Showing posts with label #Fairylore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Fairylore. Show all posts

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Fairies Symbolize the Mystical Unknown

 Guardians of the thin veil between worlds


As a young child, I was often (perhaps too often) told by my frustrated mother, "If you don't behave, the Vasorrú bába (Iron-nosed hag, a child-hunting witch, akin to Baba Yaga) will take you away!"

Hungarian fairy lore is rich, mysterious, and deeply entwined with nature and ancient cosmology. The central figure in these legends is the Tündér, a uniquely Hungarian type of fairy whose name evokes shimmering light and illusion.

The Tündér: Hungary’s Ethereal Fairy
Etymology: The word Tündér likely comes from tündöklő (“shining”) or tünékeny (“fleeting”), emphasizing their radiant and elusive nature.
Tündér are described as stunningly beautiful women with delicate features, flowing garments, and wings like butterflies or dragonflies.
They are playful, wise, and emotionally influential—often benevolent, but capable of mischief.

Role in Folklore
Nature Guardians: 
Tündér are protectors of forests, rivers, and mountains. They symbolize the sacredness of nature and the human connection to it.

Otherworldly Realms: 
Legends place them in magical underwater palaces or hidden groves. Some tales say regions like Csallóköz were once populated by fairies.

Guides and Helpers: 
In stories, they often assist lost travelers or reward kindness, reinforcing moral lessons and the value of respect for nature.

Tündér Ilona: The Fairy Queen
One of the most famous figures is Tündér Ilona, a fairy queen known for her beauty and allure. She embodies the archetype of the elf-beautiful woman—seductive, powerful, and not entirely human. Her tales often explore themes of love, transformation, and the tension between mortal and magical worlds.

Related Beings in Hungarian Myth
“Beautiful lady” with witch-like traits; seduces men, kidnaps babies
Vasorrú bába
“Iron-nosed hag”; a child-hunting witch, akin to Baba Yaga
Wandering sorcerer with a magic book; can summon storms or dragons
Shamanic figure who battles dragons and controls weather

Symbolism and Cultural Impact
Fairies in Hungarian legend reflect a worldview where nature is alive, sacred, and morally complex. They’re not just whimsical—they’re reminders of ancient beliefs about balance, respect, and the unseen forces that shape human life.

Fairies in legends are far more complex than the glittery winged sprites of modern children’s tales. Across cultures and centuries, they’ve been feared, revered, and woven into the very fabric of folklore. They’re not just whimsical, they’re reminders of ancient beliefs about balance, respect, and the unseen forces that shape human life. 

Fairies symbolize the mystical unknown, the power of nature, and the thin veil between worlds. They reflect human hopes and fears of the wild, the unseen, and the morally ambiguous. In modern culture, they’ve evolved, but their roots remain tangled in shadow and wonder.

Origins and Cultural Roots
Celtic Mythology: 
Many fairy legends trace back to Celtic beliefs, where faeries were seen as nature spirits or remnants of ancient deities. The Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race in Irish mythology, are often linked to fairy lore.

Christian Influence: 
In medieval Christian tradition, fairies were sometimes viewed as fallen angels—neither good enough for heaven nor bad enough for hell.

Global Analogues: 
Similar beings appear worldwide: gandharvas in Sanskrit texts, jinn in Arabic lore, and lauma in Baltic mythology. These beings often share traits like magical powers, liminality, and moral ambiguity.

Traits and Behaviors:
Nature Spirits: Fairies are often tied to natural places—forests, hills, rivers—and are said to protect or haunt these areas. They’re especially associated with ancient burial mounds and fairy rings.

Tricksters and Guardians: 
Legends warn of fairies leading travelers astray with will-o'-the-wisps or swapping human babies for changelings. Yet they also help with household tasks or offer blessings—if treated respectfully3.

Protective Charms: 
People used charms like iron, four-leaf clovers, and church bells to ward off fairies. Wearing clothes inside out was another common tactic.

