pixie
Pixies are mythical creatures often depicted as small, mischievous, and magical beings, typically associated with Celtic folklore and British mythology.
They are said to dwell in woodlands and fields, living in underground burrows or within rocks and stones. Pixies are sometimes portrayed as winged creatures, but they can also be depicted as having no wings. In some myths, they are described as helpful to humans, while in others, they are mischievous and may even cause harm.
The appearance and abilities of pixies can vary widely depending on the cultural context and specific story or myth in which they appear. Pixies have become popularized in modern culture, often appearing in literature, films, and games.
Physical characteristics
Pixies, also known as piskies, are ‘little people‘ and almost fairy-like, but generally do not have wings. They have pointed hats and pointed ears. Many are pictured with red hair and or green rags. Modern narratives often depict pixies as wearing leaves and rags.
Pixies are said to be friendly for the most part, and have a joyful or happy spirit, but are also known for their mischief. They enjoy playing and riding horses, and will sometimes engage in mischievous theft of horses to ride around. They have been known to return them with tangled manes.
In some descriptions, dancing is their primary form of enjoyment and entertainment. When they dance, they may dance in circles or rings. In Anna Eliza Bray’s tale “A Peep at the Pixies”, she describes them as enjoying the music of grasshoppers and crickets while they dance.
Each pixie may have a different personality even within a single group. Some may lean towards being cruel, and playing mean pranks on humans such as leading them astray at night or even the theft of babies. Others may help people with their chores or work, or simply play a harmless trick or two on them.
origin
Their origins are from southwest Britain but their exact origins are difficult to pinpoint. According to a number of sources, they have very strong ties to Dartmoor, an area of land on the Southwest Peninsula of England with large, rounded, rocky hills called tors. Dartmoor is a moor, an almost barren area of land with few trees, low brush and vegetation, a few streams and spotted with tors.
It is very likely that they originate from Celtic culture, although Wikipedia notes that there is a small possibility that their name originates from a Norse Swedish wordpyske, which translates to “wee little fairy”. Another possibility for where the word pixie could have originated from was from the Old English wordspiskieor pisky, which would give evidence for Celtic origins.
It wasn’t until the 1800s where extensive literature began appearing about the little people. Mentioned above, Anna Eliza Bray’s “A Peep at the Pixies” was published in 1854. In this series of stories, Ms. Bray gives an excellent historical viewpoint of what the beliefs or perspectives of pixies were at the time.
There was strong belief in the existence of pixies for many centuries, and some in Britain still believe in their existence to this day.
powers and abilities
Flight: Pixies are known for their ability to fly, usually with the aid of wings or magic.
Invisibility: Pixies are often able to become invisible.
Shape-shifting: Some versions of pixies can shape-shift into other forms, such as animals or objects.
Elemental Magic: Pixies are sometimes associated with the elements, such as earth, air, fire, and water, and have the ability to control or manipulate them.
Illusion: Pixies are known for their ability to create illusions or trickery.
Healing: In some myths, pixies have the power to heal wounds or cure illnesses.
Teleportation: Pixies are sometimes able to teleport or move rapidly from one place to another.
Mind Control: Some versions of pixies have the ability to control the minds of humans, making them do their bidding.
interesting facts
A relatively new festival, called the Pixie Dust Festival, began in Olympia, Washington in 2018. Attendees can find various themed activities, music, art, costumes and more. For more information on the festival, visit the following linkhere.
Another unique festival is called Pixiefest, and is held each year in Lincoln City, Oregon. This festival celebrates a restaurant from the 1950’s called Pixie Kitchen and amusement park from the 60’s called Pixieland. The festival features fun activities including a bounce house village and costumed characters.
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