Field Guide to Irish Fairies by Bob Curran

Arguably it is he, among others, who has formed our impression of fairies, through his character ization of Tinkerbell, as frail, flick ering beings who flitter about on gossamer wings doing good as they go. Read moreĠ05 alt Disney has a lot to answer for. With the growing and anticipated interest in fairies-particularly given the forthcoming Disney film Wings, starring Miley Cyrus- Dark Fairies is a timely and valuable new title. This is not a book for those who believe that fairies are friendly, kindly creatures. Among other aspects, he examines the connections in the Christian mind between the fairy kind and demons the links between fairies and ancient, pagan gods and the often-strained relations between fairies and humans across the ages. Bob Curran investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, tracing their origins from the sprites and maenads of Classical times to the sanitized versions of the English Victorians. Indeed, in their original form, many of our 'fairy tales' read more like late-night horror stories.ĭr. And, according to conventional folk wisdom, they were to be feared rather than trusted. They were the often-dangerous embodiment of the land, dark and unpredictable spirits that watched Humanity with a jaundiced and hostile eye.

In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. We all know about fairies-they're usually helpful, ethereal creatures in children's stories and Walt Disney films, flitting about doing good, right?

Field Guide to Irish Fairies by Bob Curran