Here at Evermore Cottage, we love folklore and old stories. Some of our favourite stories are about fairies. You know, the little creatures with wings like Tinkerbell, except they’re not little, they don’t have wings and they are nothing like Tinkerbell!
Although the name Fairy is the most widely known name for these creatures, in Irish folklore they are not usually named for fear of insulting or invoking them. In folklore if they must be referred to they were usually known as Aes sídhe which means The People of the Mounds, but they can also be referred to as na daoine úaisle – The Noble People, or na daoine maithe – The Good People.
There are many stories about Fairies in Ireland, some of my favourites are about their relationship with bluebells. It is believed that Fairies used bluebells to trap passersby, particularly small children. It’s said that the bluebells would ring when the Fairies were summoning their kin. If a human saw the faeries or heard the bells they would be put under an enchantment. Fairies are not overly evil creatures, they just have their own, often mischievous agenda. Because of the Fairies relationship with bluebells, it’s best not to pick these beautiful flowers for fear of the Faeries getting angry. Legend says that if a child picks a bluebell in the woods, they will never be seen again.
There are many legends in Irish folklore about bluebells. One says that if you can turn the delicate petals of the bluebells inside out without breaking them, you will find your true love, or if someone is wearing a crown of bluebells they can only speak the truth.
If you would like to know more about Fairies or Irish folklore, I would love to dive deeper into the subject. In Evermore Cottage our garden is full of flowers, fairies and magic.
Take Care
Evermore Cottage 