Types of Fairies:
Scottish house fairies who help with chores if given offerings
Mischievous winged fairies, often linked to English and American folklore
Nature-bound spirits in American tales, similar to Irish elves
Finnish house fairies brought to America by immigrants

Literary and Artistic Legacy:
Fairies flourished in Renaissance literature and Romantic art, often depicted as ethereal, beautiful beings.
Writers like Edmund Spenser, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen helped shape their modern image—though often sanitizing their darker folkloric origins.

Symbolism and Modern Impact:
Fairies symbolize the mystical unknown, the power of nature, and the thin veil between worlds. They reflect human hopes and fears of the wild, the unseen, and the morally ambiguous. In modern culture, they’ve evolved into icons of whimsy, but their roots remain tangled in shadow and wonder.



Thursday, October 18, 2018

Fair Folk or Deadly Monsters

Fairies, Fae, Aes Sidhe, Seelie, Tuatha Dé Danann, Aos Si are all names for the same beings. But why do they have so many different ones? Fairies have origins from all over Europe. They have roots in Celtic, Slavic, French, German, and
English. The term fairy, contrary to popular belief is used to describe more than small magical  human like creatures with wings. It is a loose term used to describe creatures of magic including things like goblins or gnomes, ethereal creatures, or sprites. If you think of the stories in Grimm's Fairy Tales you'll have a general idea of the types of creatures in this group.

The earliest origins of fairy lore stemmed from various ideas in multiple countries. Some cultures believe they are a hidden people that were around long before the human race. They once dominated earth but as humans spread they were forced into hiding. Others believed they are
Artist
fallen angels that did not follow Satan to hell, instead they chose to remain on earth. Another similar theory is that fairies are dead spirits that refused to pass on, while others go further and accuse them of being demons.

Fairies are recorded in oral traditions as early as the 13th century. Scottish ballads passed down stories such as Sir Orfeo and Thomas Rhymer. Their appearance in literature is scattered throughout the centuries. One of the earliest works was Beowulf in the late 10th to early 11th century. They resurface in the 16th century in stories like A Mid Summer's Night Dream, and The Faerie Queen.

In mythology and literature fairies can be helpful like Cinderella's godmother, or tricksters like Puck. Then there are the more harmful fae like goblins or trolls and even some who like to eat children. People throughout time have searched for wards and charms to keep from falling under their spells. Some believe wearing your clothes inside out, church bells and four leaf clovers will keep the fae away. Others think there is no protection. Unfortunately you'd probably have to know what type of fairy your dealing with and where they are from to find just the right method.

In my newest paranormal romance you won't even think about a charm to keep this fairy away.

Honor Bound


Liam is bored with everyday life in Underhill, the home of the Fae. When you’ve lived as long as he has few things hold any excitement anymore. When a mortal woman stumbles into Underhill all of that changes. She captivates him like none have in ages. Now Liam will stop at nothing to find her and make the mortal his. How far will he go to get what he wants?

Hallie O’Neil thinks she has it all figured out. She has a great career, serious boyfriend, and perfect New York apartment. Everything changes when an Irish Adonis walks into her work one afternoon. As hard as Hallie tries to fight it, Liam insists on inserting himself into her life. There’s something different about Liam that Hallie can’t figure out. Can she discover the truth before she’s in too deep?

Excerpt:

After dinner, they went for a walk in the park. It was the perfect night. The air was cool. The moon was almost full. Hallie cuddled in close. It sent warmth through his body. It had been a long time since a woman did that to him.
                Faolin stopped walking and pulled Hallie close. She wrapped her arms around him staring up into his eyes. He felt like he could drown in the depths of those blue pools. Mercifully she closed her eyes as he bent to kiss her. With Hallie, it was always warm and tender. Affection radiated from her. Tonight there was more. Desire was there as well. She pulled him closer, and he deepened their kiss. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth. Suddenly Hallie tore herself away with a slight laugh.
                “Maybe we should go somewhere more private,”  Hallie suggested.
                That was fine by Faolin. He resisted creating a portal and walked with her tucked into his arm the whole way back. She played with his fingers kissing the tips now and then. It was enough to remind Faolin she wanted him. By the time they reached his apartment his pants were uncomfortably tight from Hallie’s teasing.
                As soon as Faolin closed the door, he pinned Hallie to the wall with his body. His mouth covered hers and he felt the tension in her body rise. She wanted this as badly as he did. Hallie’s tongue slid into his mouth before she withdrew and bit his lip slightly. The lass was intent to drive him mad with desire. One of her small hands found its way under his shirt and ran over the muscles of his chest and abdomen. Hallie smiled against his lips. Faolin grabbed her ass and pulled her closer.

