The words 'fey' and 'faerie' come from the French and started to replace the Old English 'Elf' during the Tudor period. Spenser and Shakespeare popularised the change. 'Elfland' and 'Faerieland','Elf' and 'Faerie' were and still are interchangable words. The spellings of 'faerie' are numerous: fayerye, fairy,fayre,faerie,faery,fairy.
Faerie is a world of dark enchantments, of captivating beauty,of enormous ugliness, of callous superficiality, of humour,mischief,joy, and isnspiration,of terror,laughter,love and tragedy. It is far richer than fiction would generally lead one to believe and, beyond that,it is a world to enter with extreme caution, for of all things that faeries resent the most is curious humans blundering about the private domains like so many ill mannered tourists. So go softly-where the rewards are enchanting, the dangers are real.
 
 
 
 
 
The myths and legends about Faerie are many and diverse, and often contradictory. Only one thing is certain-that nothing is certain. All things are possible in the land of Faerie. The mystery of Faerie has been, from the earliest times, a subject of human speculation. What are faeries? Where did they come from?
Norse mythology relates how the maggots emerging from the corpse of the giant Ymir transformed themselves into the Light Elves and the Dark Elves. Light elves, living in the air, are benign, happy creatures, but the dark elves, whose domains are the underground regions, are swarthy, evil and blighting.
The Icelandic version, on the other hand, states that Eve was washing all her children by the river when God spoke to her.In her awe and fear she hid those children she had not already washed.God asked her if all her children were there and she replied that they were. He then declared that those she had hidden from him would be hidden from man. These hidden children became the elves or faeries and were known as Huldre Folk in the Scandinavian countries. Huldre girls are exceptionally beautiful, but with long cowstails; or else they are hollow behind, presenting only a beautiful front. Thus they fulfil the deception of their origin.
Elsewhere faeries are believed to be fallen angels; or the heathen dead, not good enough for Heaven, but not evil enough to find a place in Hell-compelled to live forever'in between' in the twilight regions, the Middle Kingdom. In Devon for instance pixies are considered to be the souls of unbaptised children. However, these beliefs stem only from the advent of Christianity, baptism being unknown prior to that time, and hence cannot be considered reliable. Faerie is very ancient and predated Christianity by several millenia. Moreover it exists, and has existed, in varying forms, in many countries all over the world.
 
 

Faerie flowers and other facts
 

The foxglove derives its name from "little Folks-glove", for the florets are worn by faeries, sometimes as hats, sometimes as gloves. Another name often attributed to the flower is "Goblins Thimbles". Not, perhaps, inapt, considering that the Foxglove contains digitalis, a heart stimulant and source of wild, dark excitement that Goblins bring.

Primroses boast a unique power-they make the invisible visible and to eat them is a sure way to see faeries. If one touches a faerie rock with the correct number of primroses in a posy, the way is opened to faerieland and faerie gifts, but the wrong number opens the door to doom.

Ragwort and rye grass are used by faeries as make shift horses.John Aubrey in the 17th century states that "horse and Hattock" were the magic words to make the stems fly.

The four leaf clover will break a faeries spell

St. John's Wort is even more efficacious against spells for it provides actual protection from faeries. The St. John's Wort, being a sun symbol like the daisy, was used extensively in midsummer pagan festivals, and is both a powerful protection and a healing plant

Many trees are the haunts of faerie. Humans foolish enough to pass by a host tree late at night find their arms bruised or pinched by small faerie fingers. Three THorn trees growing closely together at an acute angle are especially potent and should be approached warily if at all.On the other hand, THorn tree branches can be hung with ribbons and even rags as propitiating gifts for the faeries. Other trees most favoured by the faeries are the Blackthorn, Hazel, Alder, Elder and Oak. Elemenats and strange creatures haunt these trees, especially if twisted together, two Thorns and an Elder are thought to be a dangerous combination.So are Oak,Ash, and Thorn. Strangely, however, a twig from each bound together with red thread is a protective charm against evil and hostile spirits. In general, hower, one should beware faerie trees for they are fiercely protected. As will all things faeriee, one must approach the benefits with caution.
 

The Elder tree is sometimes a witch in tree form, and should not be axed without asking her to leave. "ourd gal, give me thy wood An Oi will give some of moine when Oi grows inter a tree". Children should never be laid in an elderwood cradle, for the faeries will pinch them black and blue. While to burn Elderlogs is to invite disaster as these bring the devil into the house.

The spirit of the birch tree is called"the one with thee white hand'. If the hand touches a head, it leaves a vivid white mark and inflicts madnesss, but if it touches a heart, it is the touch of death.

The Alder tree is protected by water faeries

Water has always been of importance in faerielore. Its ambilvalent nature as providor of food, nourisher of crops and taker of lives makes the divinities associated with it particularly potent.

The "fairy ring mushroom', is the one which marks the boundary of the faeries favorite dancing places.
 


 
To be misled by faeries, whether by light or night, or a subtle changing of landmarks and features by day, is described as being Pixy-Led. In Ireland this 'mis-leading' is attributed to a faerie tuft of grass or stray sod which when trodden on, triggers a spell. Under its influence, a usual experience when trying to cross a field is to discover that a stiled exit which may have been clearly visible on entering, has suddenly disappeared;and no amount of systematic searching of the surrounding hedges will reveal is whereabouts. In other cases a walker might abruptly find himself heading in a totally different direction to the way he wishes to go and no amount of re-alignment of his course seems to put this right. The spell may be counteracted by the traditional method of turning one's coat inside out and wearing it this way.
The faerie temperament is a complex one and the behavior of the little people is governed by a code of ethics far removed from our own. Most faeries, whatever their size, appearance or character, have powers of some kind and can bestow good or ill luck at will so the more we know about them, the more likely we are to emerge from an encounter unscathed. Careful handling and respect in faerie dealings are of paramount importance. Only too easily is offence taken and woe betide who is tempted to take liberties.
 
Wonderful and informative links for you to visit :

The FairyWeb
FantasyArt of Elfwood                   FairyPage
Fairy Links                                    Faeries and other Wee Folk
Welcome to the Dreamwood Forest Angels and faeries(backgrounds)
What is Fairy Pressing?                    Fantasy Backgrounds
The Fairies' Secret Garden              Fantasyland Graphics
Wisteria's Realm
The above information is taken from the book Fairies, by Brian Froud and Alan Lee.
 

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