From the Tuatha Dé Danann to the concept of the ‘Good People’, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts to the elemental nature spirits, and even the fascinating connection between fairies and Arthurian legend, there are various facets of fairy folklore. We’ll also touch on the special connection between fairies and animals, hopefully leaving you eager to look further into the enchanting world of fairies.
The Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann are often considered the first fairies. In Gaelic legend, this ancient supernatural tribe came to Ireland on flying ships and won the right to rule the land. Over time, and many battles, the Tuatha Dé Danann were eventually driven underground, where they became the mysterious aos sí or People of the Ground that appear in later folklore. Their land underground is parallel to our own and reveals itself in mysterious ways…like the Fairyland we often see in stories.
The Good People
The concept of the Little Folk or the Good People isn’t necessarily separate from the legends of the Tuatha Dé Danann. In fact, they could be one and the same. The Good People is one of the names given to the fairy folk who are said to still live in the shadowy landscapes of Ireland and parts of Britain. These invisible folk are generally benevolent but can be spiteful, and care should be taken not to upset them. There are many tales of terrible luck befalling anyone who damages or obstructs mystical sites like fairy rings, fairy paths, hillforts, and fairy trees. But leaving offerings like milk, butter, or wine for the Folk is traditionally said to win over their favor.
Seelie and Unseelie Courts
The Seelie and Unseelie Courts are two groupings of fairies in Scottish folklore. This classification divides fairies into light/good (Seelie) and dark/bad (Unseelie). Benevolent fairies – like the Good People, pixies, and nature elementals – are considered part of the Seelie court. At the same time, malevolent fairies – like boggarts and redcaps – are part of the Unseelie court. While both Courts must be treated with caution, you’d much rather encounter a Seelie fairy on a deserted country lane than an Unseelie one.
Elementals
Elementals are nature spirits who guard and embody the natural world. In some belief systems, they take a physical form. Classically, gnomes are the earth elementals, undines are the water elementals, sylphs are the air elementals, and salamanders are the fire elementals. These figures can be worshiped as deities, to connect with the natural world and ask for its favor. While they don’t take the traditional form of ‘fairies’ as we know them, they’re all intrinsically linked.
Pixies, Knockers, Brownies, and Leprechauns
All of these figures are benevolent, mischievous forms of fairies. Pixies and knockers are prevalent in Cornish and Welsh folklore, while leprechauns are Irish, and brownies are Scottish. Ultimately, they’re all a part of the same family and share a few things in common. They’re typically humanoid yet miniature in appearance, love dancing and playing tricks, and are normally connected to the domestic or working sphere. They can be useful companions if treated well, but will cause quite a mess if they feel mistreated…or just want a bit of fun.
Arthurian Legend
The archetypal ‘wise woman’, ‘witch’, or ‘sorceress’ often found in literature may have her origins in the world of fairy. A prime example is Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend. Morgan le Fay – whose very name has connections with the fairy world – is a complex character in the vast myriad of Arthurian tales. Some paint her as a wicked femme fatale, others as a powerful wise woman and healer. But it’s commonly accepted that Morgana had fairy blood, which was where her magic and wisdom came from.
Another Arthurian figure closely linked with the world of fairy is The Lady of the Lake (also known as Nimue or Viviane), the mysterious sorceress who gave Arthur his sword Excalibur and enchanted the great Merlin. The Lady’s close connection with water and magic has similarities with Elemental lore.
Fairy Animals
Some stories say that fairies will present themselves in the guise of an animal. Deer, mice, cats, wolves, and birds are favored forms among the fairies. In fact, if you find a fallen bird feather while walking in nature, it’s considered a gift from the fairies. Animals that are colored red and white are considered most strongly connected to the fairy world, including the Fairy Cow. This speckled hornless cow might appear among a regular herd of cattle and cause trouble, sometimes leading the herd into the misted world of the fairies, never to be seen again.
Fascination with Fairies
It’s no wonder fairies inspire such fascination. Their mystical world has been explored in story, song, art, and spirituality for centuries, and there still remain shadowy corners left to discover. The allure of fairies lies in their enchanting beauty, mischievous nature, and connection to nature and magic. Whether you believe in their existence or not, fairies continue to capture the imagination of people of all ages.
