tales the Púca even gives advice and leads people away from harm if the heed its words.
It is always good to speak of the Púca with respect to avoid getting on it's bad side. There are certain traditions the locals keep to keep the Púca happy in the hopes it will only advise them rather than prank them. It is common courtesy to leave any crops not harvested by Halloween to the fae, and some leave a small share of the crop as the Púca's share. As such, November 1st is known as the Púca's day, and on this day the Púca is usually quite civil towards traveler, presumably due to being in a good mood from the feast left for him.
So if you're even in Ireland, take heed and be on the lookout for a dark beast with golden eyes and be ever respectful of it. You never know, the Púca may be on your side and may warn you of upcoming peril.
Sources:
http://wikipedia.org
http://pantheon.org
Sky Alton
Vodnik is the Czech counterpart of many legendary water sprites in Slavic mythology. Generally considered an evil or at best mischievous spirit, he isn't spoken of with any great fondness in stories. The check version is said to have bile green skin, popping eyes, copious amounts of grizzled green facial hair and to have perpetually dripping coat tales. I don't imagine there's much call for dry cleaners in the land of the water sprites. Vodnik could perhaps be considered to take more pride in his personal appearance than any of his fellows from other country as according to some accounts he does actually wear clothes, rather than garbing himself purely in algy and black scales. Perhaps this is considered fashionable underwater, I shouldn't judge. Czech stories have Vodnik riding a catfish which is, I suppose, slightly more swish and original than other water sprites who float around on drab logs. Sightings of Vodnik abound throughout the country; he seems to be a rather itinerant sprite and certainly isn't choosy about where he'll appear. He is also known for taking on many guises in order to lure unsuspecting mortals in to the water. These involve taking on the form of an attractive horse and letting his hapless riders drown by taking them deep in to nearby water; it's a good ploy, who doesn't like a pretty pony? He doesn't always go to such elaborate methods however; he has been known to exploit mortal's fascination with shiny things by placing tempting mirrors and ribbons in the clear, shimmering shallows. Once he has collected the souls, he stores them in a disappointingly mundane jar, deep beneath the water; alternatively, in other versions, he used the people he took as slaves. Should the souls be freed, they can escape the world of the water sprites in the form of a bubble. This actually sounds like quite a fun mode of escape. When he is feeling like some lighter entertainment, Vodnik isn't above breaking a few dams and blocking mill races. Needless to say, he was even less popular with millers than with others of the Czech people. He could also be argued to have given water sprites a bad name in the country; perfectly polite ones are known to take there ease on branches around bodies of water. Of course, it could just be that Vodnik was a useful scape goat for these apparently peaceable sprites.
Sophia Wolfe
The fairy I've chosen for this task is Adhene. It comes from a Scottish myth, or to be more exact from Isle of Mann. They're also known as Cloan ny moyrn which translates as Children of pride/ambition. Adhene are considered to be fallen angels, it is said that they were banished from the heaven with Satan, but they were not evil enough to end up in hell. Instead one landed on the land, one landed in the sea and one remained in the air and this is where they live now, waiting for the judgement day.
They are mostly female and said to be very beautiful, but shy. They are larger than English fairies and when they decide to show themselves they appear to be roughly the size of a small child. Adhene are very playful and mischevious so it is not unusual to see them dancing on the mountain tops. They are said to be harmless but there are always a few not so harmless ones. The ones with bad intentions tend to keep to themselves, isolating themselves from „good“ fairies. The „evil“ ones like to hide in dark places, like caves and heavy fogs.
Though „evil“ is really a hard word to describe Adhene, as they're not really evil, the word I would use to describe them is a prankster. They are mostly blamed for missing children, as they do like to take babies from their parents. One story says that Adhene took a man's wife and hid her, only to let her go once the man finally got re-married. I think he was in for a big surprise once his first wife got home, and I don't think it was a pleasant one! However it is said that their powers don't work against a person on an errand of mercy, so as long as you have good intentions you have nothing to worry about. Even if your intentions are not so innocent legends say that this prayer should keep you safe: Sane Jee mee voish Cloan ny moym, which translates to „God save me from the children of the pride“.
They are mostly female and said to be very beautiful, but shy. They are larger than English fairies and when they decide to show themselves they appear to be roughly the size of a small child. Adhene are very playful and mischevious so it is not unusual to see them dancing on the mountain tops. They are said to be harmless but there are always a few not so harmless ones. The ones with bad intentions tend to keep to themselves, isolating themselves from „good“ fairies. The „evil“ ones like to hide in dark places, like caves and heavy fogs.
