Elementals, Nature Spirits, Fairies, etc.

An elemental is a being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus.  The basic concept of an elemental refers to the ancient idea of elements as building blocks of nature.   An elemental is a creature (usually a spirit) that is attuned with or composed of one of the classical elements, air, water, earth and fire.  The elements balance each other out through opposites; water quenches fire, fire boils water, earth contains air, air erodes earth. 

Elemental or nature spirits never knew life as we know it as they originated from another realm of existence.  Today’s society finds it very difficult to believe in the typical Victorian fairy, but it has not always been that way.

In the middle Ages, the gentiles defined it as a divinity or unknown force, which had a fascinating effect on the other divinities and on men and events. The French word fée has a similar origin and resulted in the English words fey and fairie which, as time went by, suffered spelling variations from fayerye, fayre, faerie, faery, and fairy. According to its ethimology, it is a fantastic being pictured as a woman known to have magical powers. For the Saxons, the word ferie refers to the world of fairies as an entity, being a geographical location.

The world of Fairies is a mixture of a mysterious enchantment and extreme caution should be exercised to penetrate into this world, as nothing is more irritating to fairies than several human beings curiously moving around their extraordinary dominions, like spoiled tourists.  Location of these elementary beings has varied throughout time and cultures. For the Irish, sometimes it was found in the horizon; other under their own feet; on other occasions, on hills, or in a magical island in the high seas or under the ocean. 

Air Spirits: Silfides
The air element, featured by intelligence, represented by Spring and Dawn is inhabited by Sylphs in the form of butterflies. They control winds, help birds in their migrations and flowers in their pollination. Their light yellow- toned translucent appearance is present in the scent of wet herb threatening to rain.

Water Spirits: Nymphs, Mermaids, Nereids, Naiads, Undines,and Water Goblins.
The water element featured by love and cures, represented by Autumn and Sunset, is inhabited by nymphs, mermaids, nereids, and undines. These spirits tend to be human in size and they appear as mythological creatures in all liquids, such as seas, rivers, fresh water brooks, falls, and clouds. Their aspect vary depending on their habitat. Nereids rule the seas; undines called Naiads by the Greek, are found in lakes. They are mostly blue and a receptive energy. Like mermaids, they attract any sailor with their songs until they wreck. They are the ones channeling natural river beds.

Earth Spirits:
The Earth element is the most dense. It is represented by Winter and the night. It is inhabited by Ladies, goblins, gnomes, and trolls. They are mostly green, and have a receptive energy. Fairies or ladies are characterized by their kindness and for being the oldest inhabitants of the plant. They may either be imposing or tiny; their powers, however, are incredible and dominate nature.  

Fire Spirits: Salamanders
The Fire element features both creation and destruction. It is represented by Summer, and daylight. It is inhabited by Salamanders, Farralis and Ra-Arus, appearing as reddish salamanders and dragons. They give the idea that with courage and imagination everything can be done. They send forth projective energy, and dominate the element. No fire would be ignited without their intervention.

Alphabetical list of spirits

Abatwa:

Originated in South Africa, very small, so small they can ride on insects, but are human in appearance.  It is said that they resemble the native people of South Africa and live in the grass and anthills.  They are a trooping spirit who tends to hunt their prey with tiny poison arrows. They are rarely seen by human eyes.

Ballybogs:
Originated in Ireland, but similar faeiries are found in Welsh and Cornish faery lore known as Bogles.. Their element is earth and they are found at peat bogs or mud holes. They are small mud covered creatures. Their bodies are almost completely round and they don't have necks. They seem harmless, if unpleasant.

The Banshee:
The bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy) may be an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient Irish families of their time of death. The banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain. She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman).

Although not always seen, her mourning call is heard, usually at night when someone is about to die.  Her element is water and she appears at night before a death. She is a well known and much feared faery, and sometimes classified as a ghost. She is female and appears in a filmy, full-sized human form with long stringy hair partially covered with a hood, and a white gown or shroud, and has a wet ghost like appearance. Her keening (mourning wail) is heard at night prior to death.

Basilisk: 

Originated in Greece and associated with fire.  They have the head and body of a large snake, a comb on its head like arooster with arms or feathered wings.  They dislike human contact and will instantly kill due to their highly poisonous bodies. 

