The Wee Folk. An Examination of the Fairy and Mythological Culture of Ireland

Travail d'étude , 1979 , 236 Pages

Sociologie - Culture, Technique, Nations

The word "Ireland" conjures up various images in the mind's eye: scenic countryside, a leisurely way of life, the inevitable lush green grass. Another aspect of Ireland, however, evident even to the most casual visitor, is the widespread and sincere belief in all supernatural beings. Not only do the Irish follow their religion with fervour, they are equally enthusiastic in their attitude to those other non- humans, the "little people".

Through examination of Irish fairy figures, the chief sources of information about them (namely, the folk and fairy tales recorded from oral tradition), and modern evidence regarding attitudes to the fairy folk, and through comparison of these aspects with their counter parts in Europe and elsewhere, I shall attempt in this paper to offer some information about the little people of Ireland , and through this, to discover why the Irish, unlike other European nations, whose belief in their own fairy cultures has been subject to "enlightened" attitudes, have maintained a healthy respect of, and affection for, the "wee folk".

Table of Contents

• FOREWORD
• INTRODUCTION
• FAIRIES
  • Fairy
  • Other Fairy Figures
  • Figures fulfilling role of Fairy
  • Conclusion
• IRISH FAIRIES
  • General Information
    • Categories
    • Origins
  • The Trooping Fairies
    • Dwelling Places
    • Appearance
    • Activities
    • Contact with Humans
  • The Solitary Fairies
    • Leprechaun (Irish: Leith Bhroghan)
    • Cluricaun (Irish: Clobhair-cean)
    • Ganconer/Gancanagh (Irish: gean-canogh)
    • Far Darrig (Irish: fear dearg)
    • Far Gorta
    • Far Dorocha
    • Far Liath
    • Pooka (Irish: puca)
    • Dullahan
    • Banshee (Irish bean sidhe)
    • Leanhaun Shee (Irish: leanhaun sidhe)
    • Changeling
    • Grogach
  • The Heroic Figures as Fairies
  • Influence of the Fairies on Humans
  • Comparison
• THE FAIRY TALE
  • Attitudes to the Fairy Tale
  • Characteristics
    • Generality
    • Characters
    • Morality
    • Cruelty/ Directness
  • Audience
  • Continuing Popularity
  • Style
  • Conclusion
• THE FAIRY TALE IN IRELAND
  • Introduction
  • The Tale in Ireland
    • Geographical Position
    • Story-telling Tradition
    • Audience
    • Celtic Background
    • Present Day Measures
  • Irish Folk Material
  • Comparison between the Irish Tales and the Fairy Tale in General
  • Common Motifs
  • Specific Irish Elements
    • Atmosphere
    • Magic Mist
    • Geasa
  • Audience of the Fairy Tale in Ireland
  • Style
  • Continuing Popularity
• PRESENT POSITION
  • Accounts of Witnesses
  • Reasons
  • Future
• THE SOURCES

Objectives and Key Themes

This work aims to explore the prevalent belief in fairies and other mythological creatures in Ireland, examining its impact on Irish culture and society. The text delves into the historical roots of this belief and its manifestations in folklore, storytelling, and daily life.

• The widespread belief in fairies in Ireland, particularly in contrast to other parts of Europe.
• The different types of fairies and their characteristics, including their roles in Irish folklore and mythology.
• The influence of fairy belief on Irish culture, encompassing folklore, storytelling, and everyday life.
• The role of the fairy tale in Irish culture and its specific features.
• The contemporary persistence of fairy belief in Ireland.

Chapter Summaries

• The foreword introduces the author's personal experience with fairy belief in Ireland and the observation that it is deeply ingrained in Irish society.
• The introduction provides an overview of the book's purpose and the broader context of fairy belief in Ireland.
• Chapter III examines the various types of fairy figures, their roles, and their influence on human culture. It explores the general concept of fairies and discusses figures that fulfill the role of fairies in various contexts.
• Chapter IV focuses on Irish fairies, providing a detailed overview of different categories, their origins, appearances, activities, and interactions with humans. This chapter includes descriptions of specific fairy figures such as the Leprechaun, Cluricaun, Banshee, and Pooka.
• Chapter V delves into the concept of the fairy tale and its characteristics. It analyzes the role of the fairy tale in Irish culture, its unique features, and its continuing popularity.
• Chapter VI examines the specific features of the fairy tale in Ireland, including its geographical position, storytelling tradition, and its relationship to Celtic mythology. It explores the role of the fairy tale in Irish society, its unique features, and its continued relevance in modern Ireland.
• Chapter VII explores the current state of fairy belief in Ireland, examining modern accounts of fairy sightings and the persistence of this belief despite societal changes.

Keywords

This book focuses on the study of Irish folklore and mythology, specifically exploring the belief in fairies and their impact on Irish culture. The text delves into the characteristics of various fairy figures, the significance of fairy tales in Irish storytelling tradition, and the ongoing presence of fairy belief in modern Ireland. Key terms include: Irish folklore, fairy belief, mythological creatures, fairy tales, Irish culture, storytelling tradition, and contemporary beliefs.

• Auteur: Brigitte Prem (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 1979
• Pages: 236
• N° de catalogue: V203245
• ISBN (ebook): 9783656301455
• ISBN (Livre): 9783656301806
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: folk, examination, fairy, mythological, culture, ireland, archetype, relating of tales, myth, european, narrative culture