Though „evil“ is really a hard word to describe Adhene, as they're not really evil, the word I would use to describe them is a prankster. They are mostly blamed for missing children, as they do like to take babies from their parents. One story says that Adhene took a man's wife and hid her, only to let her go once the man finally got re-married. I think he was in for a big surprise once his first wife got home, and I don't think it was a pleasant one! However it is said that their powers don't work against a person on an errand of mercy, so as long as you have good intentions you have nothing to worry about. Even if your intentions are not so innocent legends say that this prayer should keep you safe: Sane Jee mee voish Cloan ny moym, which translates to „God save me from the children of the pride“.
St.John Aloisius Sloots
The Church Grim AKA The Guardian Black Dog
The subject of the Wild Hunt is an exciting one. So many aspects of it are interesting and inspire further study and research: Herne the Hunter, the White Brachet and the 16th and 17th century poetic elevation of Mab to Fairy Queen. In that vein, I am going to offer a nod to the hounds of the hunt and relate a bit of history concerning their cousin the Black Dog of legend that JKR made so famous in the form of Harry’s Grim. I’ll apologize ahead of time, however, for not ranging further afield than ‘Merry Ol’ England’ for my extra credit creature.
JKR featured her Black Dog version of the faery creature in both its guises: as Professor Trelawny’s herald of impending doom and as a guardian in the form of the shapeshifting Serius.
In its darker form the English Church Grim is indeed a herald of doom though it may not in and of itself cause the death of those unfortunate enough to see it. It has long been held by those who believe in such things that the first corps to be buried in a churchyard cemetery acts as the grave yard’s guardian against evil spirits and the devil. In time a Black Dog, rather than a human soul, was substituted and became guardian. Sightings of the “Grim” were taken as death warnings by those unlucky enough to see the creature. Various cultures have similar legends. In Sweden the Kyrkogrim takes the form of a pure white lamb, in Denmark, on the other hand, the Kirkogrim is called the “grave-sow” and presumably takes the form of a female pig. Further, it is held by some that the Black Dog had the power to deal out some sort of psychic or arcane blast to those impertinent enough to actually touch the creature.
Not all such manifestations of the beast were harbingers of woe. In its Guardian Black Dog mode, the creature takes on the duties of an escort protecting the fortunate from harm. I have no doubt this has its roots in the Church Grim legend and the role of guardian the Black Dog plays there. In the England stories abound of such a creatures, some related having taken place as recently as half a century ago. One such tale, of which there are various versions, tells the story of a Johnnie Greenwood of Swancliffe who riding through a rather darksome forest encountered a huge black dog who escorted him from one edge of the wood to the other whereupon it disappeared. On the return trip, Johnnie met the same creature yet again, though suspecting its fey origins refrained from speaking to it or interfering with it in any way. The Black Dog once again walked next the rider until the edge of the forest when it disappeared. Many years later it was related by two nefarious thieves in a final confession that they had lain in wait to rob and kill Johnnie but had refrained on account of the large black dog that accompanied the rider.
Thus, either as helpful guardian or doleful messenger, JKR’s Black Dog has popular and auspicious origins as a fey creature of dramatic import and legend.
Biggs, Katharine. An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies and Other Supernatural Creatures. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976.
The subject of the Wild Hunt is an exciting one. So many aspects of it are interesting and inspire further study and research: Herne the Hunter, the White Brachet and the 16th and 17th century poetic elevation of Mab to Fairy Queen. In that vein, I am going to offer a nod to the hounds of the hunt and relate a bit of history concerning their cousin the Black Dog of legend that JKR made so famous in the form of Harry’s Grim. I’ll apologize ahead of time, however, for not ranging further afield than ‘Merry Ol’ England’ for my extra credit creature.
JKR featured her Black Dog version of the faery creature in both its guises: as Professor Trelawny’s herald of impending doom and as a guardian in the form of the shapeshifting Serius.
In its darker form the English Church Grim is indeed a herald of doom though it may not in and of itself cause the death of those unfortunate enough to see it. It has long been held by those who believe in such things that the first corps to be buried in a churchyard cemetery acts as the grave yard’s guardian against evil spirits and the devil. In time a Black Dog, rather than a human soul, was substituted and became guardian. Sightings of the “Grim” were taken as death warnings by those unlucky enough to see the creature. Various cultures have similar legends. In Sweden the Kyrkogrim takes the form of a pure white lamb, in Denmark, on the other hand, the Kirkogrim is called the “grave-sow” and presumably takes the form of a female pig. Further, it is held by some that the Black Dog had the power to deal out some sort of psychic or arcane blast to those impertinent enough to actually touch the creature.
