Faeries are one of a variety of supernatural beings with
magical powers. Faeries have been present in folklore since the beginnings of human
history. All cultures have had some version of Faerie-type creatures that have been
common in their folklore. The difference was manifested in the conceptions of the being in
each culture. Descriptions of faeries range widely, from the tiny old men or Leprechauns
of Irish legend, to beautiful enchantresses like the Germanic Lorelei, to human-eating
giants, or ogres. Particular kinds of faeries include the Arabic jinni, the Scandinavian
troll, the Germanic elf, and the English pixie (my personal favorite). The word "faerie"
(fairy, fey) did not come into use until medieval times. Faeries are generally perceived
to be of diminutive stature, but don't have any fixed standard of height.
Although they are generally portrayed as mischevious and capricious, they could also be loving
and bountiful. In Gaelic folklore the belief in faeries was very widespread until recently.
There are differing opinions as to the origins of the belief in Celtic faeries:
1.Some say that faeries are a folk memory of a former race of people, who lived underground
in mound-like dwellings.
2.Many people see the faeries as a non-human race of nature spirits.
3.Some see them as the spirits of the dead, because so many "Faerie hills" seem to be
located on, or near ancient burial places.
In Arabic and Islamic folklore, the Jinni or Genie (English form) is a spirit or demon
lower in the hierarchy than an angel. They could be good, and beautiful, or bad and ugly.
They are mischievous spirits who enjoy punishing humans for wrongs done to them, even
unintentionally, and so accidents and deaths were often considered their handiwork. They
are popular in the folklore of Egypt, Syria, Iran, Turkey, and North Africa. The troll
is the Scandinavian equivalent and is variously portrayed as a friendly or mischievous
dwarf or giant, that lives in caves, in the hills, and under bridges. The English pixie
is a fairylike or elfin creature, especially one that is mischievous; a playful sprite.
(MORE TO COME)
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