Bean-Fionn:
They originated in Ireland, Germany, and England; and is also known as Water Woman, Weisse Frau, Jenny Greentooth, or the Greentooth Woman. Her element is water and she is found in dark lakes where drownings have repeatedly occurred. Pronounced Ban-Shoan, literally "white woman", is a water, female faery in a white gown who lives beneath lakes and steams and reaches up to drag under and drown children who play or work near the water.

Beansidhe:

Originated in Ireland and are associated with water.  They appear as a young and attractive women with red eyes from crying.  She usually wears a veil, and her purpose is to warn of an impending deeath.  She is usually seen washing blood stained clothes is a stream and predicts an imminent and sudden death.  One Bean Sighe story has made it to the US, she haunts the Tar River near Taraboro in North Carolina.

Bean-Tighe:
Originated in Ireland and is also called Our Housekeeper. Their element is earth and they are found at hearth sides. Pronounced Ban-tee or Ban-Teeg; no one has ever fully described them. They are thought to appear as small elderly women in old-fashioned peasant clothing with kindly, dimpled faces. They are very friendly to humans and wish to have a friendly human house to watch over. They are faery housekeepers who can be found watching over children, hearths, and pets. It is also believed they would finish up chores left undone by the tired mother of the house. They love fresh strawberries and cream.

Boggarts:

Originated in Scotland and are earth elementals.  They appear about 2 feet tall, stocky and somewhat deformed, with a long thin nose, dark eyes and bearded.  These spirits are malicious and dangerous and can devastate a household.  They will torment children with pinching, biting, spoil food, free livestock, destroy furniture and relentlessly drive a family to a new home, and sometimes they will follow the family.

Brownies:

Originated in England and are earth elementals.  They appear a little over a foot tall, with black eyes, no noses (just nostrils) and beards.  They are rustic looking little guys with very delicate fingers for tedious tasks.  They are friendly, generous, hard working and easily offended.  They will help in a household, but have very strict rules.  They assist with the household chores all for a small ration of good quality food each day.  A new set of clothes or any award will make them disappear forever.

Brown Men:

Originated in Scotland and is an element of fire.  They appear shortere than the average man, but proportionally correct. They are lean with bronze colored hair.  They avoid humans but protect animal life.  Little is known about them due to their aversion to humans.

Buachailleen:
Originated in Ireland and Scotland and another name for them is The Herding Boys. Their element is earth and they can be found in pastures in the summer. Pronounced Boo-al-een, and literally means "little boys". They look like young men and wear red hats, which may really be inverted flower caps, and are fantastic shapeshifters. Their mischievous nature borders on mean and they have been known to torment animals for fun.

Cailleac Bhuer:

Originated in Scotland, and an element of water.  She is an old women who walks the forest at night with a walking stick tipped with the head of a cow.  Her familiar, a crow is perched on her shoulder, she has jagged teeth and one big blue eye.  She is traditionally avoided as a child killer and should be avoided.

Changelings:  stocks
Many fairy children die before birth and those that do survive are often stunted or deformed creatures. The adult fairies, are repelled by these infants and have no wish to keep them. They will try to swap them with healthy children who they steal from the mortal world. The wizened, ill tempered creature left in place of the human child is generally known as a changeling and possesses the power to work evil in a household. Any child who is not baptized or who is overly admired is especially at risk of being exchanged.

It is their temperament, however, which most marks the changeling. Babies are generally joyful and pleasant, but the fairy substitute is never happy, except when some calamity befalls the household. For the most part, it howls and screeches throughout the waking hours and the sound and frequency of its yells often transcend the bounds of mortal endurance.

A changeling can be one of three types: actual fairy children; senile fairies who are disguised as children or, inanimate objects, such as pieces of wood which take on the appearance of a child through fairy magic. This latter type is known as a stock.
Puckered and wizened features coupled with yellow, parchment-like skin are all generic changeling attributes. This fairy will also exhibit very dark eyes, which betray a wisdom far older than its apparent years. Changelings display other characteristics, usually physical deformities, among which a crooked back or lame hand are common. About two weeks after their arrival in the human household, changelings will also exhibit a full set of teeth, legs as thin as chicken bones, and hands which are curved and crooked as birds' talons and covered with a light, downy hair.

No luck will come to a family in which there is a changeling because the creature drains away all the good fortune which would normally attend the household. Thus, those who are cursed with it tend to be very poor and struggle desperately to maintain the ravenous monster in their midst.