Not all such manifestations of the beast were harbingers of woe. In its Guardian Black Dog mode, the creature takes on the duties of an escort protecting the fortunate from harm. I have no doubt this has its roots in the Church Grim legend and the role of guardian the Black Dog plays there. In the England stories abound of such a creatures, some related having taken place as recently as half a century ago. One such tale, of which there are various versions, tells the story of a Johnnie Greenwood of Swancliffe who riding through a rather darksome forest encountered a huge black dog who escorted him from one edge of the wood to the other whereupon it disappeared. On the return trip, Johnnie met the same creature yet again, though suspecting its fey origins refrained from speaking to it or interfering with it in any way. The Black Dog once again walked next the rider until the edge of the forest when it disappeared. Many years later it was related by two nefarious thieves in a final confession that they had lain in wait to rob and kill Johnnie but had refrained on account of the large black dog that accompanied the rider.
Thus, either as helpful guardian or doleful messenger, JKR’s Black Dog has popular and auspicious origins as a fey creature of dramatic import and legend.
Biggs, Katharine. An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies and Other Supernatural Creatures. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976.
Prof. Tarma Amelia Black
Finland, Finland, Finland
the country where I quite want to be
your mountains so lofty
your treetops so tall.
Finland Finland Finland
Finland has it all.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haltija
Haltija (haltia) is a spirit, gnome or elf-like creature in Finnish mythology, that guards, helps or protects something or somebody. The word is possibly derived from the Gothic *haltijar, and referred to the original settler of a homestead — although this is not the only possible etymology.
Even humans have their personal haltijas, which are their protecting spirits similar to angels in Christianity. One of them is Luonto, which means "nature".
Someone encountering someone else's Luonto ... :)
the country where I quite want to be
your mountains so lofty
your treetops so tall.
Finland Finland Finland
Finland has it all.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haltija
Haltija (haltia) is a spirit, gnome or elf-like creature in Finnish mythology, that guards, helps or protects something or somebody. The word is possibly derived from the Gothic *haltijar, and referred to the original settler of a homestead — although this is not the only possible etymology.
Even humans have their personal haltijas, which are their protecting spirits similar to angels in Christianity. One of them is Luonto, which means "nature".
Someone encountering someone else's Luonto ... :)
Vera Prince
Dullahan
The Dullahan is a very popular faery from Ireland and is very active in remote parts of the country. The dullahan (also called the far dorocha or the Crom Dubh) is an evil(ish) fairy. The dullahan has a very obvious appearance; it is a wild, black-robed horseman riding a dark steed that snorts sparks, sporting a human spine as a whip and his very own head in one of his hands. The head is the color of moldy cheese and smooth. It has small black eyes and a wicked grin that splits its face from ear to ear. The dullahan is seen on midnight during certain Irish festivals, riding through the countryside.
It is said that whenever the dullahan stops, a mortal dies.
The dullahan possesses supernatural sight. When it holds it head up, it can see very far even on a night with no moon. This power enables the dullahan to find the house of a dying person, regardless of location. Anyone who watches a dullahan pass through their window have a bucket of blood thrown in their faces. Either that, or they find themselves blinded.
In some areas, the dullahan is said to ride a black coach drawn by six black horses. The coach moves so fast that the friction of the wheels on the ground sets fire to the bushes on the sides of the road. All gates open for the dullahan; no one is safe.
The dullahan has a limited power of speech. Its head is only allowed to speak once on every journey it goes out on – it calls the name of the person whose death is approaching. The dullahan stops at the house of the person who is about to die, or at the spot of their death, and calls their name. The dullahan’s shout draws forth the doomed soul.
To avoid the dullahan, people are encouraged to stay in their houses with the curtains drawn. The dullahan is not a death warning, but death’s herald, so there is no real defense against him. An object of gold or other precious metal may scare him off, because Dullahans appear to have an irrational fear of the material.
Source: http://www.irelandseye.com/paddy3/preview.htm
The Dullahan is a very popular faery from Ireland and is very active in remote parts of the country. The dullahan (also called the far dorocha or the Crom Dubh) is an evil(ish) fairy. The dullahan has a very obvious appearance; it is a wild, black-robed horseman riding a dark steed that snorts sparks, sporting a human spine as a whip and his very own head in one of his hands. The head is the color of moldy cheese and smooth. It has small black eyes and a wicked grin that splits its face from ear to ear. The dullahan is seen on midnight during certain Irish festivals, riding through the countryside.
It is said that whenever the dullahan stops, a mortal dies.
