Concerning Fairies, Part II

Alright! Let's get back into it!

In our last fairy installment we left off with Asia. Little did I realize that I’d left out a little magical spirit of Russia, the Bannik. Their favorite hangout is your family’s bathhouse. If you manage to spy them through the swirling steam, they may appear as a close family member. To show him respect you should always leave after the third firing so he can have his own bath.

Now that we’re all done with Asia, I think we’ll head down to Africa, starting with South Africa. They have the Abatwa. Curiously enough, they live with ants and only reveal themselves to wizards, children, and pregnant women. If a pregnant woman is lucky enough to see one in her seventh month, she’ll be guaranteed a boy.

In West Africa you can find in the forests of the Dahomey, the Aziza. These tiny, shy spirits are bringers of luck and stories say that they’ve taught humans much over the years.

I really wanted to include these next fairies from Europe because not all of Europe’s mythologies are equally represented in today’s fantasy. I’ve chosen three different breeds of fairy that I personally found interesting. The first comes from Spain and Catalán mythology. These are called Aloja and preside over human fate (much like the famous Greek fates). Their power also extends over childbirth.

For our second European example, I found an interesting Saxon fairy, the Altercroppe. It’s a malicious little thing whose name means “Little Poison Head.” Unlike many fairies that have a humanoid shape, these look like snakes with human arms and legs. Creepy!

Finally, I want to introduce a Slavic fairy called the Vila. They appear as nymphs in streams, lakes, fields, and forests. It’s believed that they’re the spirits of virgins and children. Each night they leave their graves to dance. People should be very wary of joining in their merriment. Once you join their dancing ring you’ll dance until your death! (I think villainous laughter should go here.)

Next time we have a little discussion about I think I’ll cover dragons. Or would you prefer something a little more obscure? *waggles eyebrow*

Concerning Fairies: Part One

Often, when people think of fairies their minds turn to the mythology of the British Isles (and often a generic version at that). But we can easily move past the fey and their courts. For this trip in world mythology and folklore, I think we’ll start in the Americas.

The Inuits of North America have the Ishigaq. They are a race of tiny people, only about a foot tall. When they walk across the now, they don’t leave a single footprint behind. In Bolivia is the story of the Acalica. These little fairies control the rain, frost, and hail. They are rarely seen as they live in deep, underground caves but when they are they appear as little old men.

Elsewhere in South America there are folktales featuring the Bakru. (I find these absolutely fascinating!) They’re made by wizards and look like little half wooden children. A person can actually purchase them by the pair, but it’s not worth it. They’re so troublesome that only a powerful wizard can control them.

Now in Asia, specifically Japan, the wee people are called the Chin Chin Kobakama. They’re playful, but harmless. In Malaysia they are the Bediardari, or “Good Folk.” Both of these are much like the fey of British lore.

Out in Melanesia are Bariaua. They live in ancient trees deep within the forest. If one day you find your canoe missing, the bariaua is probably to blame.

Persia has a very primordial version of fairy that predates Islamic and even Zoroastrian beliefs. They are they Peri, being of the forests and rivers. Like many magical races they can either be a help to humans or a hindrance.

I have many more fairies to talk about, but that will have to wait until tomorrow or else this post will be massive. We’ll finish up with Africa and even take a brief stop in Europe. Hope to see you there!

Vampires: A Drain On Society

Vampires don't sparkle!!

Vampires were very “in” when I was in high school (back in the 90’s). Then, it seemed they were ditched for elves. Now thanks to Twilight and books of the like, they’re back in the forefront of popular culture. However you may feel about that series, you have to concede it that. Erotic fantasies have capitalized on them, particularly the European vein of the bloodsuckers. Other fantasies can use them well, but do they have to be the same type we’ve seen since Uncle Bram* put pen to paper? The world has quite a few wonderful answers to Europe’s famous vampires.

In the ancient Assyrian kingdom, legends spoke of the Utukku, vampiric souls that were spawned from the bile of Ea, one of the three creator gods. They made their homes in caverns, cliffs, and ruins (much like the ghul type of djinn). While still humanoid, they have the heads of animals and complete the look with horns and claws.

If you look to Africa, there is the Mwanga, a vicious were-beast that falls into the vampire category. It feeds at night like most of them, but, unlike many, can be wounded by normal weapons. But it’s far from a pushover! Even in Timbuktu there was a vampire that made the citizens take cover at night. It was called the Tyerkow. It would shed its skin during the evening to feed on the city dwellers. The only way to defeat it is to hide its skin before dawn. The rising sun would cause it to burst into flames. This story was so strong that versions of it survived with African descendants in the New World.

One similar tale is found in Surinam. There you’ll find the Azeman, a female vampire that dons the skins of animals at night to feed on her victims. There are three ways to defeat her: lay a broom handle across your doorstep, scatter brooms across your floor (she’s compelled to count EVERY bristle) so she’s caught by the rising sun and burns, or sprinkle pepper on the skin she’s using so she cannot hunt.

An Utukku from a RPG

Latin America also has quite a few others. In Chile, there are Pihuechenyi, winged serpents that feed on blood at night. In Mexico you have the Civatateo. These deathly white vampires were once noblewomen who died in childbirth. You can spot them by the death’s heads on their clothes or branded on their skins. And believe it or not, the famous Chupacabra, or goatsucker, fall into this list too.

Over in India their vampires are called Vetalas. These are actually evil spirits that enter corpses to feed on the blood of the living. Interestingly enough, Vetala is also the word for a necromancer.

My final example comes from China which has the Hu-Hsien, shape shifting fox spirits. They take the form of beautiful young men and women to enthrall their lover/next meal. Unfortunately, they’re fond of wine and drop their mortal disguises when drunk.

I know their must be a host of other kinds out there just waiting to be used. As I further my research I’ll add on, but for now, my friends, go! Create!

*Bram Stoker. If you didn't know, shame on you!!