One positive feature which this fairy may demonstrate is an aptitude for music. As it begins to grow, the changeling may take up an instrument, often the fiddle or the Irish pipes, and plays with such skill that all who hear it will be entranced.

Clurichaun :
Originated in Ireland, but similar fairies are found in Italy by the name of Monciello. It is also known as His Nibs in some parts of Ireland. His element is earth and he is found in wine cellars. He is a solitary faery who resembles the Leprechaun. Pronounced Kloo-ree-kahn, no females have ever been sighted. He guards wine cellars, which he chooses in his own time, then he moves in and makes himself at home. He is impeccably well-groomed and well-dressed, and is almost always drunk. He generally has a cheery disposition, but is a bit aloof, even while intoxicated. He wears a red hat that may be made of plants. If he is ignored or mistreated it is said he well wreak havoc on you cellars and on your home, and most defiantly will spoil your wine stock.

Corrigans:

Originated in England and is associated with water.  Appear as an ugly old deformed women by day, but a beautiful blonde maiden by night. Theyn are known for being very intelligent, and great at solving many types of problems.

Dinnshenchas:
Originated in Ireland. Their element is fire and they are found in pastures or at shrines to Aine which are found in her home county Kilkenny. Pronounced Din-sheen-k'has, they are dwarf fairies in the service of the Irish Goddess Aine, who is a cattle goddess and a protector of women. They can shapeshift and guard cattle and avenge women harmed by men.

Dryads:

Originated in Greece and their element is air.  They appear as wispy lights that are seen I old trees.  These spirits are known mainly for playing and tend to have a prankish nature.  They are associated with the ancient Druids and Pagans use them to communicate with the Old Gods.

Duergar:

Originated in France or Spain and are earth elementals.  They appear about 20” tall with leathery black skin, and are somewhat strong and athletic.  Duergars are angry, bitter and hate humans, and will kill them when they see them.

Dullahan:
The dullahan is one of the most spectacular creatures in the Irish fairy realm and one which is particularly active.
Around midnight on certain Irish festivals or feast days, this wild and black-robed horseman may be observed riding a dark and snorting steed across the countryside. It is advisable to stay home with the curtains drawn; particularly around the end of August or early September when the feast of Crom Dubh reputedly took place. The dullahan’s call is the summoning of the soul o f a dying person rather than a death warning. There is no real defense against a dullahan because he is death’s herald. However, an artifact made of gold might frighten him away, for dullahan’s appear to have an irrational fear of this metal. Even a small amount of gold shall do.

Elfs:

Elfs are huge magical beings divided into two categories; light elfs and the Dark Elfs.

Light Elves dominate the change in appearance, have an etereous beauty, and are one of the best disposition elfs.  They are translucent and blue colored. 

Dark Elfs build their homes beneath the earth, they are frequently found in houses where they prefer dark corners, only visible at night.  They may be grey, brown, red or black colours.    Gloom elfs are the most numerous and are found in trees, plants, brooks and ponds, they are quite cautious and protected from the interference of strangers.

Ellyllon:

Welsh in origin, and water is their element. They appear as tiny thin human looking, and attractive both male and female.  These spirits are trooping, jovial and basically happy and helpful.. They like cleanliness and order, and have a good time while cleaning the homes of the downtrodden or look after livestock.  If seen, they vanish but will not take revenge like many of their cousins.

Erluitle:

Originated in Switzerland and associated with the earth.  They generally look like dwarfs except for their large duck feet. They used to assist with farming, but nowadays seem to dislike humans, some beleive their race is dying out.

Fir Darrigs:
Originated in Ireland, with Scotland being a possible first home and also known as Rat Boys. Their element is water and they can be found along polluted coastlines, swamps, marshes, and in costal ruins and are most active in winter. Pronounced Fear Durgs, they are fat, ugly faeries with dark, hairy skin and long snouts and tails which give them a rat-like appearance. They wear shabby, torn costumes which seem to date to the Middle Ages. They are morbidly dangerous who feeds on carrion, and his shillelagh (Irish walking stick) is topped with a skull of unknown origin. They live near the sea, in damp raths or marshes, rather than in the sea, and like the heat near human fireplaces.

