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Fae are everywhere, yet, nowhere in the same moment. They are here, they are there...they are never easily seen or noticed. For centuries, faeries have captivated many audiences, mystified millions of people, and exist in the world today with many names. Fae, Fairy, Wee Folk, Little People, Good People, The Good Folk, Faerie, Yousei, and the list goes on and on.
It is easy to have misconceptions of fae, but the one thing to remember is that fae from the very beginning of their mythology and tales are not always friendly or kind or happy to befriend humans. They are in the game to gain something, and have rules of the own that they follow when dealing with humans and fae alike.
Fae exist, not only as pixies and kelpies and mermaids in mythologies, but also as mighty as the Sidhe, or as devious as the Leprechauns. However, I also desire to delve deeper into the origins of the Celtic fae, and discover the untold stories of the Sidhe, the mighty and historical Tuatha de Dannan, Firbolgs, and Fomorians. Tales of Nuada Airgetlám, Eochaid Ollathair, The Morrigan, and so many others who deserve greatly to take the forefront of many more fairy tales and legends.It is easy to have misconceptions of fae, but the one thing to remember is that fae from the very beginning of their mythology and tales are not always friendly or kind or happy to befriend humans. They are in the game to gain something, and have rules of the own that they follow when dealing with humans and fae alike.
Who exactly are the Sidhe and the Tuatha de Dannan? Tuatha de Dannan (too-uh-day-dah-nan) means "Children of the Goddess Danu", and were invaders who took Ireland from the Firbolgs, inheriting the Fomorians as enemies. They were known for their magic and skills in battle, and especially their love for music and all things artistic. Tuatha de Dannan became the High kings of Ireland, and eventually became known as Gods and Goddesses who hid beneath the mounds. Some of these people became the first Fae. In time, these mounds became known as "Faery" or Tír inna n-Óc (teer-ni-nog).
The Sidhe (pronounced "SHEE") are considered the children of these Mighty deities, containing the beauty and magic that the mighty Tuatha de Dannan had possessed. But because the Sidhe were generally descended from Tuatha de Dannan and the Milesian invaders (who were humans), the Sidhe were smaller in build and power, but no less beautiful.
There are many types of Sidhe, from Daoine Sidhe, Beansidhe (Banshee), and even the infamous Leannan Sidhe.
Many tales of romance between humans and fae tend to be dark and can appear damning on the outside, but the real beauty of these romances is that they are subtle and mysterious. I want to continue to tell stories and poems depicting the lives of fae and humans mingling with one another, with a dance between the Otherworld and the Human plane. There is a forbidden romance in this territory, and it is so easy to get sucked into its magic.
The following tales are told in the old style of traditional fairy tale telling, with a slight pinch of modern and my own style of writing. You will read of greedy princes and faerie princesses. You will read dark and foreboding tales of farmers and their young daughters who self-sacrifice to make those they love happy. But also, you will read of the fae themselves, in their Mightiest form and all of their glory, in the most powerful of settings.
I hope you enjoy these traditional tales of the supernatural, and I hope you also find that you too can have a little magic and hope in your own lives.
Just remember, that the wee folk are all around us, and that you cannot get without giving in return.
With love and admiration,
~Aislinn~
From Anthology of Faeries
