Fairies: The Bad Boys (and Girls)

 

     Fairies, like almost every other magical creature in mythology and folklore, come in both good and bad forms. We have already talked about some of the good Fairies of fiction and legend worldwide; now let’s take a look at some of their less beneficial brethren.

     Most people have heard of trolls, also known as ogres, depending on what part of the world you’re in. Trolls come in various sizes, from dwarf to giant, and are usually described as cave dwellers who prey on travelers making their way through mountain passes. Male trolls are portrayed in stories as being hideously ugly, exceptionally strong, and dimwitted, while the females are frequently described as the exact opposite, being quite comely and cunning.

     Another male Fairy of myth is the curupira of Tupi legend, which lives in and protects forests. The curupira is not exactly a bad Fairy, since it does not harm those who respect the forest and otherwise use the forest properly. However, it is sent into a rage by those who destroy its home, or hunt for pleasure rather than food, and will lay traps to confuse intruders into becoming eternally lost in the forest.

     Brazilian mythology gives us the water Fairies, encantado, who can be either sex. Encantado have the ability to shape-change into human form, and are fond of music and parties. Transformations usually occur at night, at which time the encantado will seduce, kidnap, or curse a person. They can also control storms, inflict illness, cause insanity or even death. Encantado are considered by believers to be demons.

     The erlking of German and Scandinavian fable are another demonic Fairy which exercises a malevolent fascination, especially on children. Erlking lure children away from their homes and families by giving them visions and promises that ultimately lead to the child’s’ destruction.

     As we saw in the Good Fairy page, the yaksha of Hindu and Buddhist tradition are dual in nature. The dark side of the yaksha is demonic in nature, leading wilderness travelers astray to be devoured. Goblins are another fairly well known type of Fairy creature.

     Goblins are believed to have originated in the French Pyrenees, where according to legend; they caused no end of trouble to travelers. Goblins are described as being between dwarf and human height, terribly ugly, and have a wide range of powers that they use for mischievous or downright evil purposes.

     Banshees are not strictly “bad Fairies”; they just have a bad reputation due to them appearing at the time of a person’s death. Banshees are described in lore as being Fairy women dressed in white or grey, with long hair. Stories say that when a banshee appears and circles a house as it wails, someone inside will die. If more than one banshee appeared, it indicated that the person to die was a great or holy person.

     Finally, let’s take a quick look at Jinn or genie, from Arab mythology. The jinn are reputedly supernatural, magical Fairies with the ability to shape change. Jinn inhabit trees, stones, air, and fire. They delight in interfering with human affairs in a vengeful or vindictive manner.

     In many ways, the Fairy world mirrors humanity’s world, having good, bad, and everything in between. Unlike our world, it is sometimes mysterious or whimsical, but full of fascinating adventures and enchanting Fairy creatures.

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