I thought it would be interesting to list all the ailment (the ones I know and wish to share) that fairies can cause harm to mortal beings. Enjoy! Some found in folklore, others from personal experience, and some from a mix of both
- Strike of the eye, eye struck, eye bite, or evil eye
Typically, it can range from being hexed to even cursed. The victims are plagued by bad luck. Some bits of folklore and stories of fairy doctors say that one can tell if they have been “bitten by those fairies eyes” from the victim’s eyes. A strange bruise or blue mark might also appear on their skin usually near the face.
- Fairy Wails, Banshee’s song, or the Fairy Dog’s howl
The victim is said to hear a fairy’s call, one which they were not meant to hear. Some say it is soothing, while others say it is frightening. Either way, it is something that can lead to some strange occurrences. Not always negative, it can sometimes lead to prophetic visions and even the fairy sight. Though, it can also lead to one’s death or expose them to illness of ghastly winds from the underworld and the dead.
- The Fairy Strike, fairy struck, The fairy grasp, Cravings of Fairyland
The victims tended to be either youths or the elderly. They were people that fell and began to wither, whether it be physically or mentally. It is said they are being stolen away by the fairies to become their brides, grooms, nursemaids, or slaves. The people will wish isolation, no longer crave food, and lose interest in all that they once love. They merely want to sleep.
- The Fairy Bleat, Fairy Blast, or “The Wind”
This is caused from a gust of wind sent from an angry fairy, which can cause a darkness of heart or for the heart to be swallowed up. They are weak and all strength is sucked up. They might also shiver and be cold, yet it is summer and warm. They might also become grayer in complexion.
- The Fairy Stroke (also called the Fairy Blast too)
When someone is hit by a fairy, they will show signs usually lumps, tumors, bruises, strange marks (even claw marks), or even become paralyzed (both temporarily and permanently)
- Fairy Taken, Fairy-napped
Both physically or mentally, an individual has been taken away by the fairies. If physically, the person is missing (maybe replaced by a fake like a doll, animal, or even log). If mentally, the person is not responsive to anything or anyone, rather they lay in a state of sleeping. This usually is the result of the fairy grasp.
- The Fairy Song, fairy’s flute, siren’s call
The call to those unknowing. It is hypnotic and pleasing to our ears. The victims forget themselves and are drawn to the call. Sometimes its straight into the sea, where they drown. Other times, its right into a fairy fort and to a Fairy Queen.
- Fairy Darts, fairy arrows, elf darts
Small arrows and darts that fairies use to attack various creatures from crows to people. They typically aim around the joints and can cause pain, redness, and swelling. For cows, it might cause their milk to sour or go dry.
- Fairy Nightmares
When the fairies tug and pull at a sleeping person’s body (their hair, limbs, clothing, etc) and torment them in their sleep.
- Fool of the Forth, glance of the fool, Mad Eye
One of the more deadly ailments, the fool of the forth is believed to be incurable, though some swear that Biddy Early could cure them half the time. Basically, the victim looks into the eyes of the Fool and become mad. It can lead to them committing suicide, eating strange and dangerous things, becoming a wrathful beast, or even attacking friends/family. Some experience partial Mad Eyes, due to not directly looking at the fool of the forth. These cases can lead to severe symptoms that are temporary or very minor symptoms that stick with them.
That’s all I’ve got to share with you guys, hope you enjoyed! Some sources below 🙂
Ailments of the fairy folk
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