Characteristics of Fairy Folk

In Scottish folklore, the fairy folk are not the small, winged creatures often associated with modern depictions of fairies. Instead, they are believed to be a race of supernatural beings with human-like qualities, though often more beautiful and otherworldly. They can be helpful, mischievous, or downright dangerous, depending on how they are treated by humans.

Fairies were thought to dwell in specific locations, such as fairy mounds, also called knowe or sìthean, which are natural hills or ancient burial sites. These mounds were believed to be entrances to the fairy realm. Other natural features like lakes, forests, and rivers were also associated with fairy activity.

Types of Fairy Folk in Scottish Folklore

Seelie Court and Unseelie Court. 

The fairy folk are sometimes divided into two main courts:

• The Seelie Court: These fairies are considered “benevolent” or “kindly,” though they can still be mischievous. They might help humans, often performing good deeds or granting blessings, but their assistance is unpredictable.
• The Unseelie Court: These fairies are more malevolent and dangerous. They are known to bring harm to humans, play cruel tricks, or even steal people away to the fairy realm. Encounters with the Unseelie Court often bring misfortune.
• The Changeling Myth:  One of the most famous beliefs surrounding the fairy folk is the changeling myth. It was thought that fairies, especially those from the Unseelie Court, would kidnap human children and leave a changeling—a sickly or deformed fairy child—in their place. The changeling would grow weak and wither while the human child was taken to live in the fairy realm. Changelings were blamed for unexplained illnesses or strange behaviour in children, and various rituals were performed to protect infants from being “taken” by the fairies.
• The Ghillie Dhu:  A solitary fairy, the Ghillie Dhu is a guardian of the forest, particularly associated with trees and nature. He is depicted as a small, gentle figure, often dressed in green, who helps lost children find their way home. Though typically kind, the Ghillie Dhu is known to fiercely protect the woods and can be dangerous to those who harm nature.
• The Brownie:  Brownies are house spirits that inhabit human homes and perform small tasks or chores at night while the household sleeps. They are generally helpful and friendly but can turn vengeful if they feel they are not appreciated or if the household treats them with disrespect. Offerings of food, especially cream or milk, are traditionally left out to please them.
• The Baobhan Sith:  A more sinister type of fairy, the Baobhan Sith is sometimes described as a vampire-like figure who lures young men into the woods, often appearing as a beautiful woman. Once entranced, her victims are drained of their life force. This figure embodies the darker side of fairy folklore and serves as a warning about the dangers of being seduced by the supernatural.
• The Selkies and Kelpies:  Though not fairies in the strict sense, Selkies (shape-shifting seal creatures) and Kelpies (water spirits that appear as horses) are often included in the broader category of fairy folk because of their magical nature and interactions with humans. Both Selkies and Kelpies have complex relationships with people, ranging from romantic entanglements to malicious trickery.

The Fairy Realm

The fairy folk were believed to inhabit an invisible realm that coexisted with the human world. This realm was often described as a parallel dimension, accessible only through enchanted portals like fairy mounds, forests, or certain bodies of water. Time flowed differently in the fairy realm, and it was said that a day in the fairy world could equal years in the human world. Those who entered this realm might never return, or if they did, they would find that many years had passed, and everything they knew had changed.

Fairies and Nature

Scottish fairies are closely tied to the natural world, and many of their myths serve as a reminder of the power of nature. Fairies were believed to inhabit places where nature was particularly strong—remote glens, forests, rivers, and hilltops. As a result, people in Scotland traditionally treated these places with reverence and caution.

There are numerous tales warning of the dangers of offending the fairies by disturbing their natural habitats. For example, building homes on fairy mounds or cutting down certain trees could incur the wrath of the fairy folk, leading to bad luck or even death. In many communities, offerings of food, milk, or even small pieces of clothing were left at fairy mounds or in forests to appease these beings and ensure their goodwill.

The Importance of Folklore in Scottish Culture

Fairy myths in Scotland are more than just whimsical tales; they reflect a deep connection between the people, their land, and their culture. These stories often served to explain the mysteries of the natural world and reinforce social norms. They offered explanations for strange events, illness, or unusual behavior, while also teaching respect for nature and the unseen forces that might dwell within it.

Fairy folklore has continued to influence Scottish culture, inspiring literature, art, and modern storytelling. Many of these myths remain alive in Scottish communities today, with fairy mounds and other sacred sites still regarded with caution and wonder. From the gentle Ghillie Dhu to the terrifying Baobhan Sith, the fairy folk of Scotland embody the magic and mystery that continues to captivate those who explore the country’s rich mythological heritage.