Formorians:
They originated in Ireland and are also called The Formors. Their element is water and they are found at sea shores at night. They are sea monsters, the survivors of a banished faery race that was driven out of Ireland by the Tuatha De Danann. They have bizarrely misshapen bodies. They do have arms and legs and have been occasionally seen on land. They are very stupid and ill-tempered.

Gancanagh:
Originated in Ireland and is called the Gaconer in Scotland and Cornwall. His element is air and he is a lonely male faery that materializes in lonely places and attempts to seduce females who will eventually die of love for him. Pronounces Gon-cawn-ah, and his trademark is an Irish clay pipe which he is either holding in his hand or has clenched in his teeth.

Geancanach:
Originated in Ireland and the Hebrides Islands of Scotland. Their element is fire and they are most active at night, and can be found around a blazing fire at your hearthside. Pronounced Gan-cahn-ock, they are always depicted as being very small, and having playful, mischievous smiles. They are pixie-like in appearance and have huge eyes that curve upward on the ends and large pointed ears. They have small wings, but they do not seem to be functional, and appear to dematerlize and reappear quickly to move from place to place. They are often mistaken for flickering lights or lighting bugs. They are guardians of the home and hearth and crave the warmth of the fireside and are harmless. They do have a tendency to play pranks though. Any kindness from them can be repaid with the warmth of your fire and fresh milk.

Gitto:

Originated in Wales and associated with air.  They have the heads of horses and they bodies of goats.  They are able to communicate in human language, and despite being wingless they can fly short distances.  They are very malevolent and are known to steal harvest and cause physical harm.  They aren't very intelligent so they are rarely able to figure out how to cause physical damage.

Glaistig:

Originated in Scotland and associated with water.  The appear from a distance to be a beautiful young women but up close she is made up of animal parts  They are known to aid and like women, children, elderly and sometimes farmers, but she will kill adult men.  She has two methods, either sucking the blood from her victim or drowning him.

Gnomes:

Originated in various parts of Europe and are earth spirits, they preferably work the soil and tree roots, to which they grant power. They look like funny little old men, as they belong to a race coming from the beginning of times and can live for 1,000 of years.  They are also the elementals of high Magic.  It is said that they inhabited the lost Atlantis. These tiny creatures build their homes under aging trees. They only go out at night and their home is lively after sunset. They are friends of animals, they speak their same language and protect them from danger. The best feasts are when the freezing winds blow over the woods dancing and playing, they start to run and some prefer rain for their dances.   They tend to live in ancient oaks and the only time gnomes may cause problems is when their homes are chopped down and a house is built over their sacred tree spot.

Goblins:

These beings are in the rough image of man, virtous or vicious, pure or impure, better or worse. 

Domestic Goblins- live insidehouses or in the surroundings.  For centuries they inhabited wild, woody and mountainous areas, living inside caves or cverns until one of them approached the places where human beings lived, first for the sake of curiosity, then with the objective of having fun.  They appear preferably at night.  They stand about 50cm high and resemble man.  They go out at night and love to have fun by dint of those sleeping.  Even those most of them liek to bother or frighten human beings, some of them, however, love to help men in domestic households.  

Sleep Goblins-belong to a strange family of aggresive and individualist goblins.  They cause nightmares and choose women and children as their victims. 

Grant:

Orignated in England and looks like a small horse but walks upright.  While disturbing to look at the Grant is not an evil creature.  He warns of danger and has also been known to protect against enemy attack.

Gremlins:

Originated in Germany and is associated with air.  They have been discribed as amix of a bull terrier/jack rabbit, human/goat or a mixture of a bunch of animals and human.  Gremlins began being documented during WWII, and are almost always associated with flight.  they have a fascination with airplanes and the mechanics behind them.  Nowadays some accredit them with fooloing around with appliances like VCR's and microwaves.  (Read the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindburgh account of his flight overt the Atlantic and his encouter with Gremlins)

Grogoch:
Grogochs were originally half human, half-fairy aborigines who came from Kintyre in Scotland to settle in Ireland. The grogoch, well-known throughout north Antrim, Rathlin Island and parts of Donegal, may also to be found on the Isle of Man, where they are called 'phynnodderee'. Resembling a very small elderly man, though covered in coarse, dense reddish hair or fur, he wears no clothes, but sports a variety of twigs and dirt from his travels. Grogochs are not noted for their personal hygiene: there are no records of any female grogochs.  His home may be a cave, hollow or cleft in the landscape. In numerous parts of the northern countryside are large leaning stones which are known as 'grogochs' houses'.

