Faerie Lore abounds in many different lands and cultures.
You might know the same below but in a different name, or the same name with an altogether
different personality and aid. With the different ways and beliefs, I am sure there are
those out there who have their own Lore. You may have found perhaps the same but they
reacted differently to you. Be sure you have approached them with an invitation and not a
demand. Be sure you have not given a wholehearted slap on the back "thank you"
but provided instead their favorites. Frustratingly grand, the Faeries and Little Folk
offer much to one willing to work with and know them.
Note of caution: In each
of your travels to Faerieland, you will find the music hypnotic, the scenery
breathtakingly beautiful, the revelry enchanting. You will find yourself thinking you
never want to leave. You must be careful not to take any food, drink or gifts from them.
This has been a known practice to capture you and keep you there. Just politely decline
and move on. Not all Fae Folk are friendly to humans, and in fact, some are quite
dangerous. Proceed with caution and if you meet one you are uncertain of, or feel
uncomfortable with, it is best just to acknowledge with a nod of your head and again, move
on. Drink in the beauty, the hypnotic music and the contagious laughter all the while
keeping a hold in the physical plane. You will forever keep these Small Ones in your mind
and deeply in your heart!
-Protection of Home
-Protection of People
-General Magick
Protection of Home
Bean-Tighe: (Ban-tee or Ban-teeg)
a.k.a "Our Housekeeper". The words "Bean-Tighe" mean "woman of
the house". Seen as a small elderly peasant woman with a warm smile. Working at
night, they watch over the home, children, home fires, and pets, even tidying up for the
sleeping mother of the chores left undone. For her love of a home with the little patters
of feet around, she can even give a little aid in energies for fertility wishes. Offer
fresh strawberries and cream, and a share of the warmth of a fire and a warm home is all
they ask and they will be the watchers of home and family.
Penates: (Pay-not-ayes) An
Ancient Roman Faerie. Similar to the Scottish Brownie, these little guys are the
"man-around-the-house-mr.fixits". They even sport little tool belts around their
waists in their peasant-style dress. Working at night, they can help with repairing things
around the home and enlist their aid when there is a project you feel you'd rather not do
but need done. A good warm home, some wine and sweet warm breads will keep this little
handy guy around.
Brownies: Other Names:
"House Brownie", "Little Man". Scotland Origin but is known the world
over with just a name change. Usually male. Small, charitable and the most kind. Slightly
pointed ears, long fingers, and dressed in little suits of green, blue or brown (depending
where they are from) and small caps. They look for a worthy human to help and a warm home
without cats. They will dwell in the shed, barn, attic or cellar and work around the
house, help with farming and even cobble a pair of shoes for you! Anyone who has a sincere
heart towards nature and and beasts will share their friendship. They like honey, sweet
cakes, milk, and ale the best.
Clurichaun: (klu-re-kahn) An
Irish Faerie much like the Leprechaun, this impeccably attired little guy loves and
partakes quite often in the available libations around the house! Much of the time
however, he cannot resist the temptation to sample the wares of his protection and at this
time, he tends to get a little lack in his duties. The unwanted visitor or thief to your
home however had better watch out, as he will make sure NO ONE gets in that's not supposed
to, in case they may disrupt his wines and potables! A staunch protector of his domain of
choice, keep a collection of wines and spirits and this little guy is there to stay! One
note of caution, if you are lack in your upkeep of available spirits, he will leave and
you are forever black listed from any of them coming to your home again!
Geancancah: (Gan-cahn-ock) Another
from Ireland Origin. Beautiful, tiny, with huge curved eyes, large pointed ears, a playful
grin, and small wings that beat so rapidly they appear to move as little blinking lights.
They will protect the home and all things in the fire including your fire wishes (Candle
Magick). You must however be sure to catch them at the right time and not try to ask them
for help when they are in the playful mood, otherwise, you are in for a few pranks before
you get what you are asking for. Delight in their playfulness as they can be easily
offended if you do not wish to play. Offer a warm fireplace and sweet milk and they are
there to stay and guard your home and fire along with the occasional and harmless prank or
two.
