Reviewed by Jeanne
While setting up our cryptid display, I was a bit sidetracked
looking at other creatures in folklore.
This small volume with a charming cover is subtitled “An A to Z Guide to
Fae Magic” and includes creatures from cultures all over the world. Unlike the Disney versions, many of these
creatures aren’t cute or fond of humans, except perhaps as a snack. Many are small, some can shape-shift, and
they mostly are connected with nature.
Some are helpful to humans; others are indifferent or malevolent; some
can be all three, according to their mood.
For many fairies, giving them a place to stay or offerings of
food will encourage them to help or bring luck to humans, or at the very least
to not create mischief. Some appear as small humans, while others
like the Alpine Aguane are beautiful but who have hooves. The Abatwa of South Africa are so small that
they ride on the backs of ants but they can bring down large game with their
poisoned arrows. You can curry favor with them by saying they appear large.
While many were new to me, some readily recognizable ones are
also included, such as Brownies or Boggarts. One feature I particularly liked
in this book is that the author will often mention a literary appearance
although the Boggarts of Harry Potter are different than the traditional forms.
Traditionally, a mistreated Brownie becomes a malicious Boggart.
While I’ve read other books on fairies, most have concentrated
on European folklore. This one has
global coverage, including entities from Native American tribes. The entries are mostly brief and there are a
few illustrations.
This is by no means a comprehensive look, but it is a fun
browser’s book.
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