He has the power of invisibility and will often only allow certain trusted people to observe him. A very sociable being, the grogoch. He may even attach himself to certain individuals and help them with their planting and harvesting or with domestic chores - for no payment other than a jug of cream.

Guagach:

Originated in Scotland and she appears as an old shepard women with a walking stick who has facial hair and very withered skinn.  She is known to walk the villages asking for food, if a homeowner grants her request, she will protect his livestock.  If refused, she will steal livestock.

Gwragedd Annwn: 

Originated in Wales and is associated with water.  Appears as a beautiful blond women who are singing and dancing by sacred lakes.  They are friendly and helpful to women, love children but are uninterested in men unless for a mating partner from time to time.  they make cold wives, but excellent mothers for any man who would choose to marry one.

Imps:

These are little devil looking goblins, not linked to a house, but to a person to whom they assist and make their owner.  They are usually linked to witchcraft.

Jimaninos:

Originated in Mexico and are associated with the earth.  These spirits appear as little cherubs or cupids, that are chubby, winged and all appear like small children.  They tend to be dark haired and are trooping.  They act very much like small children and generally don’t interact with people.

Kelpies:

Originated in Scotland and are associated with water.f  They are a cross between a horse, water fowl and a wildcat.  Kelpies are very dangerous to humans, they are rarely seen anymore.  They can shapeshift into attrqctive humans and lure humans into their lair either to become an unwilling mating partner or a meal.

Knockers:

Originated in England and are earth elementals.  They appear to look like small miners, with hunched backs.  They usually carry sacks of raw metals on their backs, and often have picks and shovels.  They are rarely seen, but miners treat the Knockers with respect by leaving food and drink out for them, and in turn the knockers will point out the ore.

Kobold:

Originated in Northern Europe and are associated with the earth.  They appear about 2 feet tall and are helpful and cheery. These guys are known for taking care of the domestic chores, especially the fireplace.  If angered or mistreated they can cause serious problems for their victims, the infestation will appear as intense poltergeist activity and is very difficult to stop.  The Kobold do hate smoke, and can be smoked out.

Leanansidhe:

Associated with water and are beautiful young women with pale vampire like skin.  Sh is, in essence, a demon like entity or vampire.  legend says she will drain the blood of her victims and pour it into a vat which gives her the beauty and talent to continue gathering more victims.

Leprechauns:
The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath bhrogan (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma'n (Irish for pygmy). These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected. Besides the fact they can use foul language, they also smoke awful smelling pipes and manage to drink a lot of stout, even straight from the jug.

Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure (left by the Danes when they marauded through Ireland), burying it in crocks or pots. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans whom they regard as foolish, flighty (and greedy?) creatures. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it .However, you must never take your eye off him, for he can vanish in an instant.
Leprechauns originated in Ireland and are also called The Gentry. Their element is earth and they can be found in wild areas with large grassy hills. The Leprechaun is a solitary faery who loves to play pranks on humans. He appears as male, and no female sightings have ever been reported. They are almost always seen in green clothing or costly material and green tri-coloured hats. They are mischievous, but will be helpful to humans when approached with respect. They are very quick-witted except with drunk. He guards a pot of gold, if one can gain control of one they can have the pot of gold and three wishes. They are shoemakers by trade, however they only work on one shoe and only serve other fae. They do not enjoy working with fellow faeries and keeps to himself except for at parties. They have been known to invite humans do these, which can be joined as long as they do not ear, drink, or dance with them.

Lesidhe:
Originated in Ireland and India. They are known as Leshes in Slavic lands and Suibotschniks in Russia, and Leshiye in Germany. Their element is air and they can be found in wild woods. Pronounced Lay-shee, they are guardians of forests who is always disguised as foliages. They are usually found in groups, and seems to be androgynous. They are classified as solitaries rather than trooping faeries, because they seem to have little to do with each other. They are active in the spring and summer, especially at dawn and dusk, but seem to prefer being nocturnal. It is believed they have come to dislike human for their careless treatment of the environment. Though they have never harmed anyone, their nasty pranks usually involve trying to lose people in deep woods.