Wag-of-the-Way: Another Scottish Wee
One. Similar again to the Brownie, this little nightwalker is extremely loyal and fire
loving. He has a cat-like tail which wags in response to his emotions. Very tiny, he
appears to be dark-colored, however, this is because of the cinders from the fire that he
loves to cuddle himself in. He will crawl into the embers and cinders to keep himself
warm. He exhibits an almost overzealous attachment to the inhabitants of the home and will
throw shoes and other things in the way of your visitors, whether wanted or unwanted.
Beware the fool who attempts to physically harm you and your home and family! He will also
accompany you like a member of the family when you are traveling if he wants to go. Set
out warm milk and sweet breads with the occasional berries to keep him satisfied and
loyal.
Tomtra: Finland Origin.
Another similar to the Brownie, but with an attitude! He will protect your home and family
but expects a day off (what the heck, he deserves it!), will occasionally steal milk or
other items. Appearing always as male, he wears a small green cap and brown clothing. He
demands a neat and orderly environment and will leave your home if you do not measure up
to his idea of neat and orderly. Although he will try to persuade you to change your
sloppy ways (by causing havoc), he gives up quite easily. Do not forget to include him in
your celebrations of gift-giving. Offer him a neat home, some hay or straw and warm sweet
milk and he will help maintain the orderliness, guard and protect your home and even offer
assistance in your physical strength and endurance wishes.
Other home protection Fae include the Duende, Kobalds,
Lares, Little Monks, Nisse, Chin-Chin Kobakama and Twlwwyth Tegs. (top)
Protection of People
In addition to the above as they can protect homes
and the inhabitants of them, there are the following specifically for people protection.
Dinnshenchas: (Din-sheen-k'has)
Irish dwarf faeries loyal to the Irish Goddess Aine, a protector of cattle and overseer of
women. You must ask her for thief protection and help. The Dinnshenchas are excellent
shape-shifters and this talent is used mainly for the avenging of a harmed woman. You must
remember however, the thoughts you send out can be returned upon you and this holds true
even in Faerieland. As stewards to the Goddess of Cattle, they are found in and near
pastures and meadows. Ask the Goddess Aine for strength and courage in women's issues and
to watch over the cattle. They can also leave the fae to guard over you in impending
difficult situations.
Water Mannikins: German Fae for the
sailors. They inhabit the figurehead of ships and boats or dwell at the front most part of
the boat. They can guard the boat and its passengers through storms, winds, rocks and
sickness. Call to them as an asking for the blessing of a boat. You must have a wood
carved figure however in which for them to dwell. Another Fae Folk for sailors is the
Irish Sea Water Guardians.
Gwragedd Annwn: (Gwer-geth-Ai-noon)
Wales Origin. Beautiful, female, human-sized water faeries with blonde hair and an
attachment to children, human mothers, and the poor. They live in and near the lakes and
large ponds and underground water systems. Listen carefully and you may hear their
beautiful music like feathers in the wind. They are however very moody and easily
offended. (After all, they embody the element of Water!) They prefer female company and
will protect over children and especially young women. Offer them fresh water and fruits,
a feminine surrounding and a sincere respect for their love of women and children.
Knockers: From Central Europe. As the
name suggests, these Fae will lend direction to a lost and frightened person by allowing
the sound of "knocking" to guide you back to where you belong. They are mine and
cave dwellers and look alot like little black dwarves. You must possess a great deal of
patience as well as a sense of humor as they love to sometimes knock all over the place,
especially if you are not lost and are their friend already. Getting irritated will only
prove to hurt their feelings and they will retaliate with even stronger havoc. Offer them
plenty of sweet breads, fruits and sweet butters and milk and they can lead you to the
right path when lost. They can also warn of any impending danger in the home.
Twlwwyth Tegs: Wales Origin. Small
male, female, young and old, these are Island Faeries who live in lush garden Islands
covered by mists and fog. A clan like system of Faeries, they travel in groups. Excellent
gardeners, you can ask for their assistance in protecting and beginning your new garden.
They can also protect your home by making it virtually unnoticeable to thieves and
unwanted visitors ("misting" the home, its inhabitants and property). Offer them
fresh water and fruits and sweet butters. Done at the seaside, you can ask for weather
protection also.
Other people protection Fae include the Korreds,
Brown Men, Vilas, Chi Spirits and Merpeople. (top)
General Magick
Elf: Every culture has
their own version of the happy-go-lucky and devilishly fun Elf. Some names include the
Elb, Erl and Mannikan. Small and chubby, they dress according to where they originate and
the local traditions. On the whole, most are kind-hearted and charitable to humans. They
can exist either in the clan system or "trooping" (these are the more friendly
to humans), or the "solitary" (which are usually avoided). Known as tailors,
weavers, spinners and cobblers. They will assist a deserving human but only if this human
has no cats around, this animal being their sworn enemy! An all-purpose magick helper who
loves sweet milk, breads, fruits, sweet butters and a portion of your potables.
Mother Holle: Of German origin.
An older woman but not seniorly, she has long black hair, is usually dressed in a green
robe and carries a staff. A keen sense of justice which she will weigh fairly. If she
trusts you, you can seek her advice when making decisions and learn from her vast
knowledge. She will even, at times and if she deems it helpful to you, divine the future
for you. She does demand a well made bed and an honest heart. Seek her out at wishing
wells and in fields. Gaining her trust and friendship is one thing you will always
cherish. Offer fresh water and a sincere and open heart.
Moss Faeries: Of German origin,
these shy and delightful Fae are also called Butterfly Faeries. They hide in the moss of
the Trees and other dark foliage and fauna. Extremely shy, they can and will bring good
luck to the area. If asked in the correct way (and if it is an honorable cause), they will
even send some your way. Fresh sweet milk is all they ask. Because of their timid nature,
loud noises or boisterous behavior will scare them away.
Gnomes: Scotland and Northern Europe
is where these delightful folk have been known to originate. Much like the Elven Folk,
they are known by many different names in many different cultures. These Earth Faeries
appear very old (they really aren't), wear peasant-style clothing with pointed hats and
are very friendly. Their residence is the root systems of very old trees in the woodlands.
The forest wildlife is what they protect and aid. One of the four elemental spirits, they
excel in all types of healing wishes, especially if for an animal. They also offer
protection of the home and pets, and will even teach you a little healing herbalism. Ask
them for directions and guidance in choosing the correct herbs. Invite them politely and
with reverence and they will happily assist.
Sylphs: Of Greek and
Egyptian ancestry, these Folk are another of the elemental air spirits. All very beautiful
and small with an almost translucent appearance. They carry themselves with a lofty,
buoyant air and light wings, and are also known as "Windsingers". Most helpful
in any wish intention involving their element, but will also lend their energies to any
positive desire.
Elle Maids: A Scandinavian and
German Fae, they are the female representative of the wood sprites. Living amongst the
root systems, they are about three feet high and can be of any age. They dress with the
seasons using the local foliage and colors. They can be called upon for any wish to help
raise the energies, but are especially helpful if it involves the environment.
Undines: From all over the world,
known as Sea Sprites and Watersingers too. Similar in appearance to the Seahorse but with
a human-like face. They are representational of the element of Water, and are considered
one of the "four elemental spirits". Very small, playful and sometimes
seductive, undines are there when the element of water is used in any of your wishes.
Urisks: Scotland Origin. Extremely
ugly, wrinkled, hairy patched faeries with duck feathers on their backs and huge misshapen
heads. Their repulsive appearance is unfortunate because urisks are friendly and would
love occasional companionship from humans. They dwell in all types of isolated woodlands
(due to their appearance, they do not wish to scare any potential company away by their
looks). Highly psychic and extremely intelligent, they will gladly assist. Prepare
yourself for their disgusting looks and offer them true friendship and companionship and
they will aid in any positive endeavor and assist in divination with their gifts.
Salamanders: From the
Middle East, they complete the "four elemental spirits" with the representation
of Fire. Also known as the Guardian of the South. Extremely effective in all fire magick
including Candle Magick but you must be careful and dismiss them when you are through. As
when working with any of the Fire elements, extreme caution should be taken not to allow
them to run unchecked.
Other general magick Fae include the Tuatha de Danann,
Nymphs, Thussers, Jimaninos and Leprechauns. (top)
