Jan. 14, 2025
Fairies - Seelie & Unseelie
Fairy legends come from all over the world and there are some very interesting stories out the. I have read many chronicles about the Fae and the Tuatha de Dannan. I am half Irish, so I have gathered together some of the most famous stories.
It is said that the Tuatha de Dannan came to Ireland from the North. It is also said that their ancestors came before and were defeated but this time they came and burned their boats so they would not be able to be defeated. People who saw the great smoke thought it was a mist which the De Dannon came to Ireland on.
They did win and reign for many years before the Milesians came and won their battle. Some say that the De Dannon gave in and give the Milesians the upper grounds while they settled below ground.
It is said they had many abilities. Some said they were gods and goddesses. But they were magical and spiritual beings. One of their abilities was foreseeing the future and it was foreseen that they would lose to the Milesians the second time around. So, they got prepared.
I remember a story from many years ago which said that they prepared the underground with many tunnels, living areas, and even some portals. It is said they made many mounds under certain areas of Ireland. They could control the plants and trees above ground because they controlled the roots. They knew they could live there comfortably and with their abilities they had they could live forever.
The Tuatha de Danann are the gods of Irish mythology, who came to dwell in mounds called Sidhe according to tradition. Thus, the Tuatha de Danann came to be the Aos Sidhe (pronounced "ash shee")- the folk of the mounds.
In Irish folklore, "fairy" is often associated with "people in the mounds," specifically referring to the "Aos Sí" which translates to "people of the fairy mounds" and describes a supernatural race believed to live in ancient burial mounds, with portals to the Otherworld. The Irish word "sí" or "Sidhe": directly translates to "fairy mound" and is the root of the term "Aos Sí". These mounds were believed to be gateways to another realm, where the "fairy people" resided.
Originally, the fifth wave of conquerors were known simply as Tuatha Dé (‘People of God’) but this posed a problem for the Irish monks recounting their history because the Israelites were the People of God. So, the early inhabitants of Ireland became the Tuatha Dé Dannan (‘People of the goddess Danu’) after their primary deity.
There is much research to do on this subject and many videos and books. I have ‘Spirits, Faries, Leprechauns, and Goblins An Encyclopedia’ by Carol Rose. I also like the tv show ‘Lost Girl’. It has a lot of species on there.
There are many types of fairies, including brownies, elves, leprechauns, dryads, and High Fae.
Types of fairies
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Brownies: In English and Scottish folklore, a small, industrious fairy or hobgoblin believed to inhabit houses and barns. Rarely seen, he was often heard at night, cleaning and doing housework; he also sometimes mischievously disarranged rooms.
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Elves: In Germanic and Norse mythology, they are often depicted as small, immortal, and youthful, but can also be malevolent and mischievous. They are sometimes said to have magical powers and are often associated with nature and animals.
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Leprechauns: Small, supernatural beings are sometimes considered a type of solitary fairy. Some consider leprechauns to be the true natives of Ireland who are descended from Irish royalty.
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Dryads: A nymph or nature spirit who lives in trees and takes the form of a beautiful young woman who can live as long as the tree lives and can be found all over the world.
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High Fae: A group of faeries that are considered the ruling nobility in the Fae world.
In Scottish folklore most fae are in one of two courts: Seelie (Spring or Summer court – benevolent) or Unseelie (Fall and Winter court – malevolent). There are also the Independents.
How many ways can you spell fairy?
We usually use the word "Faerie" to refer to the Realm, or the many varied beings within that magical realm. "Faery" often indicates an individual, or a type, but not always. Fairy, Faery, Fairie, Faerie, Fayrie, Fhairy, Phhaerryyee, Fae, Fay, Faye, Faeye, Phae, and on and on, it's all acceptable and all magic.
Very interesting to read and watch:
https://irishmyths.com/2023/11/15/tuatha-de-danann/
https://irishmyths.com/2023/05/22/differences-irish-vs-celtic-mythology/