The dullahan possesses supernatural sight. When it holds it head up, it can see very far even on a night with no moon. This power enables the dullahan to find the house of a dying person, regardless of location. Anyone who watches a dullahan pass through their window have a bucket of blood thrown in their faces. Either that, or they find themselves blinded.
In some areas, the dullahan is said to ride a black coach drawn by six black horses. The coach moves so fast that the friction of the wheels on the ground sets fire to the bushes on the sides of the road. All gates open for the dullahan; no one is safe.
The dullahan has a limited power of speech. Its head is only allowed to speak once on every journey it goes out on – it calls the name of the person whose death is approaching. The dullahan stops at the house of the person who is about to die, or at the spot of their death, and calls their name. The dullahan’s shout draws forth the doomed soul.
To avoid the dullahan, people are encouraged to stay in their houses with the curtains drawn. The dullahan is not a death warning, but death’s herald, so there is no real defense against him. An object of gold or other precious metal may scare him off, because Dullahans appear to have an irrational fear of the material.
Source: http://www.irelandseye.com/paddy3/preview.htm
Zoki Phantom
Banshee
As you may already guess, I decided to write about the Banshee, an Irish Fairy-type creature. The Banshee also goes by the name of Bean-sidhe (Gaelic version), and it represents a female spirit whose presence is seen as a prediction of Death, since she is often linked with the world of the dead. Her appearance takes one of four forms (as shown through various stories and myths) – a horrid old hag, a young beautiful woman, a stately matron, or a washer woman (known as Bean-nighe) that washes the bloodstained clothes of those who are nearing death. Though whatever form she takes, her clothes are pretty much the same – a grey hooded cloak or a ragged sheet. The same goes for her white-grey long hair.
The oldest stories about the Banshee state that she can only visit five major Irish families, though whether from the different passing on of the stories or just by intermarriage, later stories expand her presence to pretty much anyone. But it’s not her presence that one should fear, although she might look spooky and very fierce. The real terror about the Banshee is her wailing cry which literally predicts the death of someone in the house where she cries. Supposedly there are cases where multiple Banshees show up to cry in a place, though it only means that fate will end the life of someone great or majestic, for whom the cry of one “wouldn’t be enough”.
Her voice differs from story to story, but most describe it like a screeching sound between the wail of a woman and the moan of an owl, though it’s very loud and it has known to shatter glass and make people fall down unconscious. They are often linked with silver combs too, as certain myths tell how they brush their white-grey hair with them. The old Irish folk had a superstition how if you ever find a comb on the ground you should never pick it up because the Banshee who “set it up on purpose in order to lure innocent people” would be then following you everywhere and brining you bad luck. The worst point being that she’ll eventually foretell your death sooner than fate would have originally ended it.
So dear Penguin Professor, please think twice before your comb your hair! I think it’s much safer if you just whip it up and down and move on.
As you may already guess, I decided to write about the Banshee, an Irish Fairy-type creature. The Banshee also goes by the name of Bean-sidhe (Gaelic version), and it represents a female spirit whose presence is seen as a prediction of Death, since she is often linked with the world of the dead. Her appearance takes one of four forms (as shown through various stories and myths) – a horrid old hag, a young beautiful woman, a stately matron, or a washer woman (known as Bean-nighe) that washes the bloodstained clothes of those who are nearing death. Though whatever form she takes, her clothes are pretty much the same – a grey hooded cloak or a ragged sheet. The same goes for her white-grey long hair.
The oldest stories about the Banshee state that she can only visit five major Irish families, though whether from the different passing on of the stories or just by intermarriage, later stories expand her presence to pretty much anyone. But it’s not her presence that one should fear, although she might look spooky and very fierce. The real terror about the Banshee is her wailing cry which literally predicts the death of someone in the house where she cries. Supposedly there are cases where multiple Banshees show up to cry in a place, though it only means that fate will end the life of someone great or majestic, for whom the cry of one “wouldn’t be enough”.
Her voice differs from story to story, but most describe it like a screeching sound between the wail of a woman and the moan of an owl, though it’s very loud and it has known to shatter glass and make people fall down unconscious. They are often linked with silver combs too, as certain myths tell how they brush their white-grey hair with them. The old Irish folk had a superstition how if you ever find a comb on the ground you should never pick it up because the Banshee who “set it up on purpose in order to lure innocent people” would be then following you everywhere and brining you bad luck. The worst point being that she’ll eventually foretell your death sooner than fate would have originally ended it.
So dear Penguin Professor, please think twice before your comb your hair! I think it’s much safer if you just whip it up and down and move on.