                Hallie giggled slightly at Faolin’s forcefulness. It was the wrong move. The sound spurred his actions. If she liked that he could do so much more. Faolin picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He tossed her on the bed then pulled off his shirt. Hallie lay back watching. She smiled with appreciation. Then he took off his pants, and she sat up a little. Faolin grinned. If that got her attention, he couldn’t wait to see what she did next.

You can find Honor Bound in  Moonlight Mist a paranormal romance collection available 10/30/18


Somewhere underneath a moonlit night lies an underworld that some may not believe exists.
The creatures of this alternate plain lurk beyond the mist. 
Searching.
Hungry.
Craving for what they need. 
Some may find it. Some might even curb that hunger. But a few will not. 
Without knowing what it is they need to satisfy a primal need, they seek out something more. Something that will test their limits in search of something greater. Something powerful... Something everlasting. 




I am a mother, pharmacist and author. I write fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal romance. I love all things related to books and writing. I am a huge nerd who loves Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and Dr Who. I have to catch up on the new season no "spoilers" please. If you would like to learn more about me or my work please visit my page or my website.







COMMENTS

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nicola L Osguthorpe

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Faries, how exciting
I shared on my author site
 
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Tricia Drammeh shared this via Google+

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on #OurAuthorGang, fantasy author Rebecca Tran offers up an excerpt from her novel, Honor Bound.
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Joe Bonadonna

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Very nice post, Rebecca. I like that you went deep into the Celtic thing. I love the "other races," and your excerpt is wonderfully enticing.
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Thanks Joe, I think most people think of English folk lore when they think of fae but they have deep roots in Ireland and Scotland. I could have done a whole post just on Irish fairy lore.
 
+Rebecca Tran -- you're welcome. Yes, you're right. And so much of Celtic mythology can also be found in other countries and cultures further north. The Danes had elves, too, for example. I often think the Fae went into hiding or into another realm with the rise of Christianity, a theory I once read somewhere years ago.

Jan Springer shared this via Google+

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Rebecca Tran​ shares information and history of fairies and the fae, plus a HOT excerpt from her latest work on #OurAuthorGang. Check her out!
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Ruth de Jauregui

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great overview of fairies and the fae, Rebecca! And that excerpt was HOT!!
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Thanks Ruth. So glad you liked the excerpt.

Chris Weigand

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Intriguing post. Great excerpt.
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Thanks Chris. It’s nice to get away from dragons sometimes... not for too long though they get jealous.

Chris Weigand via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Explore the world of Fair Folk with Rebecca
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Erika M Szabo shared this via Google+

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Erika M Szabo

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Fascinating background on Fairies and great excerpt :)
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Thanks Erika I hope it lives up to the other amazing authors in the collection. It should be a great set.

Toi Thomas via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Rebecca Tran​ offers a brief history of fairies and an excerpt from her book, Honor Bound. #OurAuthorGang
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There was so much left unsaid. Maybe another post is in order.
 
+Rebecca Tran Nice. I like it.

Nikki McDonagh

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
An interesting piece about fairies and their origins form Rebecca Tran. Also, check out the excerpt from her Paranormal Romance book.
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It’s always fun to try new things and Honor Bound was a real treat.

Lorraine Carey

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Rebecca Tran has given us a glimpse into the world of the Fae and some enticing excerpts into some of her paranormal romance books today!
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The fae always offer endless possibilities seeing their history gives a richness to their story that wasn’t there before.
 
+Rebecca Tran I have to agree with you. I 've